# OsFree

> open source OS/2-compatible operating system

**Wikidata**: [Q2007901](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2007901)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/osfree

## Summary
OsFree is an open-source operating system designed to be compatible with OS/2, developed as a modern alternative to the aging IBM OS/2 platform. It leverages the L4 microkernel family and is maintained by the OsFree project, which provides community support through forums, IRC, and GitHub.

## Key Facts
- **Based on OS/2**: OsFree is a direct successor to IBM's OS/2, aiming to provide a modern, open-source alternative.
- **L4 Microkernel**: The project is compatible with the L4 microkernel family, ensuring a robust and modular architecture.
- **Latest Version**: The most recent stable release is **0.0.4**, published on **August 27, 2009**.
- **Community-Driven**: Development is supported by the OsFree project, with active participation on forums, IRC, and GitHub.
- **Open-Source**: The source code is available on GitHub under the **osfree-project** repository.
- **Russian Wikipedia Entry**: The project has a notable presence on the Russian Wikipedia, indicating regional interest.
- **Official Resources**: Includes a website, forum, and Telegram channel for community engagement.

## FAQs
### Q: What is OsFree, and how does it differ from OS/2?
A: OsFree is an open-source operating system designed to be compatible with OS/2, serving as a modern, community-driven alternative to the original IBM OS/2 platform.

### Q: Where can I find the source code for OsFree?
A: The source code is available on GitHub at [https://github.com/osfree-project/osfree](https://github.com/osfree-project/osfree).

### Q: How can I get involved with the OsFree project?
A: You can participate through the official forum, IRC channel, or Telegram group, all linked on the project's website.

### Q: What is the latest stable version of OsFree?
A: The latest stable version is **0.0.4**, released on **August 27, 2009**.

### Q: Is OsFree still actively developed?
A: While the project has a community presence, the last stable release dates back to 2009, suggesting limited active development.

## Why It Matters
OsFree fills a niche by providing an open-source alternative to the aging OS/2 platform, which was once widely used in enterprise environments. By leveraging modern development practices and community collaboration, the project aims to extend the lifespan of OS/2-compatible software. Its compatibility with the L4 microkernel ensures a modular and secure architecture. However, due to the lack of recent updates, its relevance in today's computing landscape remains limited. The project serves as a testament to the enduring interest in preserving and evolving legacy operating systems through open-source initiatives.

## Notable For
- **OS/2 Compatibility**: One of the few open-source projects directly based on IBM's OS/2.
- **L4 Microkernel Integration**: Uses the L4 microkernel family for a robust, modular design.
- **Community Support**: Maintained by the OsFree project with active engagement on forums and GitHub.
- **Legacy Preservation**: Aims to keep OS/2-compatible software relevant in a modern context.
- **Russian Language Resources**: Notable presence on the Russian Wikipedia, indicating regional interest.

## Body
### Overview
OsFree is an open-source operating system designed to be compatible with IBM's OS/2, developed by the OsFree project. The project aims to provide a modern, community-driven alternative to the aging OS/2 platform, leveraging the L4 microkernel family for a robust architecture.

### Development and Releases
The project's latest stable version is **0.0.4**, released on **August 27, 2009**. Earlier versions, such as **0.0.4.7 (CC'11 Edition)**, were also published but lack detailed release notes. Development appears to have slowed significantly, with no major updates since 2009.

### Community and Support
The OsFree project maintains active community engagement through:
- **Official Forum**: [https://osfree.org/forum/](https://osfree.org/forum/)
- **IRC Channel**: irc://irc.inet.tele.dk/osfree
- **Telegram**: [@osfree_pub](https://t.me/osfree_pub)
- **GitHub**: [osfree-project/osfree](https://github.com/osfree-project/osfree)

### Technical Specifications
- **Kernel**: Compatible with the L4 microkernel family, ensuring a modular and secure design.
- **Source Code**: Available on GitHub under the **osfree-project** repository.
- **Wikipedia Presence**: The project has entries in Dutch, Portuguese, and Russian Wikipedia, indicating regional interest.

### Historical Context
OsFree was developed as a response to the decline of IBM's OS/2, which was once a popular alternative to Microsoft Windows in enterprise environments. The project's focus on open-source development and community collaboration reflects broader trends in preserving and evolving legacy software.

## References

1. [Release 0.0.4. 2009](https://github.com/osfree-project/osfree/releases/tag/0.0.4)