MINIX 3 is a reliable and secure open-source operating system. Its design ensures exceptional security with its ability to minimize system crashes, making it an ideal choice for individuals and organizations seeking a high level of dependability.
MINIX 3 is a remarkable open-source operating system that has been developed to improve reliability and security. The project is based on earlier versions of MINIX but is fundamentally different in several key areas. While MINIX 1 and 2 were intended primarily as teaching tools, MINIX 3 aims to be usable as a serious system on resource-limited and embedded computers and for applications requiring high reliability.
One of the most significant features of MINIX 3 is its extremely small size, with less than 4000 lines of executable code in kernel mode. The parts that run in user mode are structured as small modules that are well insulated from each other. This means that device drivers run as separate user-mode processes, reducing the potential impact of bugs that might be found in them. When a driver crashes and requires replacing, MINIX 3 can automatically replace it without requiring a reboot or interrupting any running programs.
These features, along with the tiny amount of kernel code and other innovations, contribute to MINIX 3's unparalleled reliability. It is initially targeted at applications where very high reliability is required, such as single-chip, small-RAM, low-power $100 laptops for Third-World children, embedded systems (e.g., cameras, DVD recorders, cell phones), and applications where the GPL license is too restrictive.
MINIX 3 is POSIX compliant and comes with networking capabilities using TCP/IP. It has two ANSI C compilers (ACK and gcc), over 300 UNIX programs, and full multiuser and multiprogramming support. The system also supports memory up to 4 GB and is supplied with full C source code. It is compatible with the 386, 486, Pentium, and other CPU models.
To run MINIX 3, you need a PC with a 386, 486, or Pentium CPU or compatible. The standard configuration requires 16 MB of RAM, and an 8-MB version is also available but is slower due to a smaller buffer cache. The distribution comes on a live CD, allowing you to test it without allocating any hard disk space. However, a minimum of 200 MB is required for a hard disk installation, with 400 MB being required if you want all of the sources.
One of the most significant features of MINIX 3 is its extremely small size, with less than 4000 lines of executable code in kernel mode. The parts that run in user mode are structured as small modules that are well insulated from each other. This means that device drivers run as separate user-mode processes, reducing the potential impact of bugs that might be found in them. When a driver crashes and requires replacing, MINIX 3 can automatically replace it without requiring a reboot or interrupting any running programs.
These features, along with the tiny amount of kernel code and other innovations, contribute to MINIX 3's unparalleled reliability. It is initially targeted at applications where very high reliability is required, such as single-chip, small-RAM, low-power $100 laptops for Third-World children, embedded systems (e.g., cameras, DVD recorders, cell phones), and applications where the GPL license is too restrictive.
MINIX 3 is POSIX compliant and comes with networking capabilities using TCP/IP. It has two ANSI C compilers (ACK and gcc), over 300 UNIX programs, and full multiuser and multiprogramming support. The system also supports memory up to 4 GB and is supplied with full C source code. It is compatible with the 386, 486, Pentium, and other CPU models.
To run MINIX 3, you need a PC with a 386, 486, or Pentium CPU or compatible. The standard configuration requires 16 MB of RAM, and an 8-MB version is also available but is slower due to a smaller buffer cache. The distribution comes on a live CD, allowing you to test it without allocating any hard disk space. However, a minimum of 200 MB is required for a hard disk installation, with 400 MB being required if you want all of the sources.
What's New
Version 3.1.3a: N/A