A Powerful Operating System on 8-Bit Hardware
In a new video, Cameron Nelson (aka thebadspy) introduces CX16OS, a Unix-style operating system designed for the 8-bit Commander X16. This 40-minute walkthrough replaces hours of previous videos, showing both what CX16OS can do and how to install it on your emulator or hardware.
Designed with Retro Tech, Powered by Modern Concepts
Built for the 65816 CPU and inspired by Linux and BSD, CX16OS brings modern OS features to vintage hardware. It offers preemptive multitasking, piping, scripting, and a suite of shell tools—all on a platform never built for this level of functionality.
Despite its complexity, CX16OS remains approachable. It combines technical brilliance with a quirky, retro charm.
How to Install and Boot CX16OS
Getting started is fast and simple. First, download the latest build from GitHub. Then, load the image into the X16 emulator and start the shell.
Cameron walks you through each step—mounting the disk image, launching the boot script, and navigating the system. There’s no need to guess flags or dig through obscure documentation.
Multitasking on an 8-Bit Computer
CX16OS truly shines when multitasking. Use the & symbol to run programs in the background. You can manage them with the kill command.
You’re able to run multiple programs at once, view process IDs, and interact with processes directly from the shell. And all of this runs on a machine that clocks in at just 8 MHz.
Scripting, Shell Tools, and Pipes
CX16OS includes Scriptor, a shell-compatible scripting language. It supports loops, variables, and conditional logic like if/then.
The OS also brings in essential Unix-style tools:
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Pipes connect commands just like in modern systems. Additionally, each command comes with a basic but usable man page.
A Peek at Graphical Potential
Cameron shows off a small experiment—a graphical text terminal built on a bitmap renderer. While simple, this hints at future graphical extensions for CX16OS.
Why Cameron Built CX16OS
CX16OS is not a Linux replacement. Instead, Cameron created it to teach OS design, explore hardware limitations, and simply have fun building something useful.
He also shares real-world stories from development—dealing with emulator bugs, late-night debugging, and the long evolution of the project throughout his college years.
Who Should Watch This Video?
If you own a Commander X16, enjoy retrocomputing, or want to build your own OS, this video is for you. It’s hands-on, detailed, and packed with inspiration.
Explore what’s possible when modern ideas meet classic hardware.
