MINIX 3 is a new open-source operating system designed to be highly reliable and secure. It is based somewhat on previous versions of MINIX, but is fundamentally different in many key ways. MINIX 1 and 2 were intended as teaching tools; MINIX 3 adds the new goal of being usable as a serious system on resource-limited and embedded computers and for applications requiring high reliability.
MINIX 3 is initially targeted at the following areas:
- Applications where very high reliability is required
- Single-chip, small-RAM, low-power, $100 laptop for Third-World children
- Embedded systems (e.g., cameras, DVD recorders, cell phones)
- Applications where the GPL is too restrictive (MINIX 3 uses a BSD-type license)
- Education (e.g., operating systems courses at universities)
MINIX 3 Features
- POSIX compliant
- Networking with TCP/IP
- Two ANSI C compilers (ACK and gcc)
- Over 300 UNIX programs
- Many improvements since V2
- Full multiuser and multiprogramming
- Support for memory up to 4 GB
- Device drivers run as user processes
- Full C source code supplied
- Runs on 386, 486, Pentium, etc.