I'm a handheld programmer (pocket pc mostly) I've been coding in C++ for 10 years. I'd like to build a PPC OS for the OLPC's XO, and I would like know where to get started.
Does anyone have a good book I could use?
+3
A:
This book covers a lot of operating system design: Tanenbaum
If you want to write the OS for x86 compatible Processors the Intel Developer Documents might also be interesting, Basic Architecture should there be a good starting point (but I would suggest first reading a book like Tanenbaum to get the basic ideas)
Fionn
2008-11-15 01:55:38
We used that Tanenbaum book at the university I attended. He's an excellent writer. That book is as entertaining as it is informative.
Bill the Lizard
2008-11-15 03:17:47
@Bill: We used that Tanenbaum book at the university I attended. - Linus Torvalds
Khanzor
2009-09-15 06:50:15
+1
A:
Not to deter you, but that's a massive undertaking. You might have better luck using the Linux kernel and creating a new interface. Everything the user sees and uses will be your creation and you won't have to deal with hardware support or resource allocation performance.
Kyle Cronin
2008-11-15 02:04:53
thats true. but it would defeat the purpose. I want to understand those things. And I don't have a deadline.
baash05
2008-11-15 02:19:25
+5
A:
Check out my post on this, its got a good number of resources:
How To Get Started In Operating System Development
I try to keep it updated every time someone answers or I find a new resource.
I'm also going through the "Build Your Own 32 Bit Operating System" book right now, which so far has been a pretty good resource.
I also find the Broken Thorn OS Development Series very good (referenced in my post).
Giovanni Galbo
2008-11-15 02:08:10
A:
I think a great place for you to start would be the OSDev Wiki. Once you've given that a glance, you can move over the the forums for further assistance. As for books, the classic Operating Systems design and implementation is a good place to start.
-John
John T
2009-02-28 18:52:29
Jake.. First I'd read the "answer" to this question. It tells you how to get started writing an OS. As to where you can do it.. I'd suggest a very comfy chair.
baash05
2009-12-03 02:22:36
A:
I would discourage creating an OS, because it takes lots and lots of time, money and energy. Just make an app on Linux/mac/windows because they have many many employees that made it, and it's pretty bug free, and already made for you! :D
alexy13
2009-12-06 23:15:34