6 replies to this topic

[brade8000]

Greetings everyone,
I am planning on making a Operating System so I will be asking a few questions.
As my first question I would like to know the structure of an operating system.
I am using C++ express 2010 beta 2 and any code snippets would be great.
Thanks.^^

[Sysop_fb]

The structure of what? The overall concept of an O/S? That topic can take an entire book to answer.

Taking the example of most beginner O/Ss you have the bootloader, then it jumps to your kernel code (taking into account the multiple types of kernels), then the user interface or the shell.
The O/S can be written in whatever way best suits your needs or what you hope to accomplish. I would start with trying to write a basic bootloader in assembly and actually understanding what's going on. Something else to consider is that you won't have the standard library to rely on so you could write your own.

[dargueta]

Quote

I am using C++ express 2010 beta 2 and any code snippets would be great.

That'll be a joyride. You do realize you won't be able to use any STL, memory management (i.e. no new, malloc, delete, etc.), standard libraries, and all that? I recommend this website: OSDev.org.

Writing an operating system is a huge project. Don't expect to be making Windows by yourself. Perhaps a rudimentary DOS. As someone who's worked in OS development, I strongly suggest you do a lot of reading before writing a single line of code.

Edited by dargueta, 10 March 2010 - 02:51 AM.

[brade8000]

Hey,
Where can I read up on operating systems and get tips from.

[dargueta]

See the link I provided above - http://wiki.osdev.org

[hetra]

It is simple enough to the degree i'm talking (it would take alot more than a book to go any further).

Applications

I/O Management

Device Drivers

Memory Management

CU Management

Hardware

There you have it.

[dargueta]

Trust me, I know from experience. It's not that simple. You code a bootloader on your own and see how long it takes.