Why This Matters
CP/M-386 represents an effort to bring the classic CP/M operating system into the protected mode environment of modern 386 processors, enhancing compatibility and functionality for legacy software on contemporary hardware. Its development signifies ongoing interest in preserving and adapting vintage computing systems for current technology, offering potential benefits for software preservation, embedded systems, and retro computing enthusiasts.
Key Takeaways
- Supports 386 and later systems with 2MB+ memory, compatible with BIOS and UEFI.
- Highly source-compatible with earlier CP/M versions, maintaining broad software support.
- Builds on modern Linux, FreeBSD, and NetBSD platforms using standard tools like GCC.
CP/M‑386 is CP/M for 386 protected mode, derived from CP/M‑68K.
Overview
CP/M‑386 is currently in the very early development stages.
Hardware support
Compatible with 386 (and later systems) with 2MB (or more) memory.
Systems using either PC BIOS or UEFI (with CSM) are supported.
VGA, 8042 PS/2, 8250/16450/16550 UART, CMOS RTC, and 8253/8254 PIT are supported.
CP/M compatibility
CP/M‑386 should be highly source‑compatible with other implementations:
System BDOS coverage CP/M‑68K 1.3 100% CP/M 2.2 100% CP/M‑Plus 71% DOS‑Plus 62% MP/M 2.1 50%
... continue reading
GoKawiil