Collapse OS

#1

Post by spraak » Mon, Oct 07, 2019, 4:18 PM UTC

Re: Collapse OS

#2

Post by frabert » Mon, Oct 07, 2019, 4:36 PM UTC

So, let me see if I understand this correctly: this is supposed to run on z80-based computers after an armageddon comes and all the other "modern" computers are out of business, so people start building them by scavenging parts. Ok.

So, first of all, how are you supposed to download this thing onto your homebrew computer, given that internet will most likely be down?

"But if the collapse magnitude is right, then this project will change the course of our history, which makes it worth trying."

Mmmh, I think the author is a bit on the hyperbolic side here. I'm quite sure that anyone that can design & assemble a z80 computer can quite comfortably code some basic utilities by himself just fine. All the others won't care a bit about your OS. Sorry if I sounded harsh, but I actually was.

Re: Collapse OS

#3

Post by alwaysanagenda » Mon, Oct 07, 2019, 4:38 PM UTC

The digital version of prep-er style hoarding for the not-far-off-inevitable apocalypse.

Love the idea to make it run on simple 8-bit CPUs that will be scavenged Fallout-style, but seems to presume that no 'newer' technology would survive and be functional.

Wonderful to see, none the less.

Re: Collapse OS

#4

Post by blfr » Mon, Oct 07, 2019, 4:38 PM UTC

frabert wrote: post #2

So, let me see if I understand this correctly: this is supposed to run on z80-based computers after an armageddon comes and all the other "modern" computers are out of business, so people start building them by scavenging parts. Ok. So, first of all, how are you supposed to download this thing onto your homebrew computer, given that internet will most likely be down? "But if the collapse magnitude is right, then this…

You're supposed to download it now and keep around. Just like preppers do with MREs and ammunition.

Re: Collapse OS

#5

Post by admay » Mon, Oct 07, 2019, 4:49 PM UTC

I feel like this can also be achieved with a Puppy Linux USB stick, a lightweight laptop, a charger, and a power source. If I'm around and able to make it, one of my laptops will probably be working too. That's just in a "lets be real" sense in my mind though. What do I know? I'd probably be dead pretty quickly

Fun sounding project though! I'll definitely try to install it on something at some point!

Re: Collapse OS

#6

Post by mostlysimilar » Mon, Oct 07, 2019, 4:49 PM UTC

This is a fun idea.

I often think about hoarding a collection of software and media for an end of the world scenario. Then another year goes by and the world is still here.

Re: Collapse OS

#7

Post by badsectoracula » Mon, Oct 07, 2019, 4:52 PM UTC

frabert wrote: post #2

So, let me see if I understand this correctly: this is supposed to run on z80-based computers after an armageddon comes and all the other "modern" computers are out of business, so people start building them by scavenging parts. Ok. So, first of all, how are you supposed to download this thing onto your homebrew computer, given that internet will most likely be down? "But if the collapse magnitude is right, then this…

It may take a while but you could go Altair-style, by making a computer that is programmed through physical switches and then go and input every byte one-by-one. Though some automation would help here (AFAIK some people used a dotted paper tape reader and only entered the tape loader code by hand and the rest of their programs were loaded via the tape).

Re: Collapse OS

#8

Post by admay » Mon, Oct 07, 2019, 4:52 PM UTC

mostlysimilar wrote: post #6

This is a fun idea. I often think about hoarding a collection of software and media for an end of the world scenario. Then another year goes by and the world is still here.

I have an external hard drive with some games and stuff to watch on it along with important contact and personal info. I also keep a copy of personal info on a USB drive, just in case. Less for the end of the world, more for if I get stuck and need to prove who I am or the wifi goes out during a storm. It's come in handy before

Re: Collapse OS

#9

Post by digitalsushi » Mon, Oct 07, 2019, 4:54 PM UTC

I was pontificating about my 401k fund and what I should do if I find it no longer exists when I need to start using it.

The older gentleman who was polite enough to listen to me said, "It's ok guy, if that 401k doesn't exist, then neither will you".

And so I think I will not stockpile any computers for later. I do like the engineering spirit of this however.

Re: Collapse OS

#10

Post by flohofwoe » Mon, Oct 07, 2019, 4:55 PM UTC

frabert wrote: post #2

So, let me see if I understand this correctly: this is supposed to run on z80-based computers after an armageddon comes and all the other "modern" computers are out of business, so people start building them by scavenging parts. Ok. So, first of all, how are you supposed to download this thing onto your homebrew computer, given that internet will most likely be down? "But if the collapse magnitude is right, then this…

It's just a few thousand Z80 instructions in assembly notation. You can print it on paper, store the listings somewhere safe and type the code in by hand just like in the old days.