Commodore OS apps portal

[domenikov]

For various platforms, there are portals that distribute third-party software:

- For all Amigas: https://aminet.net/
- For AmigaOS 4: https://os4depot.net/
- For MorphOS: https://www.morphos-storage.net/
- For AROS: https://arosarchives.os4depot.net/

They all share the same format: there is a list of programs, each accompanied by a readme file that shows its main features, with a link to download it.

There is some similar portal for Commodore OS? Personally, I published software on those portals for years, and I could release my programs in Commodore OS versions also if there is a similar portal where I could do so. And I think many users might be interested in contributing with their software.

[LeoNigro]

Thanks, this is fantastic. These templates are great.

There is a system I am developing as "Commodore OS Central" that can power this sort of thing and more.
Gosh, I can't wait to show you all this stuff. It's like soooo close and yet so far. The culmination of several years of work.
Once my task with the Commodore 64 Ultimate is complete I dearly want to get this moving again, as well as other promised features.

The several great examples you have provided here has given me some more features to aim for.
Loving all the categories. That will fit so well in the app.

I can't give you a date just yet, but I'll have to release it in phases, with something like the above unfortunately being a latter phase.
And of course, it will be a MVP at first, and then I'll spice it up.

Am I correct that you can upload submissions without a login?
I didn't consider that in my architecture, where I assume you have to create a login to interact, as I'm aiming for there to be online interaction.
Things like reviews and feedback and whatever else we can think of.

Thanks for your patience so far...it's all in the works, and when it eventually comes out I'm going to need all your help populating the system.
Stay tuned as I think I will be asking for input as well as testers before release.

[domenikov]

Thank you for your answer. I wait for the launch of Commodore OS Central.

I respond to your question: Yes, is possible to transmit software without a login. But the process is well managed:

- The upload must be approved by an administrator
- The uploader must give a valid email address
- If the software uploaded is an update of an existing program, there is a passphrase to be given in order to block a malicious user who want to replace a package with something armful

[LeoNigro]

Giving it a bit more thought beyond my initial enthusiasm however, I don't think anything even nearly as complex is required, as Commodore OS is essentially linux and linux is ubiquitous. Linux(in our case Debian) compatible versions of software are typically available all over the internet, whereas you are unlikely to find an Amiga flavour port.

The software platform repositories listed in the initial post are required as they encompass their entire ecosystem and are completely different and incompatible with each other. If you write a program for Commodore OS you are essentially writing one for practically all of the linux systems (dependencies aside). Indeed, the Synaptic Package manager, which is already in Commodore OS, pretty much does the same thing as the above Amiga flavour repositories and is far superior in that it provides automation, checks dependencies and ties into the update system.

That said, I still do think that it would be great to have a specific Commodore OS community software section, if only to showcase the talent and skills of the community, but we can't expect something as all encompassing as the above examples as there is no actual requirement.

The intention is for there to be a Commodore OS "Features" application (a totally different application to Commodore OS Central) triggered after initial install, that will allow users to select to add or remove pre-approved apps (those being the ones that are currently in COS3 as default as well as a few new ones). That's more of a checkbox affair, for individual apps or entire categories, where you can even select all. The next Commodore OS version is intended to be a more minimal distribution with a smaller initial download.

Commodore OS Central will be more of a menu for Linux Games, and a resource locator for retro demos, free games and community content. Ultimately with the goal of becoming a "Plex" for your own retro Commodore content.