GEOS (software)
GEOS is software that was and is used on several processor architectures as an operating system or graphical user interface . It was developed by Berkeley Softworks since the mid-1980s , renamed GeoWorks Corporation in 1990, by NewDeal since 1995 and by Breadbox Computer Company LLC since 2001 .
Product lines
A distinction is made between three software product lines. All are subject to a proprietary usage license :
- the original GEOS (8-bit operating system) with a graphical user interface, which was developed in the 1980s by Berkeley Softworks for the 6502 -based 8-bit computer models Commodore 64 and Commodore 128 as well as for the Apple II . Third-party companies developed the last GEOS version from 1993 for the C64 / 128 under the name Wheels until 2000. An early, illegal port for the Commodore Plus / 4 was made on a private initiative .
- PC / GEOS , a graphical preemptive 16-bit multitasking - user interface for computers with pre-installed compatible MS-DOS DOS or related emulators as well as OS / 2 and Windows in DOS mode. PC / GEOS was previously by GeoWorks, later by NewDeal and has beendevelopedby Breadbox since 2000and was last used as a preinstalled operating system in 2000 in GlobalPC .
- PEN / GEOS is a descendant of PC / GEOS and was mainly used on mobile devices such as smartphones, including the first versions of the Nokia Communicator and other PDAs.
- GEOS-SC , a 1997 by GeoWorks developed, compact held 32-bit multitasking - kernel , with optional user interface for the mobile phone - and smartphone market .
hardware
Special GEOS computers are:
- C64C home computer
- C128 DCR Personal Computer
- Casio Z-7000 PDA
- HP OMNIGO 100 and -120 mini notebooks
- Nokia Communicator cell phone computer
- Brother GeoBook series of notebooks
- Brother LW-750ic screen typewriter
- GlobalPC people's computer
literature
- GEOS User's Guide Version 1.2, Softworks, Berkeley 1985 (at least 4 reprints up to 1986)
Web links
- Geos Ensemble 2.0 at www.winhistory.de
- PC / GEOS versions at www.geos-infobase.de
- Screenshots of various desktops at www.guidebookgallery.org , including three GEOS variants, some with menu simulation