Commodore OS™ is the official operating system of the Commodore 64x (C64x) but it is free for use on other machines.
The Commodore 64x is currently available for purchase at https://myretrocomputer.com/ as a barebones case in which you can install a slim-line
mini-ITX motherboard and optional DVD drive, or a fully loaded system with various configuration options.
The downloadable iso file available from https://www.commodoreos.net is a live image of the installer for Commodore OS Vision.
Commodore OS is a 64-bit Linux OS and will not run on 32-bit machines which would be PCs over approximately 12 years old.
To run comfortably I would recommend a 100Gb drive or larger (but no less than 40Gb).
In Commodore OS 2.0 there is an optional script that will also download and install 50+ Linux games.
It would be recommended to keep some space left over for classic software ROMs you might want to include later.
Step 1: Installation Options
You have a number of options:
a) You can run the image directly within a Virtual machine like VirtualBox.
To do so create a new Machine with the desired specification
PLEASE DO NOT DEMO COMMODORE OS WITHOUT THE 3D DESKTOP OR WITHOUT CAPTURING AUDIO!!!!!!!!!!!
IMPORTANT!!! IMPORTANT!!! IMPORTANT!!! VIRTUALBOX INSTRUCTIONS!!! MUST SET!!!!
Under the Display tab ensure you have selected:
Graphics Controller: VMSVGA
And check Enable 3D Acceleration
Under the Storage tab select the empty disc slot under Controller:IDE and select the Commodore OS ISO image
using the icon beside the Optical Drive
Ensure you have the Live CD/DVD checkbox checked.
Once installed, especially if you do not see the 3D desktop (see CommodoreOS.net website for example videos) please install the VirtualBox Guest Additions. These are available from your VM instance's window under the Devices menu option. Be sure to select the upgrade option before performing the installation. The default password is set to "C=" (A capital "C" followed by the equal sign "=").
b) You can install on VMWare.
Prerequisites are on this page:
https://docs.vmware.com/en/VMware-Works ... 1404.html
Select the virtual machine and select VM --> Settings.
PLEASE DO NOT DEMO COMMODORE OS WITHOUT THE 3D DESKTOP OR WITHOUT CAPTURING AUDIO!!!!!!!!!!!
IMPORTANT!!! IMPORTANT!!! IMPORTANT!!! VMWARE INSTRUCTIONS!!! MUST SET!!!!
On the Hardware tab, select Display.
Select Accelerate 3D graphics.
Configure the virtual machine to use only one monitor.
Click OK to save your changes.
Power on the virtual machine and install the required DirectX EndRuntime version.
This download is available from the Microsoft Download Center.
Install and run your 3D applications.
c) You can install Commodore OS to your PC via an SD card or USB stick.
Use a USB imaging tool to copy the ISO installation image file to your USB stick or SD Card.
Rufus for Windows(https://rufus.ie/en/) is recommended and Unetbootin for Linux would most likely work.
There is a high likelihood that you will need to get into your computer's BIOS(a key specified during boot up) to change
the Boot drive order to boot from the USB stick or SD card instead of your PC's Hard Drive.
(You may need to set it back after installation).
d) You can also run Commodore OS directly off the USB stick or SD card, which is usually the same experience but loads files slower.
If you've set persistence during the image creation your modifications might stick.
Step 2: The Installation Process
Select the Commodore OS Vision menu option to launch into the Commodore OS desktop experience.
Follow the prompts in the Commodore OS Greeter Window to launch the installer.
Options:
a) A regular install using the entire disk is the fastest and easiest option and recommended. (I wouldn't bother with the Encryption option)
b) Choose "Customize the disk layout" if you want to try and install other operating systems later that may be selected via the Grub boot menu.
The best way to set up the partitions to facilitate the other OSes is beyond the scope of this document
but may be discussed on the Commodore OS forum (http://forum.commodoreos.net).
Note: When presented to "Choose partitions" if you want to alter the partition sizes you will need to run
the partition management application by clicking on the tiny icon near the bottom of the list area.
(the default password is "C=". A "C" followed by "=")
If you do install other OSes you can attempt to re-instate the Grub Boot menu from within the Live USB desktop menu.
System --> Commodore OS --> Restore Boot Menu
In Commodore OS 3 go to:
System --> Commodore OS --> Commodore OS Settings Manager
and select the "Restore Grub Boot Menu" option.
Click the "Next" button to proceed through the installation and agree to formatting the Hard Disk.
I would recommend the following settings:
Computer Name: Commodore
Computer domain: Commodore
Click "Next" and set your locale appropriately.
Installation should then proceed to completion and the computer can reboot when you click the "Finish" button.
Remove the USB stick or SD Card you had inserted. You may have to re-enter BIOS to enable booting off the Hard Disk.
Enjoy!!!
ADDENDUM:
Some of the unique features included in the Commodore OS menu are presented below:
System --> Commodore OS
It is a good idea to update the kernel on a new installation to ensure that more current hardware is supported.
In Commodore OS 2 go to:
System --> Commodore OS --> Additional Features --> Install Latest Linux Kernel
In Commodore OS 3 go to:
System --> Commodore OS --> Commodore OS Settings Manager
and select the "Update Linux Kernel" option.
Please Note: Some Commodore OS 2 installs to user's PCs have encountered issues after the kernel upgrade, this can be as bad as the desktop disappearing entirely. You may need to re-install Commodore OS to repair the problem.
There is an OEM option that configures the desktop so that next time the user turns on the PC they are treated as a new user and can go through the welcome wizard without the installation step.
System --> Commodore OS --> Additional Features --> Set OEM
In Commodore OS 3 go to:
System --> Commodore OS --> Commodore OS Settings Manager
and select the "Set machine for first boot up." option.
Also, if you are setting this system up for someone who is interested in games, 50 of the best linux games can be auto installed from the menu:
System --> Commodore OS --> Additional Features --> Free Games Installer
Click here for a list of the games: viewtopic.php?t=10 complete with install/uninstall commands.
Note: Games are installed by default in Commodore OS 3, and there are further games currently proposed of inclusion here:
viewtopic.php?t=767
Instructions on how to obtain and install legal Commodore ROMS can be found here:
System --> Commodore OS --> Additional Features --> Cloanto Commodore ROM Setup
In Commodore OS 3 go to:
System --> Commodore OS --> Commodore OS Settings Manager
and select the "Cloanto Commodore ROM Setup" option.
Don't forget to try clicking on the Commodore/C= logo in the dock which will take you to a number of nostalgia filled retro games, demos and music for various retro systems. Definitely check out what's under DOS, Windows and Linux folder, but obviously the focus is on Commodore.
NOTE: A few issues have come to light after the release of Commodore OS 2. They should be rectified in Commodore OS 3.
Issue 1: Please issue the following command from the Command Line Terminal at your earliest convenience.
Code: Select all
sudo checkaptgpg && sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/tor.listIt's the place to go to for help resolving any issues. Many MXLinux and Debian solutions will also work.
Warmest Regards,
Leo Nigro
Commodore OS Distro Creator
