Hi
I'm also trying to do my part to accomplish this (An open Clone or even a different Distro), even if it is very humble according to my skills and time.
My first step was trying to find out what to clone. Since I need to solve the "What" question, I started to dissect OS/2 in its components and try to document the files and components I'm able to find.
This is why on the EDM/2 wiki I created this category:
Components. Even if it is not complete right, I hope it can be a starting point for someone to correct me or improve this pages.
So Dave, if you check "down to top" you have the OS/2 Kernel Components and the Control Program which is the base of OS/2.
OS/2 Kernel ComponentThe Kernel as a component (no only the OS2KRNL) has several files, so if we try to replace them or see what is available we have:
OS2KRNL - There is no OSS clone, only OS4 Project tweak the kernel. (close source).
OS2LDR - There is a Freeware for non-comercial use available and source code available
SCREEN01.SYS - IBM DDK. Can not be open sourced, but the binary can be produced as freeware.
SCREEN02.SYS - Not necessary, it is only for MCA (Micro Channel architecture)
PRINT01.SYS - IBM DDK. Can not be open sourced, but the binary can be produced as freeware.
PRINT02.SYS - Not necessary, it is only for MCA (Micro Channel architecture)
KBDBASE.SYS - IBM DDK. Can not be open sourced, but the binary can be produced as freeware.
CLOCK01.SYS - IBM DDK. Can not be open sourced, but the binary can be produced as freeware.
CLOCK02.SYS - Not necessary, it is only for MCA (Micro Channel architecture)
RESOURCE.SYS - AFAIK - There is no DDK Source code.
UNICODE.SYS - AFAIK - There is no DDK Source code.
Control Program ComponentsOn the
Control Program there are two (not complete) OSS project that can be used to try to create a working clone. The
OS2Linux and the
OSFree Project. There is also the close source OS4 Project that (I don't know how) they produce a DOSCALL1.DLL alternative. (I don't know if it is from scratch or has other source).
So, I understand that cloning (and/or turning freeware) this components may be hard, but not as impossible as someone may think.
Any more comments that will help me to improve the EDM/2 components page is welcome.
Regards