Why a New OS ?

Why computers need a new direction for system software, and what this new direction is;
or
Why POSIX is bullshix, and what Tunes must be.

by François-René B\a^n Rideau \DD\a(.ng-V\u~ Please excuse this article still not being finished.
Any help finishing it, any feedback, any pointer appreciated.


Abstract

In this paper, we try to analyze the nature, goals and means of a computing system. We thus find out that existing "operating system" design are deeply flawed, and try to reconstitute how a computing system should be. We see how this problem connects to that of the power of a computer language, which we develop, and we finally try to dissipate some myths about existing computer abstracts being fundamental.


Table of Contents

  • Introduction

  • I. Operating Systems and Utility
    1. Utility vs Expediency
    2. Computer Utility
    3. Operating Systems
    4. Operating System Utility
    5. Current state of system software
    6. Newest operating systems: the so-called "Multimedia revolution"
    7. Analyzing an operating system
    8. Users are Programmers
    9. Toward a unified system
  • II. Language Utility
    1. Computer Languages
    2. Goal of a computer language
    3. Reuse vs Rewrite
  • III. No computer is an island, entire in itself
  • Conclusion

  • Bibliography
  • [Draft]


    To Do on these pages

  • Finish redacting the article.
  • Wait for feedback from the members.
  • Write a shorter version (just headers in bold face ?)
  • Write a table of contents with pointers
  • Put references to the Glossary...


    Back to the Tunes Home page.


    Faré -- rideau@clipper.ens.fr