# GeckOS

> Unix-like operating system for 6502 processor

**Wikidata**: [Q5529608](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5529608)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GeckOS)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/geckos

## Summary
GeckOS (also known as OS/A or GeckOS/A65) is a Unix-like operating system designed specifically for the 6502 processor. It is open-source software released under the GNU General Public License. The operating system is actively maintained, with the most recent stable release, version 2.1.1, published in January 2024.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Unix-like operating system.
- **Target Architecture:** 6502 processor.
- **Latest Version:** Version 2.1.1, released on January 25, 2024.
- **Previous Versions:** Includes version 2.1.0 (released Sept 22, 2023) and version 2.0.9 (released Oct 6, 2013).
- **License:** GNU General Public License (GPL).
- **Aliases:** OS/A, OS/A65, and GeckOS/A65.
- **Official Website:** hosted at `http://www.6502.org/users/andre/osa/index.html`.
- **Source Code Availability:** Releases are hosted publicly on GitHub under the repository `fachat/GeckOS-V2`.

## FAQs
### Q: What processor does GeckOS run on?
A: GeckOS is designed specifically for the 6502 processor, an 8-bit microprocessor popular in vintage computing.

### Q: Is GeckOS free to use?
A: Yes, GeckOS is released under the GNU General Public License, making it free and open-source software.

### Q: What is the most recent version of GeckOS?
A: The most recent preferred version is 2.1.1, which was released on January 25, 2024.

## Why It Matters
GeckOS represents a significant technical achievement in the retro-computing and embedded systems community. By implementing a Unix-like architecture on the 6502 processor—an 8-bit chip historically limited to simpler control programs or BASIC interpreters—GeckOS provides a robust environment for hardware resource management on legacy hardware. It bridges the gap between the limited native capabilities of the 6502 and the sophisticated, standardized workflow of Unix-like systems.

The project demonstrates remarkable longevity and active maintenance. With version 2.1.1 released in early 2024, GeckOS stands out as a living project rather than abandonware. This continued development supports hobbyists and engineers who utilize the 6502 architecture, ensuring that modern compatibility and features are available for historical and educational platforms.

## Notable For
- **Unix-like Architecture on 8-bit Hardware:** Bringing Unix concepts to the limited 6502 environment.
- **Active Long-term Support:** A development timeline spanning from at least 2013 to 2024.
- **Open Source Accessibility:** Availability under the GPL license and hosting on GitHub.
- **Multiple Identities:** Known historically under the aliases OS/A and OS/A65.

## Body
### System Identity and Architecture
GeckOS is an operating system classified as "Unix-like," intended to provide functionality similar to the Unix system but optimized for the 6502 microprocessor architecture. It functions as the intermediary software that manages computer hardware resources. The system is also identified by the aliases OS/A, OS/A65, and GeckOS/A65.

### Version History
The development of GeckOS has shown consistent updates over two decades.
*   **Version 2.0.9:** Released on October 6, 2013.
*   **Version 2.1.0:** Released on September 22, 2023, marking a significant gap in major version updates. This version is noted as a "currently valid value" in structured data.
*   **Version 2.1.1:** Released on January 25, 2024, this is currently marked as the preferred version.

### Licensing and Distribution
The operating system is distributed under the **GNU General Public License**. This ensures that the software remains free to use, modify, and distribute. The source code and binary releases are accessible via its official website and a GitHub repository maintained by the user "fachat".

## References

1. [Source](http://www.6502.org/users/andre/osa/index.html)
2. [Release v2.1.0 · fachat /GeckOS-V2Public. 2023](https://github.com/fachat/GeckOS-V2/releases/tag/v2.1.0)
3. [GeckOS/A65 V2.1](http://6502.org/users/andre/osa/index.html)
4. [Release v2.1.1 · fachat /GeckOS-V2Public. 2024](https://github.com/fachat/GeckOS-V2/releases/tag/v2.1.1)