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'''FutureOS''' is an revolutionary operating system for the Amstrad [[CPC6128|CPC6128]], [[Plus|6128plus]], [[C-ONE|C-One]] and [[CPC TREX|T-Rex1CPC TREX]]. The version for the CPCPlus 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 1989 up to now (20082023). Therefore FutureOS allows was already sold during the user to control commercial era of the computer with with an icon section CPC6128 and a file section; it can deal with files up to 4 MB big in one piece6128plus computers. It has a dynamic memory management systemLatest OS release took place at October 19th, which divides RAM into 16 KB blocks2023. Further it supports a variety of hardware expansions. FutureOS is delivered together with basic utilities in the same ROMsPlanned next release: 2025.

The core of FutureOS allows the OS needs 64 KB ROMuser to control the computer with a broad variety of HIDs. Compatible products are EPROM-cardsThe surface provides an icon section, the [[Inicron ROMa file section and a status section. The OS can deal with files up 16 MB (24 bit file-length) and it can load/save files up to 4 MB in one piece. It has a dynamic memory management system, which divides RAMusually into 16 KB blocks -Box|ROM-RAM-BOX]], [[SYMBiFACE II|SYMBiFACE II]], [[Ramcard 128|RAMcard]], Jareks [[CPC.Flash|Flash-ROM]] or similar productsin smaller pieces. If you don't own such Further it supports a card, you can take a look at '''broad variety of hardware expansions. FutureOS''' by using is delivered together with a compatible CPC Emulator ([[WinCPC|WinCPC]], [[CaPriCe|Caprice]], [[WinApe|WinApe]], [[!CPCemu|CPCEmu]])variety of utilities in the same four ROMs. Additional expansion ROMs can be added.

The core of the OS itself is executed directly in (Pseudo-)ROM or [[Dobbertin EPROM 224|EPROM]] (in four 16 KB blocks). It jumps between the ROMs FutureOS can be used with the help of a little common area. Therefore the numbers of the four 16 KB ROMs are hardcodedGerman, English, French and Spanish language interfaces.

The OS itself has roughly 70.000 lines of code, the source code is about 808 KB in size. === 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. == Requirements ==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 224|EPROM]] (in four 16 KB blocks). 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. Therefore the numbers of the four (five) 16 KB ROMs are hardcoded and the jumps are very quick. But never mind, adapting ROM number is done by the installation software anyway. Applications like ROManager do also set all that ROM numbers automatically right. Further parts of the OS can be loaded from media on demand if needed. Examples are the multitasking manager [[Caruh]] and the UI/menu framework CBM. '''FutureOS''' uses 2 KB (&B800...&BFFF) of the first 64 KB; the rest of the remaining RAM is available to applications. Additional RAM can be reserved for DIRectory buffering. Furthermore the OS uses memory management(up to 4 MB), file-handling and specialized Low/Mid/High-level routines and functions to access and manage the hardware.

'''FutureOS''' only runs well on a [[CPC6128|CPC6128]] or 6128plus 6128 Plus (not CPC464 or 664, except you have a RAM expansion with full RAM mode &C3 support like the one from Revaldhino), because of their support for RAM configuration C3 (essential for the mouse pointer). FutureOS is not compatible with [[Firmware]] or [[CP/M|CP/M]] programs, but supports their data structure. It needs a [[Class]] 2 CPC, it runs best with a [[Class]] 4 CPC or higher.

The work surface uses a point-and-click interface, though it is not completely graphical in its nature. The pointer can be controlled with a joystick, mouse, trackball or light-pen. There is no command line. Therefore FutureOS stands somewhere in the middle between a console interface and a fully-fledged GUI, since there are not the classical elements Cartridge version of WIMP that characterize a GUI but also there is no command line'''FutureOS''' which supports some 6128plus features.

The work surface of FutureOS is divided into two sections. On top == Limitations ==For CPCs with 128 KB there is an area holding several iconsmay be some limitations. The command |FDESK uses 48 KB E-RAM, where the user can choose a functionwallpaper uses 16 KB E-RAM. Below that So in this case for example the user E-RAM would be used up and this will inhibit some OS functionality (f.e. copy data). A RAM expansion is strongly suggested. In case the OS requires more RAM you can browse through directories of discs always switch the wallpaper off to gain 16 KB and hard-disc partitionsuse the |OS command to start FutureOS.

Files can be viewed on-screen The Graphic User Interface (scroll up and downGUI) or printed. File headers can also be viewed. When typing a text file it is possible to set of FutureOS presents the number user with three sections: * the icon section (upper half of columns screen)* the file window (lower half of screen) * and the message base (the two bottom lines of the window the text is displayed in.screen)

== [[Image:CBMThe GUI appears directly after starting FutureOS, but can also be used by applications. The user can browse through directories of discs and hard-disc partitions. 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 keys SHIFT and CONTROL you can browse page by page through the directories of devices.png|thumb|right]]CBM ==

Apart from the UI mentioned above there A graphical mouse pointer is another surface for FutureOSused to select devices, functions or files; this pointer can be controlled with nearly all of the command bar menu [[CBM|CBM]]pointer based HID devices (joystick, mouse, trackball, light-pen, Grafpad II, analogue joystick etc. It consists of several flexible pull down menus and file selectors. You can easily use [[CBM|CBM]] ) available for your own programs. Since all programs that use [[CBM|CBM]] look similar its also easy to use different programs in an intuitive waythe CPC.

The file system of FutureOS Applications can handle multiple simultaneous floppy disc drives and hard disc partitions. After call the selection GUI of a device FutureOS reads the OS; and buffers the directory entries of user returns to the application using the mediumOK icon. Integrated utilities like The icons are fixed, therefore the multi file copy can copy files from physical sources to different physical destinations in one runlayout remains stable throughout its use and on every CPC using FutureOS.

The file system is compatible with In SPARtan mode the CPCs native data-, file- and format structures (fGUI only displays icons which can be used directly. eUnused icons will be hidden. File header, Disc formats). It In this mode the GUI is not compatible with native [[AMSDOS|AMSDOS]] or [[CP/M|CP/M]] programsmore easy to use and you see a bigger part of the wallpaper (if loaded).

The OS supports many of the hardware available for the CPC, including realFile headers can also be examined. FutureOS uses expanded but compatible file-time clocksheaders, the Vortex disc drives, several mice & trackballs and the Dobbertin HD20 hard discthat allow a file to be up to 16 MB in length. Also The file-header can additionally specify the [[SYMBiFACE II|SYMBiFACE II]] (RTC and PS/2 mouse, target RAM, ROM, IDE low level) is supported in system .8 beta. One of the ambitions of FutureOS is to support all hardware available, like 3a file.5" B-drives, Vortex F1-D-drives, HDDs, real-time clocks, serial interfaces etcFurther it can contain a file icon or a short file description.

Hardware expansions usually need drivers that One or more files can be flexibly added to an OS. Contrary to this approachLOADed, a goal of FutureOS is to provide a centrally-oriented architecture where all drivers are implemented in a hardcoded way. This is possible since the CPC has clearly defined hardware expansions compared to a PCSAVEd, RENamed, ERAsed, COPYd or PRINTed on printer.

*''Disc drives and hard discs:'' FutureOS supports up to eight drives and up to four hard disc partitions. It buffers the directories read from any mass storage device in the expansion RAMPreviously used files can be retagged for a second usage, or all files can be untagged.

*''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 the user. The architecture I(nformation) icon provides any kind of the OS allows you to add and remove hardware on purpose. The user can switch external hardware on or off in the configuration bytes help (use ConfigOS utilityif a help system is installed).

*8 bit printer port 6128 Plus *8 bit printer port patch A ([[8255|PIO]]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), 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).

*3" A-drive *3" B-drive *3" C- 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 D- drive (hardware patch) *3you see more of your wallpaper.5" B-drive *5When the Spartan mode is off, all icons will be shown all the time.25" B-drive *Atari ST 80 Track DS B-drive *[[Dobbertin|Dobbertin]] D-DOS Double driveThe Spartan mode can be activated by setting a bit in the configuration bytes, either by hand of by using the ''''Konfig OS'''' / ''''Config OS'''' utility (see system application disc). Up to four drives 80 track, DS *[[Dobbertin|Dobbertin X-drive]] 80 tracks, DS *[[Vortex Computersysteme|Vortex F1-D]] *Vortex F1-S *Vortex F1-X *Vortex M1-D *Vortex M1-S *Vortex M1-X

=== 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 'Expansion cards<br>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).

*[[CPC Booster|CPC Booster=== 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)]]&nbsp; *HD64180 Coprocessor card *[[SYMBiFACE II|Symbiface II]]/ "-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'''Floppy discs,&nbsp;formats:<br>'''ll need a MODE 2 screen with 512 x 256 pixel. You can even use an application inside [[JavaCPC]] for this.

*Hegetron Or take a direct look at some [[Grafpad IIWallpaper|Grafpad&nbsp;IIWallpapers]]

'''Hard== FutureOS hardware monitor ==The [[FutureOS Monitor]] is a small built in machine monitor of 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, DMA-disc<br>'''sound, soft scrolling etc.).

=== Features ===*[[Dobbertin Harddisc|Dobbertin HD20]] (72 KBDump RAM, ROM, expansion RAM or memory mapped I/s data transfer rateO (CPC Plus) *IDE hard discs Edit RAM, expansion RAM or memory mapped I/O (173 KBCPC Plus)* Access all I/s with [[IDE8255|IDE8255]]O ports of the CPC and external hardware* Edit Z80 registers (previously to calling an machine program). This includes the first and second register set, 162 KBboth index registers, the stack pointer, R and I* Configure RAM, ROM, I/s O for other functions* Move block of memory, ROM, RAM, expansion RAM* Initialize block of memory with [[CPC-IDE|CPC-IDE]] an 8 or [[SYMBiFACE II|Symbiface]])16 bit value, RAM, expansion RAM* Call a machine program or OS function* Exit, brings you back to the Desktop

'''Light== CBM -Pens<br>'''the UI for Applications ==[[Image:CBM.png|thumb|right]]

*The "'''C'''ommand '''B'''ar '''M'''enu" ([[Dk'tronics LightpenCBM|Dk'tronicsCBM]] ) is a partially resident part of FutureOS, which can be easily linked into applications. *Happy-Computer 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. *LindyA 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'''Memory expansions<br>'''s available as RAM application (and planned for lower ROM - which offers limited memory protection).

Features of Tasks:*[[Dk'tronics memory expansion|Dk'tronics]] 64 KB, 256 KB Up to 255 different tasks* Every task has its own RAM and 512 KB stack*[[Dobbertin Memory Expansion|Dobbertin]] 64 KB - 512 KB Tasks have a priority*[[Inicron RAM-Box|Inicron]] 256 KB 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 512 KB /or deleted*[[CPC4MB|Jareks 4 MB RAM expansion]] Up to 4 MB Tasks can be saved and continued later or on other computers*[[RAM7 2Mb memory expansion|RAM7's RAM expansion]] 2-8 MB Tasks can use additional OS functions*[[SYMBiFACE II|Symbiface]] 512 KBThe regular Turbo Desktop of FutureOS can be used too* Aside of screen MODEs 0-3 different screen formats are usable (80x25, 68x30, 64x32)

*[[AMX Mouse|AMX_Mouse]] *[[Atari-ST mouse adapter|Atari ST]] (Schneider Magazin) *CPC-Mousepack (Reisware) *CPC-Mousepack 2The 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.0 (Reisware) *Geos (c64) *[[SYMBiFACE II:PS/2 mouse|PS/2 mouse]] (Symbiface)

'''RealThe file system is compatible with the CPCs native data-Time, file-Clocks''' 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.

*Dobbertin Smart Watch Filenames can use all 256 different characters and user areas from 0 to 254 (at ROM select 15except 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 [[SYMBiFACE II:Realtime clockFutureOS Header|SymbifaceFutureOS 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''ROM expansions<br>'''[[Crime|Crime]].

*[[Digiblaster|Digiblaster]] *[[Future Player|Future Player]] - MP3 Player''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.

*'''Trackballs'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 ===*[[AtariUnlike other CPC-ST mouse adapter|Atari ST]] 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 (Schneider Magazin8 KB) .*[[Marconi|Marconi]]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.

== Utilities =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.

There exist tools like copy, format, verify or directory refreshing==== XROMs ====* Currently there are a few XROMs for FutureOS:** ROManager 2. Multiple files can be copied between different physical media in one go4. 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)

A small machine monitor is also provided* Applications from an XROM can be automatically launched when FutureOS starts up. This monitor provides features like CPU register editing, I/O ports, memory editing and display and manipulation of the ASIC contents (6128 Plus)F. Memory blocks e. you can be copied or initialisedhave your favorite wallpaper when starting FutureOS. It is possible The tools to call a routine with defined CPU registers and memorysetup autostart are on the XROM disc.

== Developing for FutureOS OS supported Hardware ==

You can developp very freely, even the RST vectors are free usable. Also the second register set of the Z80 is freely usable==== Printer ports ====*7 bit [[Printer Port|printer port]] (native)*[[8bit Printer Ports|8 bit printer port]] 6128plus using Amstrads CRTC solution*[[Happy Computer 8bit Printer Mod|Happy Computer Mod]] using CAS_WRITE as Bit 7.

==== Drives ====*''Z80 Assembler:'' You can use an assembler for AmsDOS or for CP/M3" A, B, C and D drives (C, D need hardware patch) *3. Switching between AmsDOS 5" and FutureOS is fast and using 5.25" drive *Atari ST 80 Track double-sided B-drive *[[Dobbertin|FDESK allows Dobbertin]] D-DOS Double drive. Up to come back 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 AmsDOS with the first 48 KB or RAM remaining untouchedfour 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 initialized. 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.  == Developing for FutureOS == 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 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 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.

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]] (pull down menu librarypartial ROM resident OS expansion: Common Application (G)UI) *Darth Vader demo [[-CntrlPanel]] (control panel)

*Fractal demo *[[FuturePlayer|FuturePlayer]] (MP3 and WAV player) - Ask TFM for MP3 files on discs*[[FutureView|FutureView]] (disc mag) *[[GerelakosFutureTex|GerelakosFutureTex]] (RPG under constructiontext editor)

*[[GSED|GSED]] (Graphic Playground Editor for 2D / 3D games) *Hero Kane (third party gamesprite grabber) *Meg Ryan sample demo 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)*[[Return MegaFlashROManager]] (management of the Sisters|Return of the SistersMegaFlash Pseudo-ROMs for FutureOS and BASIC)*[[MMcR Format]] (a Giana Sisters CloneUltrafast formatting tool for batches of discs) *[[ROManager|ROManager]] (management of the [[SYMBiFACE II|Symbiface]] a variety of Flash- and Pseudo-ROMsROM cards)

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's designed as an OS with fast routines system calls and support for nearly all CPC expansions. It has specialised file handling and memory management capabilities that support programs up to 4 MBand files up to 16 MB. SD cards are supported up to 32 GB. In addition FutureOS already contains lots of useful tools and utilities. The idea is that development of professional software, games, graphic tools, word processors, sound (especially MP3), management of big amounts of data, and programming languages are possible in this environment. At this point, the user can do all this, like listen to MP3 files, work with graphic, use and create C programs, watch movies &amp; , demos and play games(see weblinks). <br>

=== General ===*[http://www.FutureOS.de FutureOS homepage.de] *[http://groupskoaks.yahooamstrad.free.fr/amstrad/documents/article_futureos.html FutureOS, le supersonique du CPC] === Discussion Forum ===*[http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/programming/futureos-corner/ Discussions in English]*[http://cpc-live.com/groupforum/index.php/board,5.0.html Diskussionen auf Deutsch] === Youtube Videos ===There is a special youtube channel for FutureOS, it provides different playlists for different topics related to this comprehensive OS. Please have a look here:*[https://www.youtube.com/user/realTFM/ playlists FutureOS Downloads &amp; Mailing listPlaylists]

[[Category:Operating_System4 MB RAM Software Support]] [[Category:Cartridges]] [[Category:CPC GUI]] [[Category:CPC_Plus]] [[Category:Digiblaster]][[Category:Expansion ROM]] [[Category:Extended RAM Software]] [[Category:FutureOS]] [[Category:Operating_System]]