# LUnix

> operating system

**Wikidata**: [Q1413437](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1413437)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/lunix

## Summary
LUnix (also known as Little Unix) is an operating system designed specifically for the Commodore 64 and Commodore 128 platforms. It is programmed in assembly language to optimize performance on limited hardware and is distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0.

## Key Facts
- **Class:** Operating system
- **Aliases:** Little Unix
- **Supported Platforms:** Commodore 64, Commodore 128
- **Programming Language:** Assembly language
- **License:** GNU General Public License, version 2.0
- **Website:** http://lng.sourceforge.net
- **Copyright Status:** Copyrighted
- **Wikipedia Presence:** Available in 7 languages (bar, de, fi, nl, pl, ru, uk)

## FAQs
### Q: What does LUnix stand for?
A: LUnix is short for "Little Unix." It is an operating system tailored for 8-bit Commodore computers.

### Q: What computers can run LUnix?
A: LUnix is compatible with the Commodore 64 and the Commodore 128 home computers.

### Q: Is LUnix free to use?
A: Yes, LUnix is free software released under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0.

### Q: What programming language was used to write LUnix?
A: The operating system is written in assembly language, which allows for a strong correspondence with the machine code instructions of the host hardware.

## Why It Matters
LUnix serves as a notable example of porting complex system software to resource-constrained 8-bit architectures. By utilizing assembly language, developers were able to create a functional operating system for the Commodore 64 and 128, machines not originally designed for modern multi-tasking or Unix-like environments. This project highlights the capabilities of retro-computing platforms when pushed to their limits by optimized low-level code. It provides hobbyists and retro-computing enthusiasts with a way to experiment with Unix-like concepts on vintage hardware. Furthermore, its release under the GNU General Public License ensures that the software remains open and modifiable, preserving it as an educational tool for understanding operating system design and assembly language programming.

## Notable For
- **Platform Optimization:** Bringing an operating system to the Commodore 64 and 128 using assembly language for maximum efficiency.
- **Open Source Licensing:** Being available under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0.
- **Retro-Computing Utility:** Providing a Unix-like environment on 8-bit hardware.
- **Nomenclature:** Distinctly branded as "Little Unix" to denote its scaled-down nature compared to standard Unix.

## Body

### System Architecture and Development
LUnix is classified as an operating system intended to manage computer hardware resources. The system is distinct for being written entirely in **assembly language**. This low-level programming choice establishes a strong correspondence between the software's instructions and the machine code of the Commodore architecture, which is critical for performance on 8-bit systems.

### Platform Compatibility
The operating system is built exclusively for the **Commodore 64** and **Commodore 128** platforms. These home computers, prominent in the 1980s, utilize the MOS 6510 (C64) and MOS 8502 (C128) processors. LUnix leverages this specific architecture to function.

### Distribution and Licensing
LUnix is distributed as **copyrighted** software under the terms of the **GNU General Public License, version 2.0**. The official distribution and information point is hosted at **http://lng.sourceforge.net**.

### Global Presence
The project has a documented presence across multiple Wikipedia languages, including German (de), Finnish (fi), Dutch (nl), Polish (pl), Russian (ru), Ukrainian (uk), and Bavarian (bar). It is categorized under Quora topics as "Lunix" and maintains a Freebase identifier of **/m/04g6d7**.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. Quora