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Frequently Asked Questions

How is BRiX pronounced?
Same as "bricks".

Is BRiX Open Source Software?
Yes, the source code has been released under the Artistic License.

Will it run existing programs for Linux, DOS, Windows or MacOS?
No, but emulators to run such programs can be written. This won't be a problem for programs written in interpreted languages such as perl, php, python, java or javascript because they don't exist in binary form. Binary programs will be significantly slower since they must use 100% emulation (no dynamic translation) due to the lack of hardware protection in BRiX.

UPDATE: There will be support for exokernel-style library operating systems (libOS) that create hardware protected contexts to execute foreign binaries. These libOSes will act as an interface between the foreign binary and services provided by the BRiX system.

Will it support any popular filesystems?
No, but filters to use data from other filesystems will be written. The system will treat these as local FTP servers.

Will it have internet access?
What kind of OS would it be without internet access. Yes, it will support all forms of internet connectivity, eventually.

Will it be POSIX compliant?
No, and it never will be. BRiX is a different kind of software architecture and making it POSIX compliant would make it easier to port 'dirty' programs that don't belong.

Will it use a graphical user interface (GUI)?
Yes, its primary interface is graphical. Its GUI has windows like many current GUIs but it will not use other common elements such as icons and menus. Another feature that makes it different is that every element of every window can be moved, removed or reconfigured. The user can embed entire programs, or parts of, into the desktop or into any other program. These features allow users to reconfigure the desktop and programs to their liking.

Will it have a text-based interface?
Yes, the user can have a text-based console or a graphical desktop. The unlimited number of desktops also gives it support for "virtual consoles".

Will it support Unicode?
Yes.

Will it have games?
Of course, as soon as someone makes them. BRiX makes an ideal platform to develop games on. The lack of hardware barriers will allow games to run faster on BRiX than on any other OS. Its integrated developement tools make it easy for programmers to access all the features at their disposal and to reuse existing code from other games.

What is the target audience?
Everyone. It will be easier than MacOS or Windows and more powerful than Unix. Both games and network servers will run faster than on any other OS. It can also be easily stripped down and customized for use in embedded systems.

What platforms will it run on?
Currently it only supports x86 but it has been designed to be easily portable to other platforms. The Tetra extensions that use assembler code will need to be ported as well as the boot and setup assembler code.

The system only allows source code to be compiled locally and does not allow binary code to be installed. This makes it truely portable because every piece of code written for it will run on any platform the system and language have been ported to.

When will it be usable?
When it's ready to use. :)

How can I help the project?
You can start by learning Tetra, then look over the source code and find something you would be interested in doing.