This reply is from Ben, an alt.os.development subscriber:
> For those interested, one of the FASM board members is running a Create an
> OS competition... details can be found here:
>
http://board.flatassembler.net/topic.php?t=2164
>
> Anyway from the post:
>
> 512b Operating System Contest
>
http://512.decard.net
>
> 512b contest is an open competition, which goal is to create an operating
> system that will fit in one sector (512 bytes).
>
> Rules:
>
> a.. Valid entries are those submitted at
http://512.decard.net before
> 1/10/2004 00:00 (GMT)
(1st Oct 2004)
> b.. The maximum size for all code and data compiled, is limited to 512
> bytes, but there is no limit on size of memory used.
Which means that we can not assume anything about any of the data on
the remaining sectors of the disk.
> c.. The OS should be stand alone and boot without any external assistance,
> but use of BIOS is allowed.
>
> d.. The winning OS will be the one, judged to have the largest number of
> different features, or the best single feature, that fits in the given limit
> and is self booting.
>
> e.. It is in the interest of the participant to make it run in BOCHS, as
> this is what most people will test it with, but not mandatory.
>
> f.. There is no limits to the used algorithms or data compression as long
> as decompresser fits within given limit.
>
> g.. The winner is defined by public vote and arbitrated by me (decard)
>
> h.. All entries must be able to be assembled with Fasm .
This I have to ask why? I have an idea, but is this a *must*.
> i.. All entries, must provied source code for there OS, but not until,
> after the 1/10/2004 00:00 (GMT), if after 1/10/2004 00:00 (GMT) the winner
> does not provide the source code they will be disqualified.
>
> j.. Only Fasm Forum Members will be allowed to enter and vote, no
> participant can vote for there own entry, and each member is limited to one
> entry.
I think all should be allowed to enter, just have to be a member to vote.
> Just for those interested...
>
> --
> Darran (aka Chewy509)...
Now for the assumptions:
- what can we assume about register contents upon execution
of first instruction of our code?
- dl = disk drive
- usually, but not always, ds = 0x0040
- will a valid stack be setup
I would say that only DL can be assumed, and we must
set up a valid stack if we use a stack.
- Do we have to have the JMP xx/NOP bytes at the first?
- Can we assume it is a 1.44meg floppy?
- Can we assume that the text display is valid and at 0x0B8000?
A few other rules we may consider:
- The a20 line may not be assumed set.
- The processor will be in real mode, not unreal mode.
Anyway, I just had a few minutes to comment about this contest.
It sounds interesting.
Thanks,
Ben
Back to me now!
Also, is it possible to allow exceptions to "must be board members" rule?
Chewy509...