I have been using Aros (in the form of Icaros Desktop) for a while now and it is about time I write about my verdict on it. There is a bit of a dilemma for me in some weird way as I am a OS4.x fan boy. From the start I suppose to hate it, right? Some kind of wannabe Amiga OS on X86 hardware.
My friend, Coder of the Bucket Diary, recently wrote an article about his first experience with AROS (he is using the Icaros Desktop distribution). It's an interesting read, especially if we consider the fact that he's a big fan of AmigaOS 4.x.
After reading his text, I noticed that his thoughts was quite similar to mine. I've also been a bit sceptical about running an alternative Amiga-like OS on X86 hardware, but AROS was really an eye opener in that respect. Not only is it free, but it can run on a wide variety of hardware. For us that don't have the cash to shell out for an AmigaOne X1000 or one of the Samantha models, AROS is a brilliant alternative.
It'll be interesting to follow the development of the OS in the future and I wish they guys involved the best of luck. I also hope that the AmigaOS 4.x netbook will be out soon, because this camp needs more users and launching cheap entry-level hardware will contribute to that. :)
Anyway, hope you'll enjoy his post and who knows, maybe some of you will be interested in going AROS as well?
Just a quick post today to let you know that I’ve finally finished building my AROS computer! Woo hoo! I’ve set it up and it is working like a charm. I must say that AROS is ultra-fast with native drivers.. I’m very happy about the performance!
Here’s a couple of pictures of my setup:
My AROS setup (photo by Old School Game Blog)
Just a quick screenshot of AROS running (photo by Old School Game Blog)
I haven’t gotten around to installing a lot of software yet or done much in the way of customizing the looks of the OS. I finished building it last night, so I’ve saved the fun stuff for today. Stay tuned for a video and some screenshots of AROS running various games, emulators and utilities.
Many people are enjoying the Olympic Games in London these days, while others are playing retro games. Guess I belong to the last mentioned category. Lately I’ve been playing It Came from the Desert on my Amiga. After writing the post about the return of Cinemaware, I just had to try it again.. needless to say, it was hard to stop. It’s such a great game, atmospheric and challenging. Any of you following the Olympic Games by the way?
Anyway, let’s get back to the topic of this post, namely AROS.
It’s done. I’ve decided to go full steam ahead with my AROS plans. That means that I’ll be building an AROS compatible computer. I’m currently gathering all the necessary parts, as well as reading up on the various distributions and the pros and cons with them.
Here’s the specifications of the computer I’m building:
Form factor: Mini-ITX
Case: SuperCase MI-008
Motherboard: Intel D945GCLF2 with Intel Dual Core Atom 330 CPU
RAM: Either 1 GB or 2 GB
HD: Western Digital 160 GB
Optical: Sony Optiarc AD-5240S 24x DVD-R/RW
I’ve already got the case, HD and DVD-drive from a previous AmigaOS 4.x project, so I only need to get the motherboard and some RAM. I was lucky enough to get hold of the motherboard for a fair price the other day, so I’m waiting for it to arrive in the post. The only thing that remains to be purchased is therefore the memory.
The motherboard listed above, Intel D945GCLF2, was used in an edition of the Imica AROS machine by ClusterUK some time ago. It is completely compatible with AROS, which means that I don’t have to struggle with compatibility issues.
With these specs, AROS will run very, very nicely.
Once everything is assembled, I’m going to do a detailed post with a video of the machine in action, along with a few pictures of the various parts used. I must say that this is a cheap way to get a next-generation Amiga system up and running.
I’ve written quite a bit AROS lately and the reason is that there is so much happening in relation to that OS these days.
The AROS Research Operating System is a lightweight, efficient and flexible desktop operating system, designed to help you make the most of your computer. It’s an independent, portable and free project, aiming at being compatible with Amiga OS at the API level, while improving on it in many areas.
The hottest news is that a brand new AROS compatible computer has been released. It is called the AresOne 2012 and it looks awesome. Please have a look for yourself:
It’s worth mentioning that this computer has been specifically assembled to be used with AROS. According to Vesalia, the hardware components were selected to get the most out of the current version of AROS, as well as making it ready for future improvements. They say that the AresOne 2012 is suitable for Amiga enthusiasts, friends of light HTPC systems and experienced users in general. They point out the fact that AROS is still in development.
Before we take a quick look at the hardware specifications, here’s a video about the AresOne 2012 with the AEROS r3 distribution installed.. have fun!
There is a lot of configuration options available at Vesalia.de, so that you can upgrade certain components. These basic specs will make AROS fly anyway, since it is a very efficient OS.
In addition to AROS, the AresOne comes with a special OEM version of Amiga Forever, the Amiga emulator system. This package is helpful for UAE, as it contains the required Kickstart and Workbench images, as well as 50 games and 50 demos. You’ll also get the AMC software package, which is a powerful media center, Cinnamon Writer and Frying Pan. Vesalia also states that you can get the machine with Debian GNU/Linux and/or Windows pre-installed if you want.
A portion of the price you pay for the computer will go back to fund the future development of AROS. Thumbs up for that!
So, what does this AROS machine cost? One bundle I saw at Vesalia would set you back 309.89 EUR (including German VAT).
Personally I’m still looking to buy a suitable motherboard for my AROS mini-ITX project. That reminds me that I should post a “want to buy” advertisement at AmiBay.
Have a good weekend everyone and thanks for reading!
Stay tuned for a video and some screenshots of AROS running various games, emulators and utilities.
It’s such a great game, atmospheric and challenging. Any of you following the Olympic Games by the way?
