I have been using Aros (in the form of Icaros Desktop) for a while now and it is about time I write about my verdict on it. There is a bit of a dilemma for me in some weird way as I am a OS4.x fan boy. From the start I suppose to hate it, right? Some kind of wannabe Amiga OS on X86 hardware. How could I even consider thinking about it let alone install it? How wrong could I be? Well beyond my dreams because it was love on first sight.
It runs on my old x86 hardware that became absolute due to the fact Windows would not run on it anymore. It’s fine if you are happy to wait 5 minutes every time you move the mouse. That was a great start for Aros because I did not have to go out and buy new hardware for it. Imagine if it runs on old outdated hardware like this it will shine on new modern hardware.
If you got some spare hardware lying around you should really install Icaros to give it a try. You can also run it within Windows or even boot it as a Live DVD. Personally I would recommend to run it on real hardware to experience it to the max.
One program I am really missing on Aros is a syntax highlight C editor. I really can’t work without one anymore since I start using Cubic IDE and CodeBench on Amiga OS4.x. For now I will have to do without but as you start working with larger portions of code you start loosing the oversight and it becomes hard to get to grips with it. I really hope someone will create this because this is something I really need.
Using Aros remotely
To my surprise Icaros contains VNC Server so I can sit downstairs with my Acer laptop and connect to my Icaros desktop upstairs. I use TightVNC Viewer in my Acer laptop to connect to my Icaros desktop and it works great.
With my upcoming holiday I will be able to use Icaros a lot more which is something I am really looking forward to. Mostly I will try to do some more programming and playing some games with the emulator. Of course I will be writing about it like I always do.
Coder's Blog 
backtothecode
As for the editor, couldn’t you just compile something that exist in the Linux ecosystem? I haven’t had a chance to make any progress with Aros/Icaros recently but if I remember correctly this should be easy.
Coder
That sounds like a good idea. So far it is ok but if the code grows I could go mental. If you are used to Cubic IDE and CodeBench it’s hard to go back to using a normal editor.
Old School Game Blog
Reblogged this on Old School Game Blog and commented:
Hi everyone,
My friend, Coder of the Bucket Diary, recently wrote an article about his first experience with AROS (he is using the Icaros Desktop distribution). It’s an interesting read, especially if we consider the fact that he’s a big fan of AmigaOS 4.x. After reading his text, I noticed that his thoughts was quite similar to mine. I’ve also been a bit sceptical about running an alternative Amiga-like OS on X86 hardware, but AROS was really an eye opener in that respect. Not only is it free, but it can run on a wide variety of hardware. For us that don’t have the cash to shell out for an AmigaOne X1000 or one of the Samantha models, AROS is a brilliant alternative. It’ll be interesting to following the development of the OS in the future and I wish they guys involved the best of luck. I also hope that the AmigaOS 4.x netbook will be out soon, because this camp needs more users and launching cheap entry-level hardware will contribute to that. 🙂 Anyway, hope you’ll enjoy his post and who knows, maybe some of you will be interested in going AROS as well? Thanks for reading and have a nice day!
Coder
Cheers for that. 🙂
anti-cusa for love Reggae and Amiga
AROS is indeed nice toy to play with and here is under represented to its abilities. See where AEROS is going, OS 3.x, x86 Linux and even WIn32 compatibility. However OS4 needs support to grow. But thanks.
vox
Coder
It certainly took me by surprise. The fact it runs on my old desktop system is a big plus. At least we have a choice. 🙂
anti-cusa for love Reggae and Amiga
Try AROS Vision under UAE Box or AEROS a great mix up with LInux. IcarOS is also update AROS. Taking old AROS distros is NOT recommended.