# Acorn MOS

> computer operating system

**Wikidata**: [Q4674556](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4674556)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acorn_MOS)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/acorn-mos

## Summary
Acorn MOS is a computer operating system developed by Acorn Computers. Also known as Acorn's Machine Operating System, it was designed to run on platforms such as the BBC Micro, Acorn Electron, and BBC Master, utilizing the MOS Technology 6502 CPU. It manages computer hardware resources and is programmed in assembly language.

## Key Facts
- Acorn MOS is a computer operating system.
- It was developed by Acorn Computers.
- It runs on platforms including the BBC Micro, Acorn Electron, and BBC Master.
- The operating system utilizes the MOS Technology 6502 CPU.
- It is also known by the alias "Acorn's Machine Operating System."
- Its programming language is assembly language.
- It requires or runs on the Disc Filing System (inception: 1982) and the Advanced Disc Filing System (inception: 1983).
- Acorn MOS is an instance of an operating system, which is software that manages computer hardware resources.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Acorn MOS?
A: Acorn MOS is a computer operating system developed by Acorn Computers. It is also known as Acorn's Machine Operating System and is designed to manage computer hardware resources for specific platforms.

### Q: Which computers use Acorn MOS?
A: Acorn MOS runs on platforms including the BBC Micro, Acorn Electron, and BBC Master. It is specifically designed to utilize the MOS Technology 6502 CPU.

### Q: Who developed Acorn MOS?
A: Acorn MOS was developed by Acorn Computers. It was created as the operating system for their range of computers.

### Q: What programming language is Acorn MOS written in?
A: Acorn MOS is written in assembly language. This is a low-level programming language where there is a strong correspondence between the instructions in the language and the architecture's machine code instructions.

### Q: What file systems does Acorn MOS support?
A: Acorn MOS runs on or requires the Disc Filing System (DFS), which was developed by Acorn Computers in 1982, and the Advanced Disc Filing System (ADFS), which was implemented in 1983.

## Why It Matters
Acorn MOS holds significance as the foundational computer operating system for several key platforms developed by Acorn Computers, including the BBC Micro, Acorn Electron, and BBC Master. As an operating system, it was crucial for managing the computer hardware resources of these systems, enabling users to interact with the machines and run applications. Its development by Acorn Computers underscores its integral role in the company's product line during a specific era of computing. The operating system's reliance on the MOS Technology 6502 CPU further defines its technical context and capabilities within the hardware limitations of the time. The integration with filing systems like the Disc Filing System (inception 1982) and the Advanced Disc Filing System (inception 1983) highlights its importance in providing structured data storage and retrieval capabilities for these early personal computers. Without Acorn MOS, these platforms would not have been able to function as complete and usable computing environments, making it an essential component of their design and operation and a key part of Acorn Computers' legacy.

## Notable For
- Serving as the primary operating system for the BBC Micro, Acorn Electron, and BBC Master computers.
- Being developed by Acorn Computers, a prominent British computer manufacturer.
- Its design around the MOS Technology 6502 CPU architecture.
- Its implementation using assembly language, a low-level programming language.
- Its integration with the Disc Filing System (DFS) and Advanced Disc Filing System (ADFS) for data management.

## Body

### Overview
Acorn MOS is a computer operating system developed by Acorn Computers. It is also known by the alias "Acorn's Machine Operating System." It is classified as an instance of an operating system, which is software designed to manage computer hardware resources.

### Technical Details
The Acorn MOS operating system utilizes the MOS Technology 6502 central processing unit (CPU). It was developed using assembly language, a low-level programming language characterized by a very strong correspondence between its instructions and the architecture's machine code instructions. Assembly language itself has an inception date of 1949.

### Platforms and Requirements
Acorn MOS functions as the operating system for several platforms, including:
*   BBC Micro
*   Acorn Electron
*   BBC Master

The operating system runs on or requires specific file systems for data management:
*   **Disc Filing System (DFS):** This file system was developed by Acorn Computers, with an inception date of 1982.
*   **Advanced Disc Filing System (ADFS):** This file system was implemented in Acorn and RISC OS computers, with an inception date of 1983.

### Classification
Acorn MOS is categorized as an operating system. An operating system is a fundamental type of software that manages computer hardware and software resources, providing common services for computer programs.