KDE-Forum.org

Hi folks,
I've been a dedicated user of KDE since the 1.0 days and though trying other desktops, I always found myself returning to KDE. I do not know if this subject have been touched on yet, but please forgive me in advance if it has. One of the things I've liked about KDE was that it's for UNIX and UNIX like operating systems. I have been noticing a trend among some KDE users in looking for a base OS that targets KDE as its DE of choice. I personally use SuSE Linux since 6.2 for the same reasons. To make a long story short, I'm looking to see if there is any interest in giving KDE4 a OS base to call its own while still being a DE for other UNIX and UNIX-like operating systems out there. As per the subject, I was thinking of doing a clone of Microware's/Radisys RTOS OS-9 for x86 to do my part in making this a reality if there's interest. Even as a proof of concept. I know it's a tough undertaking, expecially for one person, but I would like to see a KDE based operating system while still have the option to install it on Linux and BSD someday.

Please, let me know what you think and thanks for your time in reading this.

You're quite right, Eebeest. Thanks for the heads up. There are others out there such as PC-BSD and the like, but reading OSNews and Slashdot about KDE can make a person quite depressed . In truth, OS-9 was more than another OS to me as it was the first UNIX-like OS I've ever used. Pretty much amazed DOS users (12MHz-25MHz PCs at the time) with a computer with just 512 megs of RAM and a 2MHz 68B09E processor downloading from a BBS, running a command shell script, and Playing King's Quest 3 simultaneously. I recently ran XMESS with OS-9 to make sure it wasn't nostalgia talking before I originally posted. It still felt unique and different. Yes, there are differences with the original x86 and 6809 versions, but the way both operate are still identical. Upon further reflection, if the KDE team wanted to endorse and focus on one OS they would have done so long ago. I might still try and reimplement OS-9 x86 as a personal hobby based on the current X86 documents for it though. As for your question (sorry for not getting to it sooner), I guess what I'm looking for in an OS is an nice console environment and powerful GUI that feels like one piece instead of two separate halfs. I've used OS X for about 2 1/2 years on a Mac I bought online. Though it was nicely intergrated, it felt limited from GUI standpoint (got spoiled on the KIOslaves), did not support HP Scanjet USB scanner without paying for drivers and found myself back to KDE. Also the GNU toolchain is nice, but does feel like overkill at times with all the option switches available for each command (mfree comes to mind). The BSD and QNX toolchains however seem to feel more like what I'm used to. I've wanted to try Solaris also, but could never download it from the maze that is Sun's website . I also used Kubuntu and Ubuntu for a few months but also ended up returning to SuSE (Odd I know considering my pervious wants in an OS). I know these are just personal peeves of mine, but it's good to get them out on a forum with a mature group of folks that can give good alternatives and personal advice. Again, thanks Eebeest and everyone else.