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Stands for "Amiga Research Operating System"
A Free, Open Source clone of AmigaOS, created as a "ground up" reimplementation of AmigaOS 3.1.
AROS is coded in the C programming language to allow quick and easy porting across almost any CPU the user wishes to use it on. Running AROS on a 68k CPU allows the usage of normal 68k amiga programs (which will be unaware they are not running on AmigaOS). Since most AROS developers have x86 based machines (as these are the cheapest and most powerfull available), the most complete port of AROS is on this platform.
Although AROS will remain compatible to AmigaOS 3.1 it has already grown many new features and certianly API extentions as found in the other Amigoid OS's (MorphOS and AmigaOS4). Unlike the other Amigoid OS's AROS does not attempt to run 68k programs on non 68k systems, since AROS is not an emulator (although work is being done to include this feature). It is, however, fully source compatible on any CPU, allowing software to run at full speed.
Parts of AROS have been used in both AmigaOS and MorphOS.
AROS is developed by long term members of the Amiga Community (see Matt Parsons) in an effort to safeguard the future of the AmigaOS platform. Since AROS has no commercial or Political motives it does not rely on any one company or individual. Design decision can be voted for by any member of the Amiga community. As long are there are people out there who want to use AmigaOS, AROS will continue.
AROS Max, a live CD, is ideal for those who want to try out this OS on their PC without needing to install anything.
Important: Pages are read-only. For most content, you may be better off searching on Wikipedia. For further details and if you want an edit password, see WikiStatus.
Hosted in partnership with Amiga.org