SerenityOS: Reliving the '90s Computing Dream

 SerenityOS: Reliving the '90s Computing Dream

SerenityOS is a fascinating open-source project that takes users on a nostalgic journey back to the '90s computing era. This Unix-like operating system, with its distinctive aesthetic and design philosophy, has garnered a dedicated following among enthusiasts and developers alike. In this post, we'll explore the origins, unique features, and provide a detailed guide for building SerenityOS on various platforms.

The Origins and Vision of SerenityOS

SerenityOS was founded by Andreas Kling in 2018 as a personal project. Kling, a seasoned software developer, aimed to create an operating system that combined a Unix-like core with the look and feel of late 1990s desktop environments. What began as a one-man endeavour quickly evolved into a vibrant open-source community with hundreds of contributors. By 2021, Kling made SerenityOS his full-time job, supported by donations from the community.

Unique Features of SerenityOS

SerenityOS is not just another Linux distribution; it is a from-scratch operating system with several unique features:

- Nostalgic Aesthetic: SerenityOS pays homage to '90s user interfaces, featuring a desktop environment reminiscent of Windows 95/98 and early Unix systems, complemented by modern usability enhancements.

- Custom Web Browser: The OS includes Ladybird, a native web browser built from scratch, showcasing the project's commitment to originality.

- Extensive Customisation: Users can choose from various themes and customise the desktop environment, much like the old Windows systems.

- Modern Unix-like Core: Despite its retro look, SerenityOS is powered by a modern Unix-like core, offering a robust and efficient system for developers and power users.

Building SerenityOS

Building SerenityOS from source can be a rewarding experience. Here's a guide to get you started on macOS and Linux:

Prerequisites for macOS

1. Install Xcode from the App Store and run it once to install additional tools.

2. Set Xcode as the active developer directory:

sudo xcode-select --switch /Applications/Xcode.app

3. Install required packages using Homebrew:

brew install coreutils e2fsprogs qemu bash gcc@11 imagemagick ninja cmake ccache rsync zstd libvirt

4. Install genext2fs for handling Serenity's ext2 filesystem:

brew install genext2fs

Prerequisites for Linux (Ubuntu/Debian)

1. Install required packages:

sudo apt install build-essential cmake curl libmpfr-dev libmpc-dev libgmp-dev e2fsprogs ninja-build qemu-system-gui qemu-system-x86 qemu-utils ccache rsync unzip texinfo

2. Install GCC 11:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntu-toolchain-r/test

sudo apt update

sudo apt install gcc-11 g++-11

3. Install QEMU prerequisites:

sudo apt install libgtk-3-dev libpixman-1-dev libsdl2-dev libspice-server-dev

Prerequisites for Linux (Arch)

Install required packages:

sudo pacman -S --needed base-devel cmake curl mpfr libmpc gmp e2fsprogs ninja qemu qemu-arch-extra ccache rsync unzip

Building Process (Common for all platforms)

1. Clone the SerenityOS repository:

git clone https://github.com/SerenityOS/serenity.git

cd serenity

2. Build the toolchain:

Meta/serenity.sh rebuild-toolchain

3. Run SerenityOS:

Meta/serenity.sh run

Note: On some Linux distributions, you may need to build QEMU separately:

Toolchain/BuildQemu.sh

Exploring SerenityOS

Once you've successfully built and launched SerenityOS, you'll be greeted with a fully-featured system reminiscent of '90s operating systems. Explore the various applications, including the web browser, games, and productivity tools. Don't forget to check out the different themes available to customise the look of the entire system!

Comparing SerenityOS to Other Independent Distributions

SerenityOS can be compared to other independent distributions like Haiku and ReactOS, each offering a unique take on operating system design. While Haiku draws inspiration from BeOS and focuses on media-centric applications, ReactOS aims for Windows NT compatibility. SerenityOS, on the other hand, carves its own path by combining a Unix-like core with a nostalgic '90s interface.

Unlike many Linux distributions that build upon existing foundations, SerenityOS is built from scratch, giving its developers complete control over the system's design and functionality. This approach allows for a more cohesive and tailored user experience, reminiscent of the tightly integrated systems of the past.

The project's dedication to developing its own web browser, Ladybird, sets it apart from other independent OSes that often rely on porting existing browsers. This commitment to originality extends to other aspects of the system, making SerenityOS a unique playground for developers and enthusiasts alike.

Conclusion

SerenityOS is a fascinating project that brings the charm and simplicity of '90s computing into the modern era. With its unique blend of nostalgic aesthetics and a robust Unix-like core, it offers a refreshing alternative to mainstream operating systems. Whether you're a developer, a retro computing enthusiast, or simply curious, SerenityOS is worth exploring.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only. The Distrowrite Project is not affiliated with the SerenityOS project or its developers.

Citations:

[1] Build (macOS, Linux) | SerenityOS - The dream of the '90s is alive! | Adafruit Learning System

[2] SerenityOS - The dream of the '90s is alive!

[3] Shared post - How To: Build and run Serenity OS

Gallery (SerenityOS on Arch Linux)