ExploreOS 0.45 - 16-bit x86 Operating System
A lightweight 16-bit x86 operating system with bootloader, memory management, command line interface, boot menu, startup sound and status bar. Perfect for learning assembly programming and exploring low-level system architecture.
- Command line interface with CLEAR, VER, ECHO, RAND, BEEP, HELP, MEMINFO, RESTART, HALT, MALLOC, FREE, BATTERY, DATE, TIME, MEMTEST, SCREEN, BIOS, NGG, SNAKE, EDIT, CALC, PIANO, PAINT, PONG, TIMER, MORSE, BOOT, HISTORY, TTT, GENMSC and HEXDUMP commands
- 32KB heap with malloc/free memory management support
- Floppy and hard disk boot support
- USB boot support
- BIOS interrupt-based I/O
- Boot menu with multiple startup options
- BSOD error handling
- Status Bar with system information
- Boot screen with loading animation
- Startup sound through PC speaker
- Battery level detection for portable systems
- RTC Date and Time detection
- Bouncing Ball Screensaver
- Memory size detection and reporting
- BIOS Date detection
- A calculator application with basic operations
- A text editor with save functionality
- Built-in games: Snake, Pong, Number Guessing, Tic-Tac-Toe
- Built-in Piano app with multiple octaves
- Morse code translator
- Paint app with multiple colors
- Music generator for PC speaker
- Memory dumper with hexadecimal view
- A countdown timer with alarm
How to Use ExploreOS
ExploreOS is designed to be accessible for both beginners and experienced users interested in low-level computing. Follow these guides to start exploring x86 assembly programming and operating system concepts.
System Requirements
- x86-compatible processor (minimum i386DX, works on modern systems too)
- Less than 256KB of RAM required
- Boot device: USB drive, floppy disk, or hard drive
- Optional: PC speaker for sound features
Installation Options
- Virtual Machine: Use VirtualBox, QEMU, or Bochs to run the .img file without modifying your main system
- USB Drive: Write the .img file to a USB drive using tools like dd (Linux/Mac) or Rufus (Windows)
- Vintage Computers: Boot directly on compatible x86 machines for the authentic experience
Popular Uses for ExploreOS
- Education: Learn about operating systems, assembly language, and BIOS interactions
- Retro Computing: Experience computing on minimal hardware with modern development
- Entertainment: Play built-in games like Snake, Pong, and Tic-Tac-Toe
- Creativity: Use the Piano app, Paint program, or Music Generator
- Development: Study the source code to understand low-level programming techniques using x86 assembly
- Hardware Testing: Test basic functionality on vintage computers
Command Examples
CALC - Make a simple calculation
EDIT - Launch the text editor
SNAKE - Play the Snake game
PAINT - Open the drawing program
PIANO - Use the musical keyboard
MEMINFO - Display memory allocation information
SCREEN - Activate the bouncing ball screensaver
Reporting Issues
Found a bug or have a feature request? Visit our YouTube channel via the link displayed in the OS command line or contact us through the community forums where you found this project.
Typing Simulator - x86 Assembly Text Input Program
Basic text input program using BIOS interrupts, ideal for learning keyboard handling in assembly.
- Text mode 80x25 display for maximum compatibility
- Full ASCII character input support
- Enter key for new line functionality
- Backspace support for text editing
- Screen clearing with F5 function key
- USB Boot support for modern systems
- 16-color text mode for enhanced readability
- Perfect for learning BIOS keyboard interrupts
Assembly Source Code
Access the complete x86 assembly source code for ExploreOS and Typing Simulator. Perfect for learning how to build bootable applications and operating systems.
Download the NASM assembly source files to explore the internals of these projects. The code is well-structured and commented for educational purposes, helping you understand x86 real mode programming concepts.
- Complete NASM assembly source code for all projects
- Detailed comments explaining key concepts
- Build scripts and instructions included
- Example of bootloader implementation
- Memory management routines
- BIOS interrupt usage examples
- Input/output handling code
About ExploreSoft
ExploreSoft specializes in creating x86 operating systems and programs using real mode assembly. Our projects serve as educational tools and experiments in low-level system programming, designed to help both beginners and experienced developers understand computer architecture fundamentals.
All our software is provided as bootable disk images compatible with virtual machines or physical hardware, making it accessible for anyone interested in learning assembly programming or operating system development.
Why Assembly Programming?
- Direct hardware control and understanding
- Efficient code execution with minimal overhead
- Deep insight into how computers fundamentally work
- Perfect for educational purposes and system programming
- Valuable skills for embedded systems and legacy code maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this compatible with my modern computer?
Yes! While ExploreOS is designed with 16-bit x86 architecture in mind, it works on modern computers through virtualization (VirtualBox, QEMU) or by booting from USB. Some modern computers may still support legacy booting required by ExploreOS.
Do I need to know assembly to use these programs?
No prior knowledge is required to use our software. However, exploring the source code is a great way to learn assembly programming, especially if you're interested in x86 architecture and operating system development.