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[[Image:Future OS-Logo.gif|thumb|FutureOS-Logo]] [[Image:Future-os.jpg|400px|thumb|400px|FutureOS main screen]]

== Introduction == '''FutureOS''' is new written an revolutionary operating system for the Amstrad [[CPC6128 |CPC6128]], [[Plus|6128plus]], [[C-ONE|C-One]] and [[CPC TREX|CPC TREX]]. The version for the 6128plus supports some of its special features. The CPC464, CPC664 and [[KC Compact]] can run FutureOS with a [http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/amstrad-cpc-hardware/open-source-diy-512kb-ram-expansion/msg163566/#msg163566 revaldinho's] 512 KB RAM expansion only.FutureOS is being developed by [[TFM|TFM]]of [[FutureSoft|FutureSoft]] in [[Z80|Z80]] assembler. Its The development of FutureOS and its applications continues from 1990 1989 up to now(2023). The applications Therefore FutureOS was already sold during the commercial era of the CPC6128 and 6128plus computers. Latest OS release took place at October 19th, 2023. Planned next release: 2025. On the Amstrad CPC many efforts to build a GUI were made, few to build an OS. In other cases they were just extensions to realize some kind of a WIMP environment but weren't true operating systems with their own kernel, memory-management, BIOS, BDOS and so on. Therefore, the CPC's own OS (in combination with AmsDOS) and CP/M (Plus) were the only two known OSes for the series during the early commercial era. But the question remained: since most CPCs have 128 KB (most C64 only have 64 KB), a screen-resolution of 640x200 (C64 only has 320x200) and some more advantages, why not have something better? So the FutureOS -Project was born and FutureOS system 0.1 was released during the late commercial era of the CPC6128. With the release of the 6128plus a special version of the OS was released for this computer. FutureOS allows the user to control the computer with a broad variety of HIDs. The surface provides an icon section, a file section and a status section. The OS can be deal with files up 16 MB (24 bit file-length) and it can load/save files up to 512 KB 4 MB in one piece. FutureOS It has a dynamic memory management system, which divides RAM usually into 16 KB blocks- or in smaller pieces. Further the file-system allows accessing files with it supports a size broad variety of up to 512 KBhardware expansions. FutureOS provides some standard disc and print is delivered together with a variety of utilitiesin the same four ROMs. Further applications are delivered for disc or hard-discAdditional expansion ROMs can be added.  FutureOS can be used with German, English, French and Spanish language interfaces. The OS itself has roughly 70.000 lines of code, the source code is written about 808 KB in assembler like most serious 8 bit softwaresize. === How to start FutureOS ===The RSX command '''|OS''' will start FutureOS. You get directly into the Turbo Desk, there you can tag a drive and start an application f.e. (see Desktop). If you want to use FutureOS temporary then use the RSX command '''|FDESK''', this will save your first 48 KB RAM and you can leave FutureOS later and return to previous work.

It runs on 'off the shelf' hardware when using the Cartridge for the 6128 Plus.The core of the OS needs 64 KB ROM. On the CPC6128 it needs a ROM expansion or similar. Compatible products are EPROM-cards, the [[X-MEM]], [[MegaFlash]], [[Inicron ROM-RAM-Box|ROM-RAM-BOX]], [[SYMBiFACE II|SYMBiFACE II]], [[Ramcard 128|RAMcard ]], Jareks [[CPC.Flash|Flash-ROM]], [[MegaROM]] or similar products. If you don't own such a card, you can take a look at '''FutureOS ''' by using a compatible CPC Emulator ([[JavaCPC|JavaCPC]], [[WinCPC|WinCPC]], [[CaPriCe|Caprice]], [[WinApe|WinApe]], [[!CPCemu|CPCEmu]], [[Arnold]], [[Sugarbox]])or others.

The core of the OS itself is executed directly in (Flash-)ROM or [[Dobbertin EPROM where it is divided 224|EPROM]] (in four 16 KB blocks). It The support of the M4 SD card needs a fifth ROM of 16 KB though. The OS allows jumps between the ROMs with the help of a little common area. The free RAM can be used for applications Therefore the numbers of the four (five) 16 KB ROMs are hardcoded and DIRectory bufferingthe jumps are very quick. Furthermore it contains memory management and file-handlingBut never mind, adapting ROM number is done by the installation software anyway. From AmsDOS/Basic you can start FutureOS with Applications like ROManager do also set all that ROM numbers automatically right. Further parts of the RSX commands |OS or |FDESKcan be loaded from media on demand if needed. If you use |FDESK you can leave FutureOS Examples are the multitasking manager [[Caruh]] and get back to BASIC where you have stopped before - the first 48 KB (not the screen) have been preservedUI/menu framework CBM.

'''FutureOS only runs well on a CPC6128 or 6128plus, because they support ''' uses 2 KB (&B800...&BFFF) of the first 64 KB; the remaining RAM configuration &C3 (which is essential available to applications. Additional RAM can be reserved for DIRectory buffering. Furthermore the mouse arrow of the GUIOS uses memory management (up to 4 MB), file-handling and specialized Low/Mid/High-level routines and functions to access and manage the hardware.

== GUI ==The Desktop of '''FutureOS is divided in two sections''' can be launched from AmsDOS with the RSX commands |OS or |FDESK. First an icon-section, where If you use |FDESK you can choose your functions. Second there is a section below, leave '''FutureOS''' and get back to BASIC where you can browse through directories of discs and hardhave stopped before -disc partitionsthe first 48 KB (not the screen) have been preserved.

The Desktop can be controlled using '''FutureOS''' only runs well on a joystick[[CPC6128|CPC6128]] or 6128 Plus (not CPC464 or 664, mouseexcept you have a RAM expansion with full RAM mode &C3 support like the one from Revaldhino), trackball or light-penbecause of their support for RAM configuration C3 (essential for the mouse pointer). There FutureOS is no command linenot compatible with [[Firmware]] or [[CP/M|CP/M]] programs, but supports their data structure. The user interface is graphicalIt needs a [[Class]] 2 CPC, you click on icons and files to select them for subsequent actions it runs best with a [[Class]] 4 CPC or higher.

Applications can call '''FutureOS''' does not require the GUI as a subroutinenative CPC-OS at all (neither BASIC, DOS, nor firmware). The icons are fixed, so only exception can be the character set of the lower ROM. If you replace the lower ROM by the [[CPC FutureOS lower ROM]] for example, then FutureOS will always work with start directly. In this case you can use your own set of characters, just put it between &3800 and &3FFF in the same desktoplower ROM.

== File system ==FutureOS There is compatible with the CPCs native data-, file- and format structures (f. e. File-header, Disc-formats). It is not compatible with native [[Amsdos]] or [[CP/M]] programs. FutureOS and compatible applications can be downloaded at: [http://www.FutureOS.de www.a Cartridge version of '''FutureOS.de]''' which supports some 6128plus features.

Filenames can use all 256 different characters and user numbers from 0 to 254 (except for &E5== Limitations ==For CPCs with 128 KB there may be some limitations. The command |FDESK uses 48 KB E-RAM, which marks a deleted file)wallpaper uses 16 KB E-RAM. Different to Amsdos, a file that is erased under FutureOS will not be shifted to user &E5, but it will be physically removed from So in this case for example the directory. Files can E-RAM would be viewed on-screen (scroll used up and downthis will inhibit some OS functionality (f.e. copy data) or printed. You can also view the file-header. When typing a text-file it A RAM expansion is possible to set the number of columns and lines of the window the text is displayed instrongly suggested. File-headers are displayed as AmsDOS file or In case the icon-like file-header of a FutureOS program. An AmsDOS file-header has 128 bytes of which some bytes are unused. FutureOS makes use of those unused bytes so that files have a length definition of 24bit and can have a physical OS requires more RAM select. Therefore a file you can be defined always switch the wallpaper off to be loaded everywhere in gain 16 KB and use the external RAM. Also a |OS command to start FutureOS file-header can contain a graphical icon, a textual icon or a short description of the file.

== Hardware Graphic User Interface ==The OS supports many of the hardware available for the CPC, including the Vortex disc drives, several mice and the Dobbertin HD20.

One idea The Graphic User Interface (GUI) of FutureOS was to support any hardware available. For example there are 3.5" B-drives, Vortex F1-D-drives, hard-discs, real-time-clocks, serial interfaces etc.presents the user with three sections: Hardware expansion usually need drivers, which can be flexible added to an OS. In contrast to this one * the icon section (upper half of screen)* the future goals file window (lower half of screen) * and the message base (the two bottom lines of FutureOS is to provide a monolithik architecture, where all drivers are implemented in a hardcoded way, because the CPC only has few hardware expansions compared to a PC.screen)

=== DrivesThe GUI appears directly after starting FutureOS, hard-but can also be used by applications. The user can browse through directories of discs and mass storage ===FutureOS supports up to eight drives and up to four hard-disc partitions. It buffers The text window provides space to display one directory page, this is 64 different file names (equals one full directory of a Data, System or IBM formatted disc). Using the directories read from any mass storage device in keys SHIFT and CONTROL you can browse page by page through the expansion RAMdirectories of devices.

=== Plug and Play ===If you connect a hardware expansion A graphical mouse pointer is used to a CPCselect devices, FutureOS will automatically detect that expansion, initialise it and make it accessible. The architecture functions or files; this pointer can be controlled with nearly all of the OS allows you to add and remove hardware on purpose. An example: You add a pointer based HID devices (joystick, mouse, trackball, you use itlight-pen, then you connect and use a Grafpad II, analogue joystick and then you use a proportional mouse for exampleetc. You can turn external hardware in the configuration-bytes on or off (use ConfigOS utility)available for the CPC.

== Utilities ==Tools like copy, format, verify or refresh a disc existIn addition functions provided by the GUI can be activated using hotkeys. You can copy files from different discs and partitions Type "d" for example to other discs read and partitions at oncedisplay the directory of a drive.

Applications can call the GUI of the OS; and the user returns to the application using the OK icon. The icons are fixed, therefore the layout remains stable throughout its use and on every CPC using FutureOS.  In SPARtan mode the GUI only displays icons which can be used directly. Unused icons will be hidden. In this mode the GUI is more easy to use and you see a bigger part of the wallpaper (if loaded). === Desktop functions === Watch pictures or movies. View text-files on-screen (scroll up and down) or print them on your printer. When viewing a picture you can adjust MODE and screen format using the cursor keys. When typing a text file it is possible to set the number of columns and lines of the window the text is displayed in. File headers can also be examined. FutureOS uses expanded but compatible file-headers, that allow a file to be up to 16 MB in length. The file-header can additionally specify the target RAM of a file. Further it can contain a file icon or a short file description. One or more files can be LOADed, SAVEd, RENamed, ERAsed, COPYd or PRINTed on printer. Previously used files can be retagged for a second usage, or all files can be untagged. The I(nformation) icon provides any kind of help (if a help system is installed). Further there is the [[FutureOS Monitor]], which provides access to RAM, ROM, Z80 registes, I/O ports and allows the testing of routines. === Hot keys ===Hot keys can be used every time while working in the Desktop. To activate or deactivate a device (drive, hard disc partition f.e.) press Space first, then the corresponding letter from A to M. A (retag All previously used files), B (jump over next file name without tagging), C (Copy discs), D (display Directory), E (Erase files or format discs), F (Filecopy), G (Go to function below mouse arrow or tag a file name), H (show IDE Hard-disc), I (get Information), J (Jump to first file name), L (Load file), M (enter Machine monitor Monitor), N (reName file or disc), P (Print DIR or file), Q (Quit OS session or start new), S (Save file), U (Untag all files), V (View pictures of text), W (set Alarm time - Wecker), X (eXecute application), Y (edit date), Z (edit time). === SPARtan mode ===From [[Image:SPARtan 1.png|thumb|right]] The '''SPARtan''' mode reduces the number of displayed icons to a icon set which can be immediately used. Using the Desktop will be easier and you see more of your wallpaper.When the Spartan mode is off, all icons will be shown all the time.The Spartan mode can call be activated by setting a little machine monitorbit in the configuration bytes, either by hand of by using the ''''Konfig OS'''' / ''''Config OS'''' utility (see system application disc). === Auto-DIR mode ===If the Auto-DIR option is switched on you just click on an drive / partition icon to read, sort and show its DIRectory. Furthermore in this mode some 'AI' is activated f.e. when you click at the Copy icon and no files are tagged the Desktop will directly jump into Disc-copy mode instead the File-copy mode.If the Auto-DIR is off, then you need to do more things 'by hand', but you also have a bit more control over the system.The Auto-DIR mode can be activated by setting a bit in the configuration bytes. This is done by using the ''''Konfig OS'''' / ''''Config OS'''' utility (see system applications). === Wallpaper ===Like for most OS the background of the Desktop can be adapted. This is actually quite easy for FutureOS. Just use the application "-LoadHGB.64K" (English) / "-LadeHGB.64K" (German). HGB stands for "HinterGrundBild" and is German for Wallpaper. There are discs and ROMs full of wallpapers. If you want to create your own wallpapers then you'll need a MODE 2 screen with 512 x 256 pixel. You can even use an application inside [[JavaCPC]] for this. You also can load a wallpaper by hand: Place such a 16 KB (headerless) screen in one of the E-RAMs and set the right system variable of the OS (see file #OS-VAR.ENG). Here are some Wallpapers: http://futureos.cpc-live.com/files/Wallpaper_HGBs_Deu-Eng.zip Or take a direct look at some [[Wallpaper|Wallpapers]] == FutureOS hardware monitor ==The [[FutureOS Monitor]] is a small built in machine monitor provides features like editing of CPU registers the [[FutureOS]] operating system. It contains basic functions to access (expansion) memory and the Porting system to comfortably access all the CPCs I/O ports. When using FutureOS for the CPC Plus you can also access all memory mapped I/O (hardware sprites, display DMA-sound, soft scrolling etc.). === Features ===* Dump RAM, ROM, expansion RAM or memory mapped I/O (CPC Plus)* Edit RAM, expansion RAM or memory mapped I/O (CPC Plus)* Access all I/O ports of the CPC and edit external hardware* Edit Z80 registers (previously to calling an machine program). This includes the first and second register set, both index registers, the stack pointer, R and I* Configure RAM, ROM, I/O for other functions* Move block of memory , ROM, RAM, expansion RAM* Initialize block of memory with an 8 or 16 bit value, RAM, expansion RAM* Call a machine program or OS function* Exit, brings you back to the content Desktop === Images === <gallery>caption="Some preview images of the ASIC game">Image:OS-Mon_1.pngImage:OS-Mon_2.pngImage:OS-Mon_3.png</gallery> == CBM - the UI for Applications ==[[Image:CBM.png|thumb|right]] The "'''C'''ommand '''B'''ar '''M'''enu" ([[CBM|CBM]]) is a partially resident part of FutureOS, which can be easily linked into applications. * It's object oriented ('''OO''') user interface consists of several flexible windows, pull down menus and file selectors.* In addition hot keys can be used. * Using [[CBM|CBM]] as the standard (G/T)UI for FutureOS programs helps making them looking similar and usable in an intuitive way. * A part of the CBM is located in the FutureOS ROMs, the flexible part can be individually adapted to its target applications and will be integrated in the application itself. [[Image:Caruh.png|thumb|192px|Example of Task Manager Caruh]]== Caruh - the Task Manager for Applications ==[[Caruh]] is the task manager for the cooperative preemptive multitasking under FutureOS. It's available as RAM application (and planned for lower ROM - which offers limited memory protection). Features of Tasks:* Up to 255 different tasks* Every task has its own RAM and stack* Tasks have a priority* Tasks can use a part of the main screen (background task) or an own complete screen (foreground task)* Tasks use multiple screens, which can be swapped. No chaotic window structure.* Tasks can be dynamically added and/or deleted* Tasks can be saved and continued later or on other computers* Tasks can use additional OS functions* The regular Turbo Desktop of FutureOS can be used too* Aside of screen MODEs 0-3 different screen formats are usable (80x25, 68x30, 64x32) == File system ==[[Image:HERO-HED.JPG|thumb|192px|Example of FutureOS file header]] The file system of FutureOS can handle multiple simultaneous floppy disc drives and hard disc partitions. Also SD cards are supported up to 32 GB. After the selection of the devices FutureOS reads and buffers the directory entries of the devices. This speeds up the the data transfer significantly. Integrated utilities like the multi file copy can copy files from physical sources to different physical destinations in one run.  The file system is compatible with the CPCs native data-, file- and format structures (f. e. File header, Disc formats), but expanded in many ways. FutureOS supports the Data, IBM, System, Vendor and Vortex (704 KB) disc formats.  Filenames can use all 256 different characters and user areas from 0 to 254 (except for &amp;E5, which is reserved for deleted files). Unlike Amsdos, a file that is erased under FutureOS is not shifted to user &E5, but is physically removed from the directory. During this process the directory get sorted. File headers can be displayed as small text files or as graphic icons (f. e. a FutureOS application). An AmsDOS file header has 128 bytes of which most are unused. FutureOS makes use of those unused bytes so that files have a length definition of 24 bit (16 MB file length) and can have a physical RAM select. Therefore a file can be defined to be loaded everywhere in the external RAM. Also a [[FutureOS Header|FutureOS file-header]] can contain a graphical icon, a textual icon or a short description of the file.  FutureOS includes the fastest FDC-based disc- and file-reading and writing routines for the CPC. This is possible by ignoring the interleave factor, reading one physical sector directly after each other to the correct position in memory but also by just starting with the first appearing sector of every new track. In addition the DIRectory is buffered in RAM, the head of the floppy must not step back to look for the next block. The track step rate is increased and can be adjusted for every drive. It's even faster than optimized copy programs like Crowns' [[Crime|Crime]]. == Implementation of Hardware == The OS supports many of the hardware available for the CPC. One of the ambitions of FutureOS is to support all hardware available. Hardware expansions usually need drivers that can be flexibly added to an OS. Contrary to this approach, a goal of FutureOS is to provide a monolithic architecture where all drivers are implemented in a hardcoded way.  *''Disc drives and hard discs:'' FutureOS supports up to eight floppy disc drives and up to four hard disc partitions (Dobbertin HD20 hard disc). It buffers the directories read from any mass storage device in the expansion RAM to speed up drive access. *''Plug and Play:'' If a hardware expansion is connected to the CPC FutureOS will automatically detect that expansion, initialise it and make it available to user and applications. The architecture of the OS allows you to add and remove hardware on purpose (hot plug and play). You can switch external hardware on or off in the configuration bytes (use ConfigOS utility). == Memory Management ===== RAM ===* Unlike other CPC-OS the FutureOS uses only small amounts of the memory of the CPC since it is located and executed in ROM.* When using the Desktop the OS uses the RAM between &A000 and &BFFF (8 KB).* In case an application is running: The RAM that is used by the OS can be reduced to the region between &B800 and &BFFF, in this case only 2 KB are occupied by system variables of the OS.* Depending on the amount of active drives and HD partitions additional expansion RAM blocks will be occupied for directory buffering, but there is no reduction in free main memory (first 64 KB). After loading data this buffers can be freed again of course.* FutureOS provides an expansion RAM manager containing all needed OS functions to check for, order, allocate, free and manage expansion RAM up to 4 MB.* Also files of that length (4 MB) can be loaded and saved at once. This depends on the amount of connected E-RAM of course. === ROM ===* The core OS uses 64 KB ROM* By using fixed ROM numbers quick jumps can be made from one ROM to another ROM without the need of using RAM. This is also true for additional ROMs which want to use the API in the care ROMs A-D.* FutureOS provides an expansion ROM (XROM) architecture which allows to add programs as expansion ROMs. For the native OS these ROMs are declared as "extension" and will NOT be initialized. ==== XROMs ====* Currently there are a few XROMs for FutureOS:** ROManager 2.4.3 - to manage any kind of (Flash-)ROM expansion and the M4** System-Tools (English or German) - Control Panel, Configuration, System Information, and and and** Wallpapers I, II and III - enjoy a pretty background picture** FutureTex - text editor, character designer and keyboard manage** XROM for the M4 SD card mass storage (under development, request beta version from TFM) * Applications from an XROM can be automatically launched when FutureOS starts up. F.e. you can have your favorite wallpaper when starting FutureOS. The tools to setup autostart are on the XROM disc. == OS supported Hardware == ==== Printer ports ====*7 bit [[Printer Port|printer port]] (native)*[[8bit Printer Ports|8 bit printer port]] 6128plususing Amstrads CRTC solution*[[Happy Computer 8bit Printer Mod|Happy Computer Mod]] using CAS_WRITE as Bit 7. ==== Drives ====*3" A, B, C and D drives (C, D need hardware patch) *3.5" and 5.25" drive *Atari ST 80 Track double-sided B-drive *[[Dobbertin|Dobbertin]] D-DOS Double drive. Up to four drives 80 track, double-sided. *[[Dobbertin|Dobbertin]] [[XD-DOS]] X-drive 80 tracks, DS*[[F1|Vortex disc drives FI-D, F1-S, M1-D, M1-S]]. Own FDC, up to four drives 80 track, double-sided.*[[F1|Vortex disc drives F1-X, M1-X]]. Up to 80 track, double-sided.and ...*[[HxC Floppy Emulator]] (On message "Disc is write protected" put a HFE in HxC or adjust its configuration) ==== Expansion cards ====*[[Albireo]] (partial)*[[AMRAM2]] (combined EPROM and S-RAM card)*[[C4CPC]] 6128 Plus version*[[CPC Booster]](+) and MiniBooster*[[M4 Board]] (RTC, ROM management)*[[SYMBiFACE II|SYMBiFACE II]] (partial)*[[SYMBiFACE III|SYMBiFACE III]] (partial)*HD64180 Coprocessor card*[[EPROM]] cards or EPROM simulator cards like the [[Britannia ROM Board]], [[Dobbertin]] EPROM card, [[Honeysoft ROM Board]], [[Inicron ROM-RAM-Box]], [[KDS Sideways ROM Board]], [[MegaFlash]], [[MegaROM]], [[SuperPower ROM Box]], [[SYMBiFACE II]], SuperROM Plus and others ==== Mass storage / Hard-discs ====*[[Dobbertin Harddisc|Dobbertin HD20]] (72 KB/s data transfer rate, four partitions of 5160 KB)*[[M4 Board]] (135 KB/s data transfer rate, SD card supported) ===== Hard-discs discontinued =====*[[CPC-IDE]], [[SYMBiFACE II]] and [[X-MASS]] IDE support, but only low-level, FutureOS IDE-ROM needed*[[IDE8255]] IDE support, but only low-level, FutureOS IDE-ROM needed ==== Joysticks ====*[[Analog Joysticks|Analog Joystick]] (6128 Plus) *[[Digital Joysticks]] 1 and 2 ==== Memory expansions ====* 4 MB expansion from Zaxon*[[c't 512 KB internal RAM expansion]] (DIY) (c't magazine)*[[Campursoft ROM Board]] (DIY)*[[CPC4MB|Jareks 4 MB RAM expansion]] provides 4 MB RAM*[[D-ROM]]*[[Dk'tronics memory expansion|Dk'tronics]] 64-512 KB and compatibles *[[Dobbertin Memory Expansion|Dobbertin]]*[[FlashGordon]]*[[Inicron RAM-Box|Inicron]]*[[Inicron ROM-RAM-Box]]*[[M4 Board]]*[[MegaFlash]]*[[RAM7 2MB memory expansion|RAM7's RAM expansion]]&nbsp;(up to 2 MB) *[[RAM BOX]]*[[SYMBiFACE II|SYMBiFACE II]]*[[X-MEM]]*[[Y-MEM]]*[[Z-MEM]] CPC464 and CPC664 users can run FutureOS when using this RAM expansion:http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/amstrad-cpc-hardware/open-source-diy-512kb-ram-expansion/msg163566/#msg163566 ==== Real-Time-Clocks ====*[[Dobbertin Smart Watch]] and the version from dxs*[[LambdaSpeak III]] and [[LambdaSpeak FS]]*[[M4 Board]]*[https://pulkomandy.github.io/shinra.github.io/nova.html Nova]*[[SYMBiFACE II:Realtime clock|SYMBiFACE II]]*[[SYMBiFACE III]]*[[Dk'tronics Real Time Clock]] ==== Sound and Music ====*[[Amstrad SSA-1 Speech Synthesizer]]*[[CTC-AY SDK main fr|CTC-AY]] aka [[PlayCity]]*[[Digiblaster]]*[[Dk'tronics Speech Synthesizer]]*[[FuturePlayer]] for MP3 samples up to 128 kbps (max. 4 MB in size)*[[LambdaSpeak]] (the MP3 module is fully supported)*[[Soundplayer]] ==== Networking ====*[[Amstrad Serial Interface]]*[[CPC Booster]]+ and TotO's MiniBooster*[[Schneider RS232 Interface]]*[[USIfAC]]*[[Virtual Net 96]]There is limited support at the moment === Additional HIDs (Hot Plug & Play compatible) === The following pointer-based input devices are supported by FutureOS. Applications can use them by calling the appropriate OS function in OS-ROMs A, C or D.  ==== Mice ====*[[Albireo|Albireo Mouse]]*[[Atari-ST mouse adapter|Atari ST mouse adapter]] ([[CPC Magazin|Schneider Magazin]])*[[AMX Mouse|AMX Mouse]], [[PS2Mouse|AMX PS/2 Mouse Adapter]]*[[CPC-Mousepack 2.0|CPC-Mousepack]] (Reisware)*[[GEOS mouse|GEOS mouse]] ([[Commodore 64]] device)*[[Imperium Solo]]*[[MultiPlay]] one or both mouses (ACME)*[[SYMBiFACE II:PS/2 mouse|PS/2 mouse]] of [[SYMBiFACE II]]*[[USB mouse]] of [[SYMBiFACE III]]*[[Dk'tronics Mouse Interface]] limited ==== Lightpens ====*[[Dk'tronics Lightpen|Dk'tronics lightpen]]*[[Happy Computer Light Pen]] (DIY from German magazine)*[[Lindy Light Pen]] ==== Graphic Tablets ====*[[Grafpad II|Hegotron Grafpad II]] ==== Trackballs ====*[[Atari-ST mouse adapter|Atari ST trackball adapter]] (Schneider Magazin)*[[Marconi|Marconi trackball]] == ROM-included Utilities == The FutureOS ROMs already include several utilities as an addition to the operating system. Tools like copy (files or discs), format discs (data-, system-, ibm- and Vortex-format), erase files, rename files, type and print files, set alarm time, set time of RTC, verify discs or directory refreshing, display file-header etc. are available without the need to load them from an external medium.  Multiple files can be copied between different physical media and user numbers / directories in one go.  A small machine monitor is also provided. The [[FutureOS Monitor]] provides features like CPU register editing (all!), access to the I/O ports, memory dump and editing, and display and manipulation of the ASIC contents (6128 Plus). Memory blocks can be copied or initialisedinitialized. It is possible to call (and return from) a routine with defined CPU registers (complete register set) and memory. == OS functions == Only some examples are mentioned.* The String Editor: It allows to enter strings up to 64 KB, different character sets can be used, a range of legal letters can be defined, four keyboard levels (normal, shift, control and shift+control) can be used.

=== You can develop very freely: the RSTs are free for use, you can choose the interrupt mode and access all the hardware. Also the second register set of the Z80 Assembler ===can be completely used by applications - in contrast to all other OS for the CPC. *''Z80 Assembler:'' You can use an assembler for AmsDOS or for CP/M. Switching between AmsDOS and FutureOS is fast and using |FDESK allows to come back to AmsDOS with the first 64 48 KB or RAM remaining untouched.There is a Z80 library for FutureOS the programmer can use for own applications. *''The Command Bar Menu:'' In addition [[CBM]] can make application development easy and quick. All needed sources are provided and explained. A variety of sample programs exist to show how to use CBM. *''Programming in C for FutureOS:'' With [[FIOLIB|FIOLIB]] - the IO-Lib for FutureOS it's also possible to use C as a programming language. Beside the usual I/O the FIOLIB provides a lot of valuable functions for management of text, keyboard, files, relative files, screen, colors, graphic and more. == Applications / Demos / Games == The following programs can be downloaded at the FutureOS homepage, see Weblinks below.  === Games ===*[[Burnin Wheels]] (Soft scrolling car racing game) *[[Cyber Huhn|Cyber Chicken]] (3D space game)*[[Gerelakos|Gerelakos]] ([[RPG]] under construction) *[[H.E.R.O.]] by [[Flynn]]*[[Return of the Sisters|Return of the Sisters]] (a Giana Sisters Clone) WIP name "A tribute to the Sisters..." === Demos ===*[[Captain Future]] (4 MB movie that uses Jareks 4 MB expansion)*[[Darth Vader]] (stand alone demo)*[[FutureView|FutureView]] (disc mag) *[[Gravitation Zero]]*[[Meg Ryan sample]] demo*[[NGC4650A]]*[[Odiesofts Snow]]*[[Rotating Fractal]] (stand alone demo)*[[Star Trek sample demo]] === Applications ===*[[Caruh]] (partial ROM resident OS expansion: Multi-Tasking Manager) *[[CBM|CBM]] (partial ROM resident OS expansion: Common Application (G)UI) *[[-CntrlPanel]] (control panel) *[[FilmeMacher|FilmeMacher]] (movie player) *[[FIOLIB|FIOLIB]] (C library) *[[Flash ROManager|Flash ROManager]] (management of Jareks Flash ROM expansion) *[[FuturePlayer|FuturePlayer]] (MP3 and WAV player) - Ask TFM for MP3 files on discs*[[FutureTex|FutureTex]] (text editor)*[[GMSK|GMSK]] (sprite converter) *[[GSED]] (Graphic Playground Editor for 2D / 3D games) *Kane (sprite grabber)*HD20 BackUp / Compare / Restore Tool for the Dobbertin HD20 hard disc (20 MB) - also using M4 SD card!*HD20 Emulation Image Selector (Tool for the SF3 Dobbertin HD20 hard disc emulation)*[[MegaFlashROManager]] (management of the MegaFlash Pseudo-ROMs for FutureOS and BASIC)*[[MMcR Format]] (Ultrafast formatting tool for batches of discs)*[[ROManager|ROManager]] (management of a variety of Flash- and Pseudo-ROM cards) == Conclusion ==

=== Programming in C for FutureOS ===is the longest running projects for the CPC6128 / 6128plus. It's development startet around 1989 and in 2023 we saw a new release.It also possible to use C 's designed as a programming languagean OS with fast system calls and support for nearly all CPC expansions. There is a CP/M version of Small-C It has specialised file handling and also Windows-based cross-compilers of the C languagememory management capabilities that support programs up to 4 MB and files up to 16 MB. You have SD cards are supported up to use FIOLIB32 GB.C instead In addition FutureOS already contains lots of IOLIBuseful tools and utilities.CThe idea is that development of professional software, games, graphic tools, word processors, sound, management of big amounts of data, and programming languages are possible in this environment. becase FIOLIB.C contains At this point, the user can do all C functions this, like listen to MP3 files, work with graphic, use FutureOS system-callsand create C programs, watch movies, demos and play games (see weblinks).

== Plans for the next years = General ===It is planned to support the following hardware during the next years:* IDE interface ([[CPC IDE]] and [[SYMBiFACE II]http://www.FutureOS.de FutureOS.de])* [[http://koaks.amstrad.free.fr/amstrad/documents/article_futureos.html FutureOS, le supersonique du CPC Booster]]

== Conclusion = Discussion Forum ===FutureOS was designed as a library with some fast routines, while the application has to access and manage most of the resources of the machine by itself*[http://www. It has specialised filecpcwiki.eu/forum/programming/futureos-handling and memorycorner/ Discussions in English]*[http://cpc-management that support programs up to 512 KBlive. The idea is that development of word processorscom/forum/index.php/board, scientific mathematics, graphics, sound (especially MP3), spreadsheet, management of big amounts of data, bigger games and programming languages should be possible in this environment, though, apart from a MP3 player, none of the examples were written so far5.0.html Diskussionen auf Deutsch]

FutureOS === Youtube Videos ===There is also meant a special youtube channel for FutureOS, it provides different playlists for different topics related to be used as this comprehensive OS. Please have a disc and file copy tool including a machine monitorlook here:*[https://www.youtube.com/user/realTFM/playlists FutureOS Playlists]

== Web links ==[[Category:4 MB RAM Software Support]] * [http[Category://www.FutureOS.de FutureOS homepageCartridges]]* [http[Category:CPC GUI]] [[Category:CPC_Plus]] [[Category:Digiblaster]][[Category:Expansion ROM]] [[Category:Extended RAM Software]] [[Category://groups.yahoo.com/group/FutureOS/ FutureOS mailing list]] [[Category:Operating_System]]