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 Bân Rideau \DD\a(.ng-V\u~

Part I is finished, part II is almost finished, part III is only a draft. Please excuse this article still not being finished.
Any help finishing it, any feedback, any pointer appreciated.

If this is a copy, you may find the latest original version at URL http://acacia.ens.fr:8080/home/rideau/Tunes/WhyNewOS/TOC.html


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 is 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
    4. Copying Code
    5. Having an extended the Vocabulary
    6. Better grammar
    7. Multiplexing: the main role of an OS
  • 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