The Second Generation of Linux Distributions

Welcome to the provisional homepage for uOS (formerly known as Telemetry /Linux). uOS is a complete Operating System that can be configured and built in a flexibl e way. uOS was first released in November 2002. It is very new and there are lots of ki nks to work out. Although we aim to make uOS usable by everyone it currently requires Unix expert ise to install and to run.

Key Features of uOS

Source based

uOS can build software from sources using recipes. The build process can be dynamically customized based on global attribute settings.

Very compact recipe language

Typical recipes are less than 10 lines. The uOS package manager uPM allows the centralization of common package build instructions and avoids generating maintainer scripts by using triggers, on-the-fly script creation and a series of other measures.

Machine processable recipe language

The recipe language is machine processable. Syncronization to upstream updates is largely automatic. Recipes are verified each day. Global changes to recipes are possible to adapt to new technology and changing environments.

Focused on the end-user

The uOS distribution is dedicated to make the end-user experience as pai nless as possible. uOS autodetects hardware and allow easy upgrades without anyone having to fiddle with configuration fil es.

Rapid evolution cycles

uOS can easily integrate new software. Development cycles using uOS are rapid and fast. Since the amount of metadata to maintain is kept to a minimum changes are easy and development can be very flexible.

Up to date

uOS is based on GCC 3.2 / GLIBC 2.3 / WOLK Linux Kernel / X 4.2.1. It supports the newest drivers as well as the newest compilers.

Prelinked binaries

All binaries on the CD are prelinked for fast load times. Includes the newest prelink tool for glibc 2.3

Innovative Licensing

Core components are available under the 4F Licensing system (compliant to DFSG and OSI guidelines for Free Software).

Resources available

• IRC channel #uos for uPM and uOS at irc.freenode.net.
• Browse available recipes in nice HTML format
• Documentation for the uPM package manager
• Downloadable ISO Images
• Documentation
• Recipes in ASCII
• Binary Builds
• Sputnik the current branch
• Recipes of Explorer with software that breaks Sputnik (future packages).

For questions and comments send email to Christoph at u-os.org.

Dreams and Goals

Kernel API

Support different kernels. Currently only Linux is supported. We would like to support BSD kernels as well (NetBSD,FreeBSD). In the far future we would like to be able to use Micro-Kernel approaches for the Kernel. It is our impression that the Linux kernel becomes so huge that it is very difficult to maintain.

Simplicity

We would like to keep packaging as simple as possible so that we do not have to maintain too many patches and large files of metadata. For that purpose we will submit patches to open source projects to make them friendlier to integrate as well as cleanup project for open source projects that have deterioated (current examples are PAM and GPM). We might fork them for awhile until we can be reasonably assured that competent developers with enough time are able to maintain these pieces of software.

Run everywhere

We would like uOS be a flexible operating system that runs in all our environment s. On PDAs, Laptops, Desktops and servers. The uPM design that allows the dynamic configuration of the builds from source will hopefully make that possible. Some of the kernels (like Linux) have already a proven record of being able to run on almost everything . uOS will be able to do that too.

End-User Orientation

We will strive to make the Operating System as easy as possible to use. The system should be installable and runnable by a person without an extensive Unix background. It needs to pass the "Grandma" test and be usable by our friends and relatives.

Replacement for proprietary Software

We strive to be independent from proprietary software vendo rs. uOS should include all the application needed for everyday computing needs (such as audio and video pla yers, office package, editors and so on). Ideally we would like uOS be the only operating system needed in our households and business situations .

Make a living with it

The developers should be able to make a living producing the software. For this purpose we will expect payment for commercial use of the software and will generate some sort of organizational structure to support ourselves (non-profit or corporate). This should be more in the form of a cooperative rather than in the form of an entity striving to maximize revenue by any means possible. uOS should be fun to use and fun to work with and also a way for people to network.

LIVE CD

The Live CD is a CD with lots of software that can be run directly off the CD. An attempt was made to have hardware detected and drivers loaded without any special configuration. The CD allows an easy installation of uOS with a comfortable tool set. The binaries on the CDs were build for Pentium CPUs or better. The binaries are therefore not optimized for your system. Portions of the system or the whole system can be rebuild as desired after installing the software on t he harddisk. u-OS can be build from source but using the binaries off this CD can save a lot of time and takes the hassle out of installing a Linux system. The CDs contain compressed files using zisofs. "); head("Overview of installed software by the CDs"); para("Here is an overview of the software installed and the features of this CD. A detailed list of in stalled packages with referencesto the homepage of each project can be found by clicking on the links a t the beginning of this page:

• Easy installation without the need of special knowledge about Unix/Linux
• Hardware autodetection
• Menu driven installation
• Menu driven operation of the uOS installation
• Most of the Software can be operated without installation directly from CD.
• Mozilla Web Browser with a variety of plugins.
• Live Chat applications.
• Support for secure and encrypted communications (ssh etc).
• Framebuffer operations mode with high speed browser, irssi etc.
• System can be tailored to CPU/Hardware available using the uOS tools.
• Large selection of additional software available from the uOS Si te.
• Newest Open Source Software. Easy upgradability for new releases.
• All Software freely available and redistributable under the O pen Source Licenses or 4F Licensing.

This software was brought to you by the Lameter International Corporatio n. Lameter Corporation provides support and consulting service for Open Source Software on all computer platforms (Yes, we do Free or Open Source Software on Microsoft Platforms!).");

Links to other sites / Organizations

Debian/GNU Linux

Debian is the only noncommercial Linux distribution that exists. It has the largest set of packages of any Linux distribution. The flexibility and ease of use through the packaging system has made this combination unbeatable. We have used the software extensively over the years and recommend its use. For more information see the pages of the Debian Project

Lameter International Corporation

Lameter International Corporation is a software consulting company founded by Christoph and Susanne Lameter. We are available for any help needed with Opensource/Free Software.

Christ in the 21st Century

Christ in the 21st Century (Christ21) is a project to have theology interact with modern science and contemporary thought, so that the message of Christ becomes understandable and relevant to us, living in the 21st Century. Christ21 is engaged in research in the areas of quantum mechanics for an understanding of divine action, in philosophy and contemporary thought in order to understand the nature of human reasoning and communication, as well as in concrete hermeneutical work on biblical passages and historic cultures. Christ21's homepage is at christ21.info.

Vineyard Churches

The Vineyard Churches have pioneered an experience of the miraculous intervention of God today. The church movement has shown a willingness to take risks and go out on faith and also admit mistakes that is unparalleled among religious communities.