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| Commodore OS Vision | |
|---|---|
 Commodore OS Beta 9 Desktop | |
| Developer | Commodore USA, Leo Nigro |
| OS family | Linux (Unix-like) |
| Working state | Current |
| Source model | Open source |
| Latest release | 3.0 / 22 April 2025[1] |
| Update method | APT |
| Package manager | dpkg |
| Supported platforms | x86-64 |
| Kernel type | Monolithic (Linux) |
| Userland | GNU |
| Default user interface | MATE |
| License | GNU General Public License, others |
| Official website | Commodore OS Vision |
Commodore OS (full name:Commodore OS Vision) is a community drivenfree-to-downloadLinux distribution for Commodore enthusiasts purchasing Commodore licensed computer equipment. First developed byCommodore USA, it was intended for use on their range of PCs, particularly theCommodore 64x and Vic Slim computers. The first public beta version was released on 11 November 2011.[2] It was based onLinux Mint, and used theGNOME 2 desktop environment. The company became defunct in 2013 before version 1.0 of the OS could officially come out of beta.
In 2021, Commodore USA's spiritual successor, My Retro Computer Ltd., announced aKickstarter campaign to bring back the Commodore 64x. The following year, it was announced by Leo Nigro, former CTO of Commodore USA and who is originally responsible for the OS, that a new release would be made for the return of the Commodore 64x. Version 2.0 officially came out of beta and was released on 13 December 2023. Available to download via aTorrent file on the Commodore OS official website,[3] it is based onDebian and is an unofficialMX Linux re-spin using theCompiz window manager.
There is also an online forum, dedicated to the OS itself and to the new C64x, where people can read the latest news/updates, request help with issues they are encountering, and discuss many things Commodore.[4]
The first beta of the OS was released on 12 November 2011 by Commodore USA, announced as an operating system for "pre-installation on all future Commodore USA hardware".[5] Version 1.0 never officially came out of the beta phase as Commodore USA went defunct in 2013. The company's website hosting the OS shutdown, and its last release was beta 9 on 9 July 2012.
However, it continued to have small community support - with an unofficial 32 bit version of the operating system released on 22 February 2012. The software and drivers have continued to be available through a page set up by ex-Commodore USA employees who run the still active Commodore USA Facebook page.[6]
Following the demise of Commodore USA, My Retro Computer Ltd. purchased the company's domain name and C64x molds/stock. On 21 December 2021, it was announced on My Retro Computer's YouTube channel that aKickstarter campaign was going to launch to bring back the Commodore 64x in all new colors and case designs.[7]
In May 2022 Leo Nigro, former CTO of Commodore USA, who was responsible for the OS announced he would make a new release in time for the return of the Commodore 64x.[8] Version 2.0 officially came out of beta and was released on 13 December 2023. It is currently available to download via aTorrent file on the Commodore OS official website.[3] Unlike Version 1.0, Version 2.0 is based onDebian and is an unofficialMX Linux re-spin using theCompiz window manager.[citation needed]
In Version 3.0 of Commodore OS, a modern BASIC implementation is included as Commodore OS BASIC V1[9] with modern 3d graphics, built in sprites, tile maps and 2D and 3D physics and user types. In the Version 3.0 release, it includes a new settings manager for configuring ROMs and emulation, and basic theming options for the system such as animated backgrounds.
Commodore OS is not compatible withCommodore 64 software. However, it does containVICE, anopen-source program which emulates Commodore systems.
Commodore OS was designed as a way to imitate the look and feel of Commodore's legacy systems, and as a complement to the all-in-one-keyboard style of the personal computer. Commodore OS includes a collection of software intended to imitate classic Commodore software.
