Now that we are nearing the end of the semester, let's think about all the facets we've
learned that go into an operating system. Find information about a now defunct operating
system. If you've found the information online, share the URL with the class. Why do you
think this operating system is no longer in use?
The Amiga operating system, which was first introduced with the Amiga 1000 computer
by Commodore in the mid-1980s, is an example of a once widely celebrated but now defunct
operating system. Despite its advanced features for the time, such as preemptive multitasking, a
sleek quick-load OS, and superior graphics capabilities, the Amiga OS saw a decline towards the
mid-1990s. This decline was due to several factors, including questionable decisions by
Commodore, the company behind Amiga, and the eventual closure of Commodore in 1994. The
rights to the computer and its software suite went through several hands and legal complications,
further complicating its development and adoption. Despite attempts to bring Amiga into the 21st
century by enthusiasts, the operating system is no longer widely used due to its high cost, the
small size of its developer community, and the challenges in updating its traditional desktop
software amid legal complications. These factors have contributed to the Amiga OS's status as
largely obsolete in the modern computing landscape.
