Summary
- There are several attempts to create an open source version of Windows but the project that seems to be progressing the most rapidly is Free95
- The developer is inviting contributors to add to the existing code on GitHub, but concedes it will be a long road to full compatibility
- Free95 aims to allow users to run simple Windows programs, and at this early stage cannot run more complex programmes such as Doom
- As virtualization becomes more prevalent, the need for these projects is reduced as it is fairly easy to run a Windows OS through a virtual machine.
- However, for those wanting to run old hardware, an open source version of Windows could help eek out a few more years of life from it.
By Al Williams
Original Article