patchworks

1st: a well-structured project needs good documentation ! We could start from/update this Wikipedia page, IMHO (and using Wikipedia as a documentation engine could attract more peoples, too). 2nd: I believe it could be a good idea to start from a minimal version of Windows such as Mindows, but we can discuss this. Yes, we could start from graphics then go to OS components, but I believe that the 1st move is to build/adapt an update manager; from a user point of view it could be simpler and exciting to "receive" the upgrades when are available and tested, istead of searching in forums, downloading the right one then upgrade. That's my opinions, of course, I hope that helps (or at least inspires).

Well, a fork is not so simple to achieve, but you could be a member of the Open sourcing 9x (aka GNUWin) project, instead.

So it's GPL too, right ? Then check out this 3ad where i posted many interesting open source links...

Jac, you're italian too, so please don't misunderstood the goal: Open Sourcing 9x(GNUWin) idea IS NOT about recreate an OS, but to open an existing one (again, it's not the same !) Let me see, how can i explain better: a sort of online service pack but with open components. Is it more clear ?

No it's not. Look more closely. It requires several files from Windows 3.1. That's no different than jaclaz's minimal Windows. Well you have to read better my Open Sourcing 9x (GNUWin) idea, then. As alredy said many times before, we're not discussing about a rewrite from scratch (as ReactOS), but how build a tool that strip down 9x components with open softwares (where possible). Again, guys: this project idea has a different point of view/start ! 1. You *need* an installed version of MicroSoft Windows 9x; 2. You *need* a fully functional internet connection; 3. You must donwload/install a project package manager; 4. Package manager downloads alternatives and substitutes official components. This approach means that we don't have to start "from scratch", but we just need the package manager, the "upgrades server" and the open source alternatives (and not all actually, the hunt could be dynamic...)

I'm just an hunter/stimulator, not a developer. So no, i don't use WPKG nor GUw. But I always try to share may knowledge, hoping that could be useful for someone. Last but not least, keep in mind that I AM an open source plague spreader

Well, as for GNUWin i believe that an "online updater" (aka package manager) would be useful. For example i suggested to keep in some consideration TGUP - The Great Unattended Project (that unfortunally uses an exotic license and it's for NT/2000/XP), AppSnap and JackGet - from the Windows: Project JackHammer author (nl-stitch). WPKG and GUP for w32 could be good alternatives, of course.

I just discovered an old discussion @ Computing.Net about "Windows files replaced with EOSLX", and the relative OpenWINDOWS project page that claims: Of course it's just a try around Windows 3.1, but hey, here's the prove: it's possible ! I must keep in touch with him ! EDIT: I would keep an eye on E/OS LX too...

Forget it, it's nearly impossible that already launched projects devs adbandon theyr babies just for a "hey guyz why don't we join forces ?" idea. FORGET IT. You'll *probably* could involve them if you have a structured and launched standalone project... Again: actually i don't know any other OPEN project (except ROS, of course) that could forge an alternative 9x developers team, so i'm inviting you to join (or, better, to get involved) in GNUWin. Last but not least, i can also recycle my slogan (originally thinked for ROS): GNUWin, open your windows to freedom.

As already said, i would share my project (GNUWin, aka Open Sourcing 9x) - i mean i can modify the project goal - if it remains in in the open source platform. Check out my 3ad @ WPC board (note that you need to be regd/logd) to evaluate...

Youv'd understimated the problem... BTW i soon add my finds (hoping that helps and noone will delete them).

That's the reason why i suggested to port the ROS shell: This could also benefit both projects (and not only, IMHO): you could have a good codebase and they can have the 9x-compatible version. BTW, as an Haiku fan, I believe we could give a chance to BEOSWin...

OK, but please READ my post. I clearly sayd "Have you considered to port", so it's not a "ROS-promotion" reply. It's more an "why don't you join open source, it's better for everyone" instead. BTW, ROS explorer it's the most similar to the original MS one, to me you can adopt an alternative shell too (check here):

You (and not only you, so it's my fault) misunderstood the project attitude. The "Open Sourcing Windows 9x" idea just wanted to collect indipendent softwares then put all unofficial patchers (and not only) together around an open development project. BTW, that's the past. I also received critiques around the idea of "substitution" instead of improving. Now i, as many other should do if we wanna be a team, can change my mind about it. Last but not least, as already suggested my other 3ad, i suggest to adopt a cool name for the project. (i suggested to adopt the GNUWin, an adbandoned free software compilation for Windows project that is "currently without a leading team.")

Interesting. Have you considered to port (and why not, collabotate with) the open source ROS Shell ?

To realize a constructive collaboration team, source codes should be available. It tastes like the "Open Sourcing Windows 9x" idea, but many projects aren't open here, so i doubt you can reach the goal. BTW you have my support.

Ok, but this is a "substitution" project not an evolution one... I believe that one you've substituted any "standard" component you can start to add features. I don't have any obsession about system files: i suggested (true, these are just ideas) to substitute _everything_ with free alternatives. The basic ideas behind this project is to switch from closed to open, not to add more features. BTW if you're interested in adding more features i suggest to check out other (barelly-legal if not warez) projects: - Windows: Project Jackhammer - Windows Lupus - WinUSB ...and so on. Note that almost all unofficial projects here are non legal too (of course MicroSoft is not interested in stopping them, but they can: do you remember AutoPatcher XP ?). -

That's a good example to understand why we need the "package manager": a correct installation/mod of certain application, transparent for the user. What about K-Meleon (better for 9x, IMHO) ? Win 9x hasn't a default PDF viewer, so it's out of discussion. BTW, we can put in a side "9x extension/improvement" project...

You haven't considered that we're in the "portable apps" era !

Again, guys: this project idea has a different point of view/start ! 1. You *need* an installed version of MicroSoft Windows 9x; 2. You *need* a fully functional internet connection; 3. You must donwload/install a project package manager; 4. Package manager downloads alternatives and substitutes official components. This approach means that we don't have to start "from scratch", but we just need the package manager, the "upgrades server" and the open source alternatives (and not all actually, the hunt could be dynamic...) Hope that is more clear now.

Col, but... what about icons ? Hope that's the starting point to port *other* bricopacks: http://www.crystalxp.net/bricopack/en.htm Cool work !

Not exactly: So Linus just does a "culumbus egg", IMHO. ...so, can't you see the affinity ? ...at the moment. My projects just tries to stimulate the creation of missing parts. As Linux demonstrates, the open source community has great potential: you "just" have to provide some open source tools, then someone on the other site of the planet does the rest. Who knows ?

Watch the ENTIRE movie, plz. KernelEx homepage

Then "substituting" is just the beginning...

No, not freeware, but open source. Well, i believe that means that is an interesting idea, after all. Me too, hehe. Well then, I believe that you (and not just you, that means it's my fault) miunderstood the point. I never sayd to "reinvent the weel" by coding a 9x compatible system from scratch (as ReactOS is doing for NT). My project idea is something more similar to a specialized "WPIW", than an a standalone OS: as a requirement you need an installed Windows 9x (or 98SE, if we prefer) and a functional internet connection. Then you simply download a "mod manager" that dynamically - 'cause 3rd party softwares just "comes out as mushrooms" - downloads and installs selected open source applications/drivers/icons/themes/etc in order to substitute the official ones. This, as already specified, means that you have a fully functional OS since the "0.0001pre-alpha" version of the project (it can just mod icons and notepad, in the 1st version). Considering the prolification of unofficial patches and indipendent fans works/mods, I still believe that moving to open source could boost up the "revival" of the 9x platforms. Pratical use ? An alternative to WFLP is just an example... BTW, the project is mutch focused on building an "open source collaboration platform" between MSFN modders/devs/fan than intrinsic functionality.