Back in high school this was one of my first introductions to assembly programming, compilers/linkers, and OS design. It sparked my interest in what an operating system could be and was small enough that someone could pick it up and learn about what made the system tick. I recently emailed Mike and thanked him for creating something that put me on the path to my PhD. He's a super cool guy and a true tinker-er at heart. Really great project.
Did he used to write for Linux format magazine or something similar in the UK? I recall them poking fun that his os had been removed from Wikipedia for not being note worthy or something. Or maybe I'm confusing him for someone else
I agree with this on both counts. It's rare to see a relatively low profile project like MikeOS remain supported by the original developer for so long. For Mike, this really is a labour of love. And Mike was also a great podcaster and should try getting the gang back together for a Christmas special. With Pink Ponies, naturally.
He also did a podcast with Linux Voice magazine and, more recently, as a guest on various other podcasts in his role as Community and Marketing coordinator at The Document Foundation.
How to write a simple operating system - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=14125598 - April 2017 (59 comments)
How to write a simple operating system - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=2100115 - Jan 2011 (21 comments)
MikeOS - simple OS you can use for learning about how OSes work - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=159429 - April 2008 (4 comments)