Andy Tanenbaum Releases Minix 3

Guillaume Pierre writes "Andy Tanenbaum announced the availability of the next version of the Minix operating system. "MINIX 3 is a new open-source operating system designed to be highly reliable and secure. This new OS is extremely small, with the part that runs in kernel mode under 4000 lines of executable code. The parts that run in user mode are divided into small modules, well insulated from one another. For example, each device driver runs as a separate user-mode process so a bug in a driver (by far the biggest source of bugs in any operating system), cannot bring down the entire OS. In fact, most of the time when a driver crashes it is automatically replaced without requiring any user intervention, without requiring rebooting, and without affecting running programs. These features, the tiny amount of kernel code, and other aspects greatly enhance system reliability."In case anyone wonders: yes, he still thinks that micro-kernels are more reliable than monolithic kernels ;-) Disclaimer: I am the chief architect of Globule, the experimental content-distribution network used to host www.minix3.org."

Comments

Phew

[Anonymous Coward]

Now we can all switch over from Linux, at least until Hurd ships.

*pummeling ensues*

GNU/Hurd!! I meant GNU/Hurd!!!

for those that don't know

[Anonymous Coward]

In case you don't know, Andy was the professor who originally suggested to Linus that he create a kernel, and then provided all the support and positive encouragement that would obviously be needed to successfully complete such an undertaking. He knew from the outset that Linux was going to be a massive hit. He is truely one of Computer Science's great visionaries.

Re:for those that don't know

[Anonymous Coward]

Whoosh!

Re:Thank you, Dr. Tanenbaum.

[TrappedByMyself]

Your contributions have been much appreciated.

Yes, thank you. My sadistic operating systems professor used your textbook. Your name still gives me nightmares to this day.

Re:Is there a VMWare disk image?

[nmoog]

Mental note... RTFA then post... VMWare Disk Image located on their homepage!

Slashdotted but. Any mirrors?

Re:Honest question

[Anonymous Coward]

Could you please forward the contact information for this Andy Tanenbaum person to me at the address below. I would like to have a word with him. Thanks.

355 South 520 West
Suite 100
Lindon, UT 84042

Tannenbaum still ahead!

[Vo0k]

See? It's Minix 3 already, while Linux is still in 2.x! ;)

Globule?

[Thuktun]

Disclaimer: I am the chief architect of Globule, the experimental content-distribution network used to host www.minix3.org.

Translation: "Please load-test my network."