The hottest Operating Systems Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Links: February 2024 edition

Blog System/5 • 493 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Software Programming Operating Systems Web Browsers Tools
  1. The post summarizes interesting articles, videos, and projects from February 2024 with added commentary to urge readers to explore the content.
  2. There are discussions on topics like old hardware databases, software development reflections, and the challenges of modern software bloat.
  3. The author explores topics like breaking memory limitations in DOS, DJGPP running GNU programs on DOS, and the creation of a library in Rust for implementing memory vulnerabilities.

[214.] Hello. Happy Anniversary Macintosh!

Hardcore Software • 687 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Computers Software Operating Systems Programming Digital Art
  1. The introduction of the Apple Macintosh in 1984 profoundly changed computing and many people's lives
  2. The Macintosh brought empowerment, elegance, and a sense of mastery to users and developers, setting a new standard in the industry
  3. The Macintosh's impact was widespread, transforming document creation, software development, and user experiences on college campuses and beyond
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VenturCom's VENIX

Computer Ads from the Past • 384 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Computers Operating Systems Software Development
  1. VenturCom was founded in 1980 and worked on various projects including Venix, Windows NT, and Windows CE. They later changed their name to Ardence, which was acquired by Citrix Systems before becoming IntervalZero.
  2. Venix was one of the first UNIX systems for IBM PCs, based on Version 7 Unix with enhancements. It had different versions released over the years and received feedback on pricing, performance, and features compared to other similar systems like Xenix.
  3. Reviews from publications like PC Magazine and Dr. Dobb's Journal praised Venix's compatibility with System V Unix, while also highlighting areas for improvement like bugs, DOS interface, and third-party software support.

The very first interview about Linux with Linus Torvalds - Oct 28, 1992

The Lunduke Journal of Technology • 5165 implied HN points • 16 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Interview Linux Operating Systems Programming Open Source
  1. The first interview about Linux with Linus Torvalds was published in a small E-Mail newsletter in 1992.
  2. The newsletter was significant as it was the first written specifically for Linux and contained the first interview ever with Linus Torvalds about Linux.
  3. Linus Torvalds started working on Linux after taking a UNIX and C course at university, and the system evolved from a terminal emulator to a UNIX-like system.

Learning the Command Line

Data Engineering Central • 511 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Operating Systems
  1. Learning the command line is still important in the age of cloud computing because it enables faster development and automation.
  2. The command line tools and commands are similar across different operating systems, so focusing on general concepts is more important than specific system knowledge.
  3. Using the command line allows you to work with popular tools like Docker, Kubernetes, and AWS efficiently, making it crucial for engineers in high-performance teams.

All the bullshit I did as a kid (part 1?)

Basta’s Notes • 204 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Programming Web Development Operating Systems Software Development Tech industry
  1. The author reflects on the interesting and ambitious projects they worked on as a kid, showcasing a strong interest in technology and programming.
  2. Despite lacking mentorship, the author taught themselves valuable programming skills, such as building their own web browser and writing complex code like a CSS parser.
  3. The journey from tinkering with personal computers to winning a programming contest and earning internship opportunities highlights the author's growth and passion for technology.

Motorola's 6809 : The Best 8-Bit?

The Chip Letter • 17 HN points • 03 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Operating Systems Video Games Memory management
  1. Motorola's 6809 microprocessor series evolved to become a major player in the 8-bit era, competing with the likes of Intel and Zilog.
  2. The architecture of the 6809 was designed with 'source code' compatibility with the 6800, allowing programs written in 6800 assembly language to run, but with changes in machine code.
  3. Despite its advancements, the 6809 faced limitations due to the rise of more advanced processors like the 68000, leading to it being seen as an evolutionary rather than revolutionary design.

Lets compile Linux DOOM

Deus In Machina • 36 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Game Development Software Development Open Source Programming Languages Operating Systems
  1. Compiling the Linux DOOM source code requires setting up the source code from the id-software repository and navigating through different build methods like Make and CMake.
  2. Encountering and solving errors in the compilation process involves making adjustments to data types, structure pointers, and handling variables like errno to ensure successful building of the DOOM executable.
  3. To address color depth issues and display errors while running the DOOM game on modern systems, utilizing tools like Xephyr, setting specific environmental variables, and modifying code sections related to color maps and display resolutions becomes critical.

Issue #82

Infra Weekly Newsletter • 9 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Security Programming Cloud Computing Operating Systems Infrastructure as Code
  1. Microsoft Azure experienced a major data breach with hundreds of compromised executive accounts, highlighting security concerns despite its reputation.
  2. Nickel, a language by Tweag, aims to create safe and verified configurations, offering a new tool for developers.
  3. While SSDs have greatly improved in speed, cloud vendors like AWS haven't capitalized on this advancement, possibly due to challenges in leveraging high I/O speeds or maximizing revenue.

Using Kali Linux and Hydra for Attack Testing and Alert Generation

Rod’s Blog • 59 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Security Operating Systems
  1. Hydra is a powerful open-source tool used for cracking passwords in various network services like telnet, FTP, HTTP, etc.
  2. Kali Linux is a specialized operating system designed for penetration testing and comes pre-installed with tools like Hydra.
  3. It is crucial to use tools like Hydra ethically and with proper authorization to perform effective security assessments and improve system security.

A journey into the Linux proc filesystem

The Personable Engineer • 3 HN points • 15 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Linux Processes Operating Systems Processes
  1. The "/proc" folder in Linux is a pseudo-filesystem that provides access to kernel data structures, allowing tools like ps and top to query data about processes and the kernel.
  2. By exploring the proc filesystem, you can gather useful information about processes, such as executable files, threads, environment variables, process owner, and more, even without tools like ps or top.
  3. The proc filesystem also offers insights into kernel information, such as the kernel version, configurations, and system uptime, providing a deeper understanding of the system's inner workings.

Pascal: The language that almost took over the world part 1

Deus In Machina • 36 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Programming Languages Computers Operating Systems Software Development
  1. Pascal language was designed with a focus on clean and readable code, making it ideal for teaching programming.
  2. Turbo Pascal revolutionized programming by combining editing, compiling, and linking steps in one integrated environment.
  3. The decline of Pascal was due to factors like its focus on teaching, rapid advancements in computing technology, and the popularity of Unix and C programming language.

Switching to a dumb phone (sort of)

Rahul’s Newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Mobile Phones Digital detox Smart Devices Operating Systems Tech accessories
  1. Experimenting with using a basic phone instead of a smartphone to reduce screen time and regain focus.
  2. Comparison of features and trade-offs between an iPhone and a basic Nokia phone for different user needs.
  3. Challenges and benefits of transitioning to a basic phone, like missing out on certain apps but gaining better focus and less distraction.

Running GNU on DOS with DJGPP

Blog System/5 • 4 HN points • 14 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Programming Software Operating Systems Development Tools Computer Science
  1. DJGPP is a port of GNU development tools to DOS, challenging the limited memory and architecture of DOS systems.
  2. DJGPP's tooling was free and provided a complete development environment with Unix heritage, leading to differences in behavior from other DOS compilers.
  3. DJGPP faced challenges like running 32-bit programs on the 16-bit DOS operating system, dealing with large buffers, and handling Unix-style paths on DOS.

A brief history of my experience with Linux

Arraybolt's Archives • 58 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Operating Systems Linux Software Development Programming Open Source
  1. The author's journey with Linux started from a young age on Windows, then moved to testing different Linux distros like KXStudio and ChaletOS.
  2. Experimenting with different distros in virtual machines and on physical hardware led to the discovery and preference for Ubuntu-based distros like Kubuntu and Lubuntu.
  3. Eventually, the author transitioned to contributing to Ubuntu development, experiencing the joy of being part of a community and making a positive impact.

AI and Space Show A Need For New Operating Systems

Theology • 3 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
🕹 Technology AI Space Operating Systems Artificial Intelligence
  1. Operating systems in AI and space industries need to be updated for future needs and challenges
  2. Decentralized and modular design, real-time capabilities, and open-source models are essential for new operating systems
  3. Integration of AI at a deeper level, resource optimization, security enhancements, and autonomous operation are key for future OS design

Writing an OS kernel in Odin

bumbread • 3 HN points • 28 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Programming Operating Systems
  1. Writing OS kernels in high-level languages like Odin requires adjustments due to assumptions made by these languages about the target system.
  2. Enabling SSE instructions in an OS kernel written in Odin is necessary, as some CPUs don't have SSE enabled by default.
  3. When compiling an OS kernel in Odin, specific compiler flags like -target:freestanding_amd64_sysv and -no-crt are important for the build process.

"Tf is a kernel?"

Aaron’s Blog • 6 implied HN points • 30 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Programming Software Operating Systems Computers
  1. When working with Python, it's better to create separate project environments and add dependencies as needed to avoid conflicts and keep things organized.
  2. Understanding the role of a kernel in a computer - it helps software interact with physical components like keyboard and display.
  3. Users may find it helpful to engage in conversational learning, like Q&A sessions, to grasp complex technical concepts more easily.