Why a New OS?

Why computers need a new direction for system software, and what this new direction is

by François-René Bân Rideau \DD\a(.ng-V\u~

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a reconstruction of the general architecture of an operating system. In a first part, we start from the very principles of cybernetics, and study the general nature, goals and means of operating systems. In a second part, we examine the crucial problem of the expressiveness of a computing system, conspicuously comprising both operating system and programming language. In a third and final part, we focus on particular services commonly found in operating systems, and criticize current designs at the light of the previous theory. All along, we sadly find that existing operating systems are deeply flawed, due to both historical and political reasons; happily, the advent of Free Software removes the obstructions to progress in this matter.

Part I needs some rewriting,
Part II is only half done,
Part III is only a draft.

Please excuse this article still not being finished.
Any help finishing it, any feedback, any pointer appreciated.

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To Do:

Finish redacting the article.
Take into account feedback from readers.
Extract a table of contents.
Put references to the Glossary (?)...