Commodore OS
Commodore OS (full name: Commodore OS Vision) is a community driven free-to-download Linux distribution for Commodore enthusiasts purchasing Commodore licensed computer equipment. First developed by Commodore USA, it was intended for use on their range of PCs, particularly the Commodore 64x and Vic Slim computers. The first public beta version was released on 11 November 2011. It was based on Linux Mint, and used the GNOME 2 desktop environment. The company became defunct in 2013 before version 1.0 of the OS could officially come out of beta.
Commodore OS Beta 9 Desktop | |
| Developer | Commodore USA, Leo Nigro |
|---|---|
| OS family | Linux (Unix-like) |
| Working state | Current |
| Source model | Open source |
| Latest release | 2.0 / 13 December 2023 |
| Update method | APT |
| Package manager | dpkg |
| Platforms | x86-64 |
| Kernel type | Monolithic (Linux) |
| Userland | GNU |
| Default user interface | GNOME 2 |
| License | GNU General Public License, others |
| Official website | Commodore OS Vision |
In 2021, Commodore USA's spiritual successor, My Retro Computer Ltd. announced a Kickstarter campaign to bring back the Commodore 64x. The following year, it was announced by Leo Nigro, former CTO of Commodore USA and who is originally responsible for the OS, that a new release would be made for the return of the Commodore 64x. Version 2.0 officially came out of beta and was released on the 13 December 2023. Available to download via a Torrent file on the Commodore OS official website, it is based on Debian and is an unofficial MX-Linux re-spin using the Compiz window manager.
There is also an online forums dedicated to the OS itself and the new C64x where anyone can read the latest news/updates, request help with issues they are encountering, and discuss many things Commodore.