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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 user interface (UI) There is a Cartridge version of '''FutureOS presents the user with three fixed sections: an icon section (upper half of screen), a file-name display and selection section (lower half of screen) and a message line (bottom). The user can browse through directories of discs and hard-disc partitions. A cursor arrow is used to select devices, functions or files; this cursor arrow can be controlled with a joystick, mouse, trackball, light-pen or the Grafpad II''' which supports some 6128plus features.

Applications can call the UI as == Limitations ==For CPCs with 128 KB there may be some limitations. The command |FDESK uses 48 KB E-RAM, a subroutine (wallpaper uses 16 KB E-RAM. So in this case for example the OK icon can E-RAM would be used to return to calling applicationup and this will inhibit some OS functionality (f.e. copy data). The icons are fixed, so A RAM expansion is strongly suggested. In case the layout remains stable throughout its OS requires more RAM you can always switch the wallpaper off to gain 16 KB and usethe |OS command to start FutureOS.

The file system of GUI appears directly after starting FutureOS , but can handle multiple simultaneous floppy disc drives also be used by applications. The user can browse through directories of discs and hard -disc partitions. After the selection of a device FutureOS reads and buffers the The text window provides space to display one directory page, this is 64 different file names (equals one full directory entries of the mediuma Data, System or IBM formatted disc). Integrated utilities like Using the multi file copy keys SHIFT and CONTROL you can copy files from physical sources to different physical destinations in one runbrowse page by page through the directories of devices.

The file system A graphical mouse pointer is compatible used to select devices, functions or files; this pointer can be controlled with nearly all of the CPCs native data-pointer based HID devices (joystick, filemouse, trackball, light- and format structures (f. e. File headerpen, Disc formats)Grafpad II, analogue joystick etc. It is not compatible with native [[AMSDOS|AMSDOS]] or [[CP/M|CP/M]] programs) available for the CPC.

Filenames In addition functions provided by the GUI can use all 256 different characters and user areas from 0 to 254 (except be activated using hotkeys. Type "d" for &E5, which is reserved for deleted files). Unlike Amsdos, a file that is erased under FutureOS is not shifted example to user &E5, but is physically removed from read and display the directory. File headers are displayed as AmsDOS files or the icon-like file-header of a FutureOS program. An AmsDOS file header has 128 bytes of which are unused. FutureOS makes use of those unused bytes so that files have a length definition of 24bit and can have a physical RAM select. Therefore a file can be defined to be loaded everywhere in the external RAM. Also a FutureOS file-header can contain a graphical icon, a textual icon or a short description of the filedrive.

The OS supports many of In SPARtan mode the hardware available for the CPC. Hardware expansions usually need drivers that GUI only displays icons which can be flexibly added to an OSused directly. Contrary to Unused icons will be hidden. In this approach, a goal of FutureOS mode the GUI is more easy to provide use and you see a monolithic architecture where all drivers are implemented in a hardcoded waybigger part of the wallpaper (if loaded).

*''Plug Watch pictures or movies. View text-files on-screen (scroll up and Play:'' If down) or print them on your printer. When viewing a hardware expansion is connected to picture you can adjust MODE and screen format using the CPC FutureOS will automatically detect that expansion, initialise cursor keys. When typing a text file it and make it available is possible to set the user. The architecture number of the OS allows you to add columns and remove hardware on purpose. The user can switch external hardware on or off in lines of the configuration bytes (use ConfigOS utility)window the text is displayed in.

'''8 bit One or more files can be LOADed, SAVEd, RENamed, ERAsed, COPYd or PRINTed on printer ports<br>''' .

*3" A-drive *3" B-drive *3" C- and D- drive (hardware patch) *3.5" B-drive *5.25" B-drive *Atari ST 80 Track DS B-drive *Further there is the [[Dobbertin|DobbertinFutureOS Monitor]] D-DOS Double drive. Up , which provides access to four drives 80 trackRAM, DS *[[Dobbertin|Dobbertin X-drive]] 80 tracksROM, Z80 registes, DS *[[Vortex Computersysteme|Vortex F1-D]] *Vortex F1-S *Vortex F1-X *Vortex M1-D *Vortex M1-S *Vortex M1-XI/O ports and allows the testing of routines.

*[[CPC Booster|CPC BoosterA (+retag All previously used files)]]&nbsp; *HD64180 Coprocessor card *[[SYMBiFACE II|SYMBiFACE II]], 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).

'''Floppy discs,&nbsp;formats=== SPARtan mode ===[[Image:<br>''' SPARtan 1.png|thumb|right]]

=== 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 'Graphic Tabletby 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).

If you want to create your own wallpapers then you'''Hard-disc<br>''' ll need a MODE 2 screen with 512 x 256 pixel. You can even use an application inside [[JavaCPC]] for this.

*[[Dobbertin Harddisc|Dobbertin HD20]] You also can load a wallpaper by hand: Place such a 16 KB (72 KB/s data transfer rateheaderless) *IDE hard discs screen in one of the E-RAMs and set the right system variable of the OS (173 KB/s with [[IDE8255|IDE8255]], 162 KB/s with [[CPC-IDE|CPCsee file #OS-IDE]] or [[SYMBiFACE II|SYMBiFACE II]]VAR.ENG). Here are some Wallpapers:

'''Light== 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-Pens<br>''' 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 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*[[Dk'tronics Lightpen|Dk'tronics]] Initialize block of memory with an 8 or 16 bit value, RAM, expansion RAM*Happy-Computer Call a machine program or OS function*LindyExit, brings you back to the Desktop

*[[Dk'tronics memory expansion|Dk'tronics]] 64<gallery>caption="Some preview images of the game">Image:OS-Mon_1.pngImage:OS-Mon_2.pngImage:OS-512 KB and compatibles ([[Dobbertin Memory Expansion|Dobbertin]], [[SYMBiFACE II|SYMBiFACE II]]) Mon_3.png*[[CPC4MB|Jareks 4 MB RAM expansion]] Up to 4 MB</gallery>

*The "'''C'''ommand '''B'''ar '''M'''enu" ([[AMX MouseCBM|AMX_MouseCBM]] *[[Atari-ST mouse adapter|Atari ST]] (Schneider Magazin) is a partially resident part of FutureOS, which can be easily linked into applications. *CPC-Mousepack It's object oriented (Reisware'''OO''') user interface consists of several flexible windows, pull down menus and file selectors.*CPC-Mousepack 2In addition hot keys can be used.0 (Reisware) *Geos (c64) *PS/2 mouse (Using [[SYMBiFACE IICBM|SYMBiFACE IICBM]]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'''Reals available as RAM application (and planned for lower ROM -Time-Clocks''' 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 Smart Watch 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 select 15===* 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]] 6128plus using 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]

==== Sound and Music ====*[[Amstrad SSA-1 Speech Synthesizer]]*[[CTC-AY SDK main fr|CTC-AY]] aka [[PlayCity]]*[[Digiblaster]]*[[Dk'''ROM expansions<br>''' tronics Speech Synthesizer]]*[[FuturePlayer]] for MP3 samples up to 128 kbps (max. 4 MB in size)*[[LambdaSpeak]] (the MP3 module is fully supported)*[[Soundplayer]]

*Amstrad ROM expansion ==== Networking ====*[[Dobbertin ROM Board|Dobbertin EPROM cardAmstrad Serial Interface]] *[[Inicron ROM-RAM-Box|Inicron ROM-RAM-BOXCPC Booster]] + and TotO's MiniBooster*[[Flash ROManager|Jareks 2,5 MB / 4 MB Flash ROMSchneider RS232 Interface]] *[[Ramcard 128|RAM7's RAMCardUSIfAC]] *Super Power ROM *[[SYMBiFACE II|SYMBiFACE IIVirtual Net 96]] Pseudo ROMThere is limited support at the moment

*[[AtariThe following pointer-ST mouse adapter|Atari ST]] (Schneider Magazin) *[[Marconi|Marconi]]based input devices are supported by FutureOS. Applications can use them by calling the appropriate OS function in OS-ROMs A, C or D.

== Utilities ==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

== Developing for FutureOS ==Trackballs ====*[[Atari-ST mouse adapter|Atari ST trackball adapter]] (Schneider Magazin)*[[Marconi|Marconi trackball]]

*''Z80 Assembler:'' You can use The FutureOS ROMs already include several utilities as an assembler for AmsDOS or for CP/Maddition to the operating system. Switching between AmsDOS Tools like copy (files or discs), format discs (data-, system-, ibm- and FutureOS is fast Vortex-format), erase files, rename files, type and using |FDESK allows to come back to AmsDOS with the first 48 KB print files, set alarm time, set time of RTC, verify discs or RAM remaining untoucheddirectory 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) *[[-CntrlPanel]] (control panel) *[[FilmeMacher|FilmeMacher]] (movie player including some examples)

*[[FuturePlayer|FuturePlayer]] (internal MP3 and WAV player not available ) - Ask TFM for the public) *[[FutureView|FutureView]] (disc mag) MP3 files on discs*[[GerelakosFutureTex|GerelakosFutureTex]] (RPG under constructiontext editor)

*Meg Ryan sample demo [[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)*[[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 MB and 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, 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]]