Where do i start??

[Berserk]

I have read some of the FAQ, (not very usefull) What tools do i need to start an OS, What i currently have is Microsoft Visual Studio 6 Enterprise, (with no MSDN Library)

Can i write an OS only in C++??
(i am learning C++ Currently)

Please help?

[Tom]

Ok...I have VC++ Too, and it's only good for making OSes that run in Windows.

I have a kernel, in C ( soon C++ ) that could help you.

You need DJGPP ( if developing in Win32 ), or GCC for Linux.

DJGPP is a compiler that makes flat binary output - just plain computer code.

If you know C, or anyother powerful language, you can develop your OS now.
But...if your just learning programming, I don't recomend you start your OS dev yet.

If you want more info, Reply to me.

[dronkit]

If you want to make an OS from scratch, you need a boot sector in assembly.

However, you can use GRUB to boot your OS, so with minimal requirements you can boot your C/C++ code.

If you use C++ you need to implement a lot of stuff that deals with objects, I can't help you much here since I prefer
the simplicity of ansi c for this kind of things

You can start by reading the "intel 386 programmer's manual" and some books here:

http://www.mega-tokyo.com/forum/index.p ... eadid=1251

[Berserk]

ok,

i am learning C++ currently, so i'll put off the OS for a while, but where can i get an Assembler??

something like masm?? & i need the assembler to be free!

know any?

ciao.

[Berserk]

One thing i left out:

What tools and software do i need to make an OS, i want to know ALL the tools i need, and where to get them, and if i can't download it off the net for free, don't post it UNLESS it is totally necessary!

please help.

ciao.

[dronkit]

you will basically need more documentation than tools

If you want to code your os in C/C++ you will need a compiler and a linker. you will need an asm compiler too for your boot sector (unless you use grub or something like that to boot your os).

i like to use gcc/gas, but that's just a matter of personal taste

http://gcc.gnu.org

[Berserk]

i got Microsoft Visual C++, and i also got DJPP. BUT what is a linker??

also, is GCC a Assembler??

[Tom]

GCC is a C/C++ compiler that makes C/C++ code into assember code. AS assembles the code into a .o or .obj file. Then the linker takes the .o or .obj file and compiles it to the executable format. VC++'s linker takes the .obj file ( not .o ) and computes it and compiles it into a Win32 Program.

[Berserk]

Ok,

but where can i get gcc?? i'm at the web site, but i can't download it??

could you get me a link directly to a file??

Please...

[Tom]

I think this is it:
ftp://ftp.simtel.net/pub/simtelnet/gnu/ ... gcc32b.zip

[Ozguxxx]

I do not know if you still need but, I downloaded gcc from:
http://osdev.neopages.net/downloads.php
There are two versions of gcc with c and c++ support, download one you want, you still have setup env. var. but it is very easy. BTW, a question: ;D is GRUB usable under windows? Thanx...

[Whatever5k]

is GRUB usable under windows?

GRUB has *nothing* to do with Windows, Linux or any other Operating System. It is a bootloader, so it is loaded by the BIOS!

[Berserk]

Ok,

thanks for the help.

I wil download GCC later. NOW, what is a Kernel & what is it used for??

(I AM AN ABSOLOUTE BEGINNER!)


I want to make an OS, that i boot off a disk and when i make it bigger and better i want it to boot off a CD. How dop i make a boot disk ot boot CD, what files does it need on it?? Is the kernel the main file to load it??

I just want to start with a simple OS, which just boots and prints some sentences on the screen. Then later i want to make my own File System (HOW DO I DO THIS??) This OS will be independant, it will not use GRUB or anything else like that.

All i want to know now is the basics that the OS FAQ doesn't tell me.

The os will be written in C++ & assembler. (I am learning C++ & i don't know assembler, BUT i plan to learn it!) WHERE CAN I GET A GOOD ASSEMBLER??

Please, help me. I need tutorials, programs, any information or software that i need to make an OS, & I _ESPECIALLY_ Need a tutorial on how to make my own file system.

Plese help me, but please make sure any tutorials you tell me about, or any information you tell me uses C++ or Assembler or Both.

I know that it might sound crazy that a beginner like me wants to start a huge project like this. BUT I AM NOT A QUITTER, I __WILL__ Make this OS no matter what.

So Please, Please...Help me!

ciao.

[Tom]

My kernel ( sorry to keep telling every one but it's just easier this way, since it's so simple right now ) ( a kernel is the operating system's main part )....My kernel is writen in C, download it at www.sourceforge.net/projects/fritzos ( not FritzO's , FritzOS ) it is a simple kernel that loads of a floppy.

If in Linux, put a blank formmated/non-formated floppy in and type sh install.sh.

If in windows, I can't help you.

I Really Really think that if you don't even know what a kernel is, don't worry about OS Dev until you can program a simple text editor ( File,, Save )for Windows using VC++.

But, you Can program your OS right off, but it might be very or too confusing.

AS.exe comes with GCC ( I think ) and is a good assembler.

NASM is the best ( search for it on sourceforge.net if you want it )

I hope I helped you,

[Ozguxxx]

Sorry, it is my mistake or just misunderstanding, you are right: GRUB does not have anything to do with Windows or any other usable OSes but what I meant is, I dowloaded GRUB, and it had shell files (I am not familiar with unix and linux) for installing it onto computer and I could not use it.
My question should be: Can we set up GRUB into a floppy disks first sector under windows? If so, how? anybody please tell me, and accept my excuses for misunderstanding. Thanx...