A home operating system has been released in Russia to replace Microsoft. New Russian operating system for PC
We continue to try to move to Russian computers and software. In the first part we searched and failed. This time the task is much simpler - to find and test a domestic operating system.
In search of a domestic OS
The Ministry of Telecom and Mass Communications maintains the Unified Register of Russian programs for electronic computers and databases. In the Operating Systems category, it offers 47 titles. Most of them are designed for government agencies and corporate tasks, but there are several options for home use.Exclusive rights to programs presented in Unified register, belong to citizens of the Russian Federation or companies controlled by citizens of the Russian Federation, and payments foreign companies, if any, do not exceed 30% of revenue. But it would be a stretch to call most of them Russian - OS with few exceptions, they are built on Linux.The Linux kernel can be used without restrictions thanks to a free license, but in fact this will not be development, but modification. The main components of the systems are also not developed on the territory of the Russian Federation by domestic specialists, but are only borrowed and adapted for the next assembly.
There are several systems developed in Russia from scratch, but they are not widely used. One of the most famous projects is ReactOS. This is a free, open-source operating system, which, as planned by the developers, should be fully compatible with applications and Windows drivers. 20 years after the start of development, ReactOS is in the alpha testing stage and is not installed on computers without dancing with a tambourine.
Another well-known domestic OS, developed without using any third-party code, is called Phantom. His main feature- persistence. This is a kind of hibernation mode, which is characterized by the fact that even if the work is completed, the data is not lost. The next time you start the machine, the system continues to work from the place where it was at the time of shutdown.
the main problem"Phantom" - lack of application software. The OS is being developed by Digital Zone, which does not have the funds to create programs. It turns out to be a vicious circle: while there are no programs, there is no distribution of the system; Without distributing the system, no one wants to write programs for it. It was also not possible to download the distribution. On the official website, the level of readiness is designated as proof of concept - “workable code, but stability and completeness are insufficient for industrial use.”
As a result, after a long search, we tried only two systems: ROSA Fresh and Astra Linux Common Edition. The rest are either not available for download or belong to the corporate segment. Theoretically, you can also download Calculate Linux Desktop for your home computer, but in terms of the composition of pre-installed applications, this assembly is more suitable for solving office tasks. We want not only to work, but also to have fun.
Rosa Fresh
Rosa Fresh is a system for home use from the ROSA Linux family, developed by STC IT ROSA LLC. The products are based on developments from CentOS, Mandriva and Red Hat Enterprise Linux with the addition of components from Russian developers. Specifically, Rosa Fresh is a continuation of the Mandriva project.Download and installation
You can download the distribution for installation on your home PC on the developer’s official website. It weighs about 2 GB and is distributed as an ISO file. For writing to a flash drive there is a “native” Rosa Image Writer utility.
The program is available on Windows, Linux and macOS. Process of creation bootable flash drive it is as simple as possible.
- Download the Rosa Fresh distribution and recording software.
- Connect the USB flash drive to the computer.
- Launch Rosa Image Writer.
- Specify the path to the distribution.
- Select a flash drive.
- Click "Burn".
Installation to disk is standard for Linux builds. You can partition disk space automatically or create partitions manually. The initial setup of the system will also not raise any questions: you only need to select the language, keyboard layout and time zone.
Impressions of use
The first impression is another Linux build. Offers several versions with different desktop environments: Plasma, KDE, Gnome, Mate. The basic package of ROSA Fresh has everything you need for a typical home computer:
- LibreOffice application package for working with documents.
- Firefox browsers and Chromium.
- A few simple games and Steam.
- Video player ROSA Media Player.
- GIMP for working with images.
- Clementine for playing music and listening to the radio.
There are a few own developments. For example, Freeze is a technology for quickly returning to working condition. If you understand that the system may break during the current session, then turn on the “freeze mode”, in which on top of the system directories top level Interceptor directories will be mounted. They will save all the changes you make to frozen directories. When the system is rebooted, the contents of the interceptors are deleted, and the system remains in its previous operational state. At the same time, the “freeze mode” does not stop working until you turn it off.
SimpleWelcome is a kind of analogue of the Start menu, consisting of three sections: “Welcome”, “Applications” and TimeFrame. The last section is also a domestic development that allows you to monitor work with files in the system.
Rosa Media Player is a Russian video player that, in addition to the usual playback, offers built-in tools for cutting videos and saving audio tracks, as well as YouTube search and IPTV support.
The domestic components don’t end there, but it’s still difficult to call the system itself Russian: essentially, it’s a build of Linux, for which an interface was made in Russia and several applications were added.
If you want to try the system, choose to install ROSA Fresh R8.1 KDE - this is stable version OS. For enthusiasts (or rather, for extreme sports fans) there are versions R9 and R10. For now, they only guarantee stable crashes and freezes.On VKontakte there is group, in which developers and users of the ROSA Linux OS apply. Quite a cheerful community where you can quickly get help. This is very good for popularizing the system.
Astra Linux Common Edition
A Linux-class system, including free software components and original developments by RusBITech specialists. In fact, it is a certified Debian with a domestic window manager.Astra Linux has another version - Special Edition. It is a special-purpose operating system with components that provide data protection. Astra Linux Special Edition is certified by FSTEC, FSB, and the Russian Ministry of Defense and is intended for information processing limited access to the level of secrecy "Top Secret". Free distribution special version forbidden. On home computer You can only install Common Edition.
Download and installation
You can download the distribution on the official Astra Linux website. Common Edition weighs more than 4 GB, but loads quite quickly. You can use a USB flash drive for installation. Unfortunately, the installer does not have the option to launch without installing the system, so you won’t be able to try it - you have to install it.
The installation process itself is typical for Linux. Among the features is a view of the city of Orel, after which the custom assembly of the system is named. The installation process takes about 20 minutes. The official website has a link to a manual with a detailed description of all installation parameters.
Impressions of use
The workspace looks decent. Almost all Windows hotkey combinations work in the same way on Astra Linux, so you don't have to get used to different controls. This simplifies the possible migration to a domestic system from American OSes if they fall out of favor. There were no problems with the drivers: the connection to the Internet was established immediately, the camera worked, and the sound too.
The system comes pre-installed with applications that the average user may need for work and entertainment. To perform office tasks, the LibreOffice package is used. There is a PDF viewer, simple text editor Kate and the Goldendict dictionary.
Installed to work via the Internet standard set applications: two browsers (Chromium and Mozilla Firefox), postal Thunderbird client, qBittorrent. There is even a Psi+ messenger.
Applications for working with graphics and multimedia are also fine. There are several players, tools for working with audio and burning discs, vector and graphic editors, and a good built-in screenshot.
There is a section with mobile applications, including another browser, gallery, contact list, mail, SMS, and dialer. The developers didn’t even forget about the games: in addition to Solitaire and Minesweeper, there is the strategy Warzone 2100 and the shooter Xonotic with a multiplayer mode.
Among the author's developments is a file manager that is very reminiscent of Windows Explorer. Simple, convenient, with standard copy, paste, move functions.
Overall the system makes a good impression. The developers abandoned the monstrous red star design that was used three years ago and made the interface a little more modern. The pre-installed applications are quite enough to perform office tasks and minimum level entertainment.
conclusions
So far, import substitution in the software sector is based on the use of borrowed source codes, for which domestic components are added. There is a clear bias in favor of the military-industrial complex, corporate and government segments.If systems for ordinary users are created, they are rather stripped-down versions of special builds for military needs, such as Astra Linux Common Edition. Domestic developers do not hide the fact that it is impossible to compete with Windows and macOS. According to Dmitry Zavalishin, general director group of IT companies DZ Systems (it includes Studio Digital Zone, which is trying to launch Phantom OS), all Russian projects focus on certain niche applications that are ready to provide financing. Therefore, already at the creation stage, developers look towards the industrial application of the system.
There is no time to think about the civilian needs of ordinary users and it is ineffective - the costs will not pay off in any case. However, unlike domestic PCs, Russian operating systems offer users at least a minimal choice. Therefore, if suddenly tomorrow software from American companies is banned, we will definitely not be left without operating systems - although it will not be very convenient to use them.
I think that any of the readers of this article no longer considers the words “Operating system” and “Windows” to be synonymous, because knows at least one or more other systems. For many it will be Android, for a significant circle it is known Windows Phone and iOS, slightly fewer people have heard of OS X, FreeBSD and Ubuntu. All these operating systems are developed by Western (mainly American) organizations. At first glance, there is nowhere for a Russian person to cast his gaze... but no. We also have our own masters.
We are already accustomed to the fact that information technologies for Russia are not a subject of creativity, but a subject of passive study. Yes, we know world-class antivirus from Kaspersky or this moment best recognizer FineReader text also from a Russian company. Someone will remember Dr.Web. But in the general context, this is, if not a drop, then a small puddle in the sea that makes up our computer horizons. This illusion is wrong, because Not all active participants in the IT community are evaluated, but only those who actively promote themselves through advertising or sales managers. And who is left out of our horizons? Yes, tens of thousands of domestic developers of different levels of professionalism and different areas of problems to be solved.
It's no secret that the most important component of any computer (except for the hardware inside the case) is the operating system. But do we have anything domestic to look for here? It turns out there is. Here is a short list of real projects that have been launched and have been working for several years:
I decided to consider the first one (ROSU), because... I guess it's most convenient for exes Windows users of all the ones I've tried. More precisely: the editorial office “for the people” - Fresh (i.e. “Fresh” ROSA).
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The main problem for the user of a new operating system is mastering the new logic of working with a computer (after all, ROSA is not a clone of Windows, but a completely different OS). For example, a person who decides to switch to OS X from Apple will have to resolutely reject the habits of the Windows driver, down to the “hot keys”. Here the Russian operating system has a minimum of problems: the bottom panel In terms of its operating logic, it resembles the usual “Venda” one, and the menu structure (let’s call it “START”) will please you with its simplicity and functionality.
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But this is only external “cosmetics”. Inside there are all the tools necessary even for a fairly advanced user: built-in players for a huge number of formats, a full-fledged office suite (analogous to MS Office), graphics, audio and video editors, an email client, two(!) browsers for fans from different camps (Firefox and Chromium) , client capable of connecting to ICQ and QIP, recording utilities bootable flash drives and disks. If necessary, we install Skype, TeamViewer and others useful programs through a convenient and concise program installer (most programs are installed and updated through this one tool without the need to update manually).
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And even with all the massiveness of the pre-installed set of programs, ROSA manages to load and shut down faster than the products of the Redmond corporation. And the problem of viruses will only bother those who purposefully install them into the system. They cannot appear “suddenly” on the computer.
With all this, the system has many unique features for the Windows user. Just think about the ability to distribute WiFi Internet from your laptop in two clicks or the ability to mock the system with experiments after turning on the “freeze mode”, and then after a reboot see the system in a “pre-frozen” state.
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In general, there are many advantages. You need to touch them to understand this. To do this, just boot into a full-fledged operating system directly from a CD or flash drive, without installing the system (unusual, right?). And if you like it, then install the system and during the installation browse the Internet or write an interesting article.
Another advantage of the Russian OS is the active and accessible Russian-speaking community
On the Internet, patriots are trolled in the following style: “Here you are reading this message on a Chinese computer with American programs, this is not Orthodox”. Now, if only we had everything completely domestic... Moreover, now “for this bench” you can easily win a large government contract: for the sake of such a thing, many equipment manufacturers have already begun to produce it at contract factories among the birches dear to our hearts.
We do not count charlatans like the schoolboy who drew the screensaver and announced the creation of the BolgenOS operating system, but as an expense - but, it turns out, Russia is full of serious developments.
Not very Russian ROSA Linux
Here, for example, is ROSA Linux (read not as “rose”, but as “dew”, which is on the grass in the morning). It can hardly be considered completely Russian, because these are actually further branches of the development of foreign assemblies from Mandriva and Red Hat. The version for home users is called Rosa Fresh; The latest build was released in August 2016.
The advantage of this free assembly compared to the same Ubuntu is the possibility of choice GUI(KDE or Gnome), availability of drivers out of the box for a large number of devices, including proprietary ones (say, NVIDIA video cards), and pre-installed software - like Skype, Java, Flash, Steam, your own omnivorous media player, etc., as well as convenient tools for creating restore points.
Operating table ROSA systems 2012LTS.
Astra Linux
Astra Linux is another one Russian assembly Linux (originally based on Debian), developed for security forces and intelligence agencies. She's different the highest level protection and is certified to work with information containing state secrets. To heighten patriotism, all releases are named after the hero cities of Russia.
Now relevant are “Eagle” - a version for everyday office, excuse me, clerical tasks, and “Smolensk” for working with information in the “Top Secret” category. “Novorossiysk” is preparing for release - mobile version OS for smartphones and tablets with ARM processors.
From a technical point of view, Astra differs from all other Linux systems by its own patented access control system, and also has a number of other data protection functions - for example, when a file is deleted, it is completely deleted and the space it occupied is filled with random masking data sequences (in On other OSes, by default, only the FAT entry is changed, and in order to deleted file could not be read by sector-by-sector reading of the drive, special utilities are used).
General-purpose operating system Astra Linux Common Edition.
Software for intelligence agencies
“Zarya” is another special-purpose build of Linux (based on Red Hat), it is used exclusively in the Russian army and exists in the form of several assemblies - for workstations, for data centers, for specialized computerized complexes, etc.
There is also WSWS - “ Mobile system Armed Forces" and GosLinux - OS for Federal service bailiffs (also based on Red Hat). There are statistics on the latter: it was installed on 660 servers and 16 thousand workstations, while the cost of a copy per computer turned out to be 1,500 rubles. As it is installed on more PCs by the end of 2016 (then it will be installed on half of FSSP computers), the average cost will drop to 800 rubles. In any case, this is several times cheaper than licenses for Windows and MS Office.
"Elbrus"
"Elbrus" is an operating system for computers with Russian processors with the same name. Since these processors, although compatible with x86, have their own unique architecture, we decided to develop a special OS - again, on the Linux kernel - that takes into account the characteristics of the CPU and makes the most of their advantages.
VK Monokube-PC – Personal Computer based on the Elbrus-2C+ microprocessor with the Elbrus / MCST operating system.
Software from scratch
All of the above operating systems, unfortunately, are not completely Russian developments, since they are various variations on the theme of foreign Linux. However, we also have our own OS called “Phantom”, developed from scratch.
One of the key features of Phantom is persistence, which means that applications work without stopping and do not even “know” that the computer was turned off or rebooted - work continues exactly from the same moment. This is somewhat similar to the "hibernation" mode in other systems (where the contents of memory are written to disk as files and then loaded), but is guaranteed to work without driver and program failures, and everything happens automatically. Even if you suddenly turn off the computer, the data will not be lost even after restart everything will be the same as a few seconds before turning off.
There is only one problem with Phantom: application software needs to be written for it (or ported from Unix systems), but here the chicken and egg problem arises: until there is at least some penetration of the OS, no one will want to write programs for it, but for now no programs - no penetration.
To make both an OS and programs at the same time requires huge investments, which the small company Digital Zone, the author of Phantom, does not have. Therefore, the system exists in the form of an alpha version for 32-bit x86 processors and its future further development very vague.
Actually, programs do not need to be able to write their state to a file, and in general, Phantom operates not with “files”, but with “objects”. According to the creators of the OS, writing programs for it is much easier and 30% cheaper.
Masking as Russian software
We should also remember the noise that arose around Sailfish OS after our minister Nikolai Nikiforov met with the leaders of the Finnish Jolla. A year ago, Jolla was purchased by Russian businessman Grigory Berezkin and even won the Ministry of Telecom and Mass Communications competition for import substitution in the OS segment for mobile devices.
Since then, nothing has happened, and there is nothing Russian, except for the buyer, in Sailfish yet. However, there is talk that a new mobile OS will be developed in Russia at Innopolis, aimed at export.
Many media outlets came out with headlines that this was the creation of a domestic mobile operating system. But on the Internet there are a priori no borders; all products must be global. On the contrary, we would like Russian developers to participate in the creation of a product that will be export-oriented, and ideally become a platform for the BRICS countries.
Nikolay Nikiforov
Minister of Communications and mass communications Russian Federation
And there is a certain logical trick here: Nikiforov considers the open operating system Sailfish one of the possible candidates to become a platform for further import substitution in the IT field. However, nothing is said about the fact that Sailfish will be developed in Innopolis. But it is said that the Open Mobile Platform company, suddenly owned by Berezkin, will only take the foreign Sailfish as a basis and modify it for simple Russian users. That is, this is not another “Linux for the public sector,” but an OS for the mass market.
Let's discard all these streamlined formulations: it is clear that under the guise of a Russian mobile OS they will show us exactly the remade Sailfish. It, in turn, is a Linux-like heir to the MeeGo and Maemo platforms, which were developed at Nokia and were “killed” by Stephen Elop, a Cossack sent by Microsoft, because they were Windows competitors Phone. However, they managed to release one device, Nokia N9.
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What does it look like Sailfish system OS 2.0 for Jolla device users.Sailfish can run Android applications, so there will be no problems with the software, however, it is difficult to explain to the user why he should run Android applications not on Android, but on a smartphone with a different operating system.
The main advantage of Sailfish is the absence of dependence on Google and its services (it is for this reason that, for example, Samsung developed Bada and Tizen). The user is promised a little magic, like Apple, and programmers are promised ease of creating applications without problems with fragmentation. According to rumors, Yotaphone 3 will be released on Sailfish.
What's the result?
The bottom line is this: all “live” Russian operating systems are actually Linux builds redesigned for specific tasks. They fulfill their tasks of saving the state budget and ensuring the safety of data. The degree of patriotism is increasing. They give jobs to system administrators and software developers. That is, everything is fine.
1.ROSA Linux
The ROSA Linux distribution is being developed by the Russian company STC IT ROSA or Scientific and Technical Center for Information Technologies "Russian Operating Systems", development began in 2007 and until today quite a lot of improvements have been developed.
The distribution was initially based on Mandriva, the desktop version and the server version were based on Red Hat. But after Mandriva was closed, the OpenMandriva project was based specifically on Rosa Linux.
It is an easy to use and install system that provides most of what you need to the average user software out of the box.
All necessary media codecs are also supplied with the distribution. The system interface and window design are somewhat similar to the Windows style, and this will help new users get used to the system better.
KDE is used as the desktop shell. In addition, the Rosa developers make many improvements and fixes to most of the packages they ship.
2. Calculate Linux
Calculate Linux is developed by Alexander Tratsevsky from Russia. This distribution is based on Gentoo and includes all its benefits, as well as a large number of additional features and graphical installer.
Development of the project began back in 2007. Calculate is especially good for business environments. It is optimized for rapid deployment you can set up a configuration on one computer and use it on all others.
User under his account can use the system regardless of the computer. Latest version Calculate - 15.12. This version added the ability to create LiveUSB, added support for the open source AMDGPU driver, and many other improvements.
3. ZorinOS
The ZorinOS operating system was developed by a native of Russia, Artem Zorin, who is currently located in Ireland.
This is another enterprise-class distribution that is very similar to Windows. ZorinOS is based on Ubuntu and uses the Gnome 3 desktop environment and its own Zorin DE shell for the user interface.
The latest stable release, ZorinOS 9, is based on Ubuntu 14.04 LTS, and the most recent, ZorinOS 11, is based on Ubuntu 15.10. A feature of ZorinOS is own themes design similar to both Windows XP and 7, as well as a theme management utility that allows you to customize appearance desktop.
At the moment, ZorinOS comes in two main versions - stable 9, and the newest 11. Both versions have Core, Lite, Business and Ultimate editions. The first two editions are free, and the last two are available for 8.99 and 9.99 respectively.
4. Runtu
This distribution was probably the first Linux distribution for many Russians. It is based on Ubuntu and offers improved Russian localization. The development of the project began back in 2007.
Then Alexey Chernomorenko and Alexander Bekher for a report on scientific conference a special report was prepared on open source software Ubuntu build: Ubuntu Full Power Linux.
Subsequently, this assembly gained popularity among users and in the field of education and was renamed Runtu.
The main goal of this distribution is to provide beginners with a perfectly localized and simple system with all the necessary software out of the box. In addition, there is also its own software, such as the Runtu Assistant utility, which will help new users better configure the system.
The last release of Runtu took place in March 2015. The software has been updated, 64-bit support has been added and some fixes have been made.
5. Astra Linux
The Astra Linux distribution is being developed by NPO RusBITech for military purposes, law enforcement agencies and the FSB.
The distribution focuses on data protection and is used in various government agencies.
The distribution kit is supplied in two editions: Special Edition and Common Edition.
The general edition is intended for enterprises, the special edition for special services. A lot of proprietary software comes with the system.
All applications developed by the distribution's authors have the fly prefix. This is fly-fm - file manager, Fly panel, fly-admin-wicd - network connection manager, fly-update-notifier - update widget, Fly terminal, fly-videocamera, fly-record - audio recording, fly-cddvdburner, fly-ocr - text recognition, etc. By the way, it is important to note that the fly file manager is very similar to Windows Explorer.
The latest release, at the time of writing, took place on March 17, 2016, and this is Astra Linux version 1.11.
6.ALT Linux
ALT Linux is developed by the Russian company of the same name: Alt Linux.
And again, the operating system is designed for the business sector.
By default, all the necessary software for office work, graphics, audio processing, video processing and programming is supplied.
During installation, you can select the components of the distribution that need to be installed, and thus shape the functionality of the distribution.
The default desktop environment is KDE 4.
Minimum system requirements 768 megabytes random access memory, as well as a video card with support for 3D acceleration.
The newest version of Alt Linux at the moment is 7.0.5, which was released at the beginning of 2015.
7. Agilia Linux
Another distribution of Russian origin.
Formerly known as MOPS Linux.
Initially based on Slackware Linux. It combines beauty and speed.
Unlike MOPS, the installer has been completely redesigned and the number of applications supplied by default has been increased. The release frequency is once every three months.
Not so long ago, a simply sensational statement appeared in the press. It turns out that on all computers government agencies our country will soon no longer have a “traditional” Windows OS! Prominent figures promise that a Russian operating system will take its place. The idea is that by the end of this year this same “OS” should begin testing in government institutions.
Optimistic start
The most famous project, which theoretically can lay claim to such a significant role, is Synergy. This system uses Linux kernel, the decision to develop it was made quite recently, on August 13, 2014. This was decided by a joint commission (at a meeting of the companies OJSC Russian Railways, Rosatom) and the Russian Federal Nuclear Center from the city of Sarov.
By the way, it is at the Synergy enterprise that it should now be intensively tested. From "Russian railways“It will require active “bringing to mind” of the OS, provided that it is used in user database management systems. Russian Railways has enough of these!
By the way, this whole idea was initiated by Rosatom specialists, since the share of imported software is extremely large, and it was time to move away from such a bad practice long ago. Everyone involved in the development promises that the Russian one will be protected from hacking no worse than the best foreign analogues.
Last straw
So fast decision was largely due to the fact that just in August 2014, the next update package for Windows 7 was released. The irony of fate is that it was these updates that led to the failure of thousands of computers around the world, since it contained critical errors. The problem was also aggravated by the situation with malfunctions of Windows RT, Windows 8 and 8.1 systems.
Why is all this needed?
In general, recently only the lazy do not discuss the Russian operating system. However, the discussion is carried out in an ironic manner. Users should not be blamed for their lack of patriotism. Practice shows that in most cases, domestic projects in this area can only offer “not boring wallpaper” yes new topic design of the same Ubuntu.
It is important to understand exactly what requirements a truly promising Russian operating system must meet, and what principles should be embedded in it. Let's try to fantasize and imagine the directions in which its development should go.
"Childhood diseases"
In general, it’s always worth starting with previous experience, even if it’s negative. As we have already said, our country has one. Starting with the ancient “Spectrums”, on which a slightly rethought DOS was installed, ending with relatively recent times, when some computer clubs installed the “fundamentally new” BedOS 2 “Tanya”. This epic creation was nothing more than Windows 98 redesigned almost beyond recognition.
All of them were united by one thing: despite the new interface, all of these OSs were simply slightly redesigned products of world-famous software manufacturers.
What challenges do domestic developers face?
In principle, there is nothing new to talk about in this case. If a truly new Russian operating system for PCs is being developed now, then its creators face great amount tasks. We list just the main ones:
- Release of an OS that will perform all its tasks and work on Russian-made servers and workstations.
- Creation of working and functional virtualization tools for it.
- The same development of a database management tool, the debugging of which is now assigned to Russian Railways.
- Creation, development and support of the domestic application development environment.
- Release of tools that could be used to automate testing.
- Creation of a domestic “application store”. You give a worthy answer to every AppStore!
- Release of an OS that can run not only on desktops and laptops, but also on mobile technology(smartphones, tablets). This Russian mobile operating system should become a competitor to Android, iOS, and Windows Mobile.
- Development of design tools that will make it easier to write new applications.
- Analysis of the business sector of the economy, creation of a specialized cluster of programs specifically for it.
- Finally, the development of a Russian operating system should include the creation of its own desktop environment (DE).
- Creation of new tools for installing, deploying and debugging written programs.
- Availability of the ability to painlessly migrate business and home users from older versions of the OS.
- Formation training courses, which will tell users about what a Russian operating system for a PC is, its capabilities and prospects.
About users of the new OS
It's no secret that the modern segment of home computers is largely focused on games. In addition, the PC market is distinguished by an incredible variety of computer hardware, as well as the unconditional dominance of the same Windows OS. Since all the concepts and habits of users in this niche are distinguished by deep-rooted conservatism, it is unlikely that they will be changed in any way.
Thus, the new Russian operating system will certainly be focused on government bodies, corporate segments of the economy, the military-industrial complex.
What requirements must the new OS meet?
- Relatively low cost of both the system itself and the hardware that is necessary for its normal functioning.
- Availability of “cloud” work on documents. Simply put, in new system Some kind of environment for joint development must be oriented, which is especially in demand in an enterprise or government organization.
- The system must be scalable. It would be desirable that as the enterprise grows, it could be “tailored” specifically to the needs of a large organization (sort of analogues of the Business and Professional versions).
- The speed of processing arrays of information should be as high as possible.
- Maximum reliability and security (including against viruses).
- The development and development of the OS should be carried out taking into account the latest trends in the hardware market.
- Protection from malicious actions. In principle, the Russian operating system Rosa is well protected from this, but it is actually another Linux distribution.
- At least a theoretical possibility of use on a home user’s computer (to gradually attract a new audience).
- Full compatibility with at least the most common computer hardware and peripherals.
OS development taking into account trends in future hardware development
Recently, processors have crossed the 14 nm threshold, domestic 65 nm Elbruses have appeared, and the imminent release of a new type of capacious memory, ReRam, is reported, which will leave far behind all modern SSDs (NAND) in speed. Simply put, one of the priorities facing manufacturers should be the development of a system that will work on both existing and future hardware. This is a complex matter, and therefore there are quite natural doubts about its success.
And now we'll talk about real progress in this area.
About "Chameleons" and other things
In general, modern domestic operating systems have exactly two realistic development paths. And in the first place is the justified interest of the military, for whom secure domestic software is extremely important. The second direction can be described as “patriotic development”. Sometimes projects appear on the Internet, the authors of which regularly announce a Russian-made operating system.
In the latter case, we can call Xameleon OS. If we talk about the technological side of the issue, it is very similar to Mac OS X, since both systems are based on the use of a microkernel. Chameleon uses L4 development, and Mac OS X includes the Mach microkernel. Alas, the domestic “answer” does not yet have even a banal GUI, that is, a graphical interface.
Other candidates
There is also a Russian operating system called Patriot OS. For quite some time now, a fundraiser for its creation has been announced on Boomstarter. The declared amount is 38,500,000 rubles, which in itself causes widespread ridicule on the Internet. The fact is that domestic crowdfunding projects have never reached more than 12 million. Also, if you read the requirements for the new system...
Simply put, the stated amount is clearly not enough. If the Russian operating system “Patriot OS” claims at least 1-2% of the software market in this area, then we need to collect ten times more. However, this money should be enough for at least a preliminary beta version, from which it will be possible to judge the prospects of the project as a whole. But the adequacy of some of the declared characteristics raises deep doubts.
A moment of humor
So, the author of the project says that he would like to create new Network“Patrionet”, an analogue of the World Internet, which will be available only to those users on whose computers the Russian operating system “Patriot” will be installed. It is stated that it will be based on “incredibly fast dynamic technologies.” The fact is that even 38 million dollars will not be enough to implement something like this, let alone the domestic currency...
Phantom Perspectives
There is also a Russian operating system called Phantom. Theoretically, it is a development of the Digital Zone company (in fact, it is “homemade” by Dmitry Zavalishin). The latter passionately proves the advantages of its “brainchild” every year at the HighLoad exhibition and other similar events.
In principle, this time the Russian Phantom operating system does not contain anything truly revolutionary or new. The developers really are not lying when they claim that their OS is not a clone of Windows/Unix.
But for some reason they “forget” to tell that “Phantom” is an almost exact copy of the KeyKOS/EROS system. Moreover, this topic was started in the distant 80s of the last century, when the general principles KeyKOS development.