SpareMiNT
SpareMiNT is a software distribution based on FreeMiNT, which consists of a MiNT-like operating system and kernel plus GEM compatible AES.
Features and compatibility
The English language distribution is intended for the Atari ST and derivative m68k computers, clones and emulators, such as the FireBee project or Hatari and ARAnyM. The MiNT itself, also once called MultiTOS, provided an Atari TOS compatible OS replacement with multitasking and multi-user switching capabilities and Unix-like operation, all of which the original TOS lacked.The distribution comes with Red Hat's rpm utility for managing the source- and binary packages. Unix/Linux-style software can be used, if ported, GEM-programs for TOS can run concurrently. The TOS clone EmuTOS, instead of Atari's original, can be used as a base to boot a MiNT, and e.g. XaAES, a modern AES derivate, as an essential part of the GEM-GUI.
FreeMiNT, and therefore SpareMiNT, is basically the enhanced and greatly improved derivate, and can be used on today's computers, even on different hardware platforms via emulation or Virtual Machines, thanks to the flexibility of the original MiNT and its components that made further development possible.
Comparable Distributions
EasyMiNT
Derived from SpareMiNT is EasyMiNT, using its software repository and a GEM based installer, providing a folder system similar to the UNIX Filesystem Hierarchy Standard and German language translations to programs.AFROS
AFROS comes as a set of files, creating a TOS compatible operating system; there exists a Live-CD to test. Its key components all consist of Free Software:AFROS software is available to all Atari and/or TOS compatible platforms, but is optimized to be used with the ARAnyM emulator.