# KolibriOS

> operating system written completely in assembly

**Wikidata**: [Q1290448](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1290448)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KolibriOS)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kolibrios

## Summary
KolibriOS is a free, open-source operating system written entirely in assembly language. Released in 2004, it was inspired by MenuetOS and designed to fit on a 1.44 MB floppy disk, making it a lightweight and retro-focused OS for 32-bit computing.

## Key Facts
- **Inception**: 2004
- **Primary Language**: Assembly (x86)
- **License**: GNU General Public License, version 2.0
- **Inspired By**: MenuetOS (released in 2000)
- **Storage Size**: 1.44 MB (floppy disk compatible)
- **Platform**: 32-bit computing
- **Latest Version**: 0.6.5.0 (released in 2007)
- **Country of Origin**: Russia
- **Aliases**: КолибриОС
- **Programming Language**: Assembly language

## FAQs
### Q: What makes KolibriOS unique?
A: KolibriOS is unique because it is entirely written in assembly language and designed to fit on a 1.44 MB floppy disk, making it a lightweight and retro-focused operating system.

### Q: Who created KolibriOS?
A: The creators of KolibriOS are not explicitly named in the provided source material, but it was inspired by MenuetOS.

### Q: What is the latest version of KolibriOS?
A: The latest version of KolibriOS is 0.6.5.0, released in 2007.

### Q: Is KolibriOS still in development?
A: The provided source material does not indicate whether KolibriOS is still in active development, but its latest version was released in 2007.

### Q: What hardware does KolibriOS run on?
A: KolibriOS is designed for 32-bit computing and can run on systems compatible with its 1.44 MB storage requirement.

## Why It Matters
KolibriOS holds significance in the realm of retrocomputing and minimalist operating systems. Its development in the early 2000s demonstrated the feasibility of creating a fully functional OS in assembly language, a low-level programming language. By fitting on a standard floppy disk, it showcased the efficiency of early computing systems. KolibriOS remains a notable example of how software can be optimized for limited resources while maintaining core functionality. Its open-source nature also contributes to its relevance, allowing users to study and modify its code. Despite its age, KolibriOS continues to be a point of interest for enthusiasts of vintage computing and those exploring the boundaries of what can be achieved with minimal hardware.

## Notable For
- **Minimalist Design**: Entirely written in assembly language, making it a lightweight and efficient OS.
- **Floppy Disk Compatibility**: Designed to fit on a 1.44 MB floppy disk, a constraint that pushed developers to optimize every aspect of the OS.
- **Retrocomputing Focus**: Inspired by MenuetOS, KolibriOS represents a niche in operating systems that prioritize simplicity and historical computing paradigms.
- **Open-Source Contribution**: Released under the GNU GPLv2, it allows users to freely study, modify, and distribute the OS, fostering a community around its development.
- **Educational Value**: Serves as a case study in low-level programming and system optimization, appealing to developers and retrocomputing enthusiasts.

## Body
### Overview
KolibriOS is a free and open-source operating system developed in the early 2000s. It was written entirely in assembly language, a low-level programming language that closely corresponds to machine code instructions. The OS was designed to fit on a 1.44 MB floppy disk, a constraint that required extensive optimization to ensure all necessary components could be included.

### Development and History
KolibriOS was inspired by MenuetOS, another operating system released in 2000. It was developed with the goal of creating a lightweight, efficient OS that could run on older hardware. The project began in 2004, with the first version, 0.1.0.0, released on May 16, 2004. Over the following years, several versions were released, with the latest stable version being 0.6.5.0, released in 2007.

### Technical Specifications
KolibriOS is designed for 32-bit computing and requires a system that can accommodate its 1.44 MB storage size. It uses the Netwide Assembler for its assembly and disassembly processes. The OS includes the UFMOD audio player library, written in x86 assembly language, which was released in 2006. KolibriOS is licensed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0, allowing for free use, modification, and distribution.

### Community and Support
KolibriOS has a dedicated community of users and developers. The official website, kolibrios.org, provides resources in multiple languages, including English and Russian. The OS also has an official wiki and forum for support and discussion. The source code is available on multiple repositories, including GitHub and Gitea, facilitating community contributions.

### Legacy and Influence
Despite its age, KolibriOS remains relevant in the retrocomputing community. It serves as a testament to the capabilities of assembly language and the efficiency of early computing systems. The OS's minimalist design and focus on limited resources continue to inspire developers and enthusiasts interested in vintage computing. KolibriOS's open-source nature also makes it a valuable resource for learning about low-level programming and system optimization.

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## References

1. [Source](https://kolibrios.org/en/)
2. [Source](http://archive.kolibrios.org/en/)
3. [Source](https://archive.kolibrios.org/en/)
4. [Source](https://git.kolibrios.org/KolibriOS/kolibrios/releases/tag/0.7.7.0)
5. [Release 0.5.2.1. 2005](https://github.com/KolibriOS/kolibrios/releases/tag/0.5.2.1)
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. [Source](https://t.me/kolibrios_news/22)
8. [KolibriOS - официальный сайт](https://kolibrios.org/ru/)
9. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/KolibriOS-VGNK4K)