Note: from the directory listing are additional compiled kernels, files for testing purposes, including FreeCom compiled to support additional languages.
The "official" kernel is the sourceforge 'freedos' project 'kernel' cvs.
It has two branches, HEAD and UNSTABLE.
The UNSTABLE (aka development) branch is what I refer to as the development
kernel (kernels with w suffix). It is for those wanting to make
major changes or otherwise controversial changes. The 'unstable' notation is because
the changes here are less tested and there may occasionally be regressions
or bugs that hopefully will not show in a stable release.
The HEAD (aka stable) branch is where released versions
are made from. Fixes and changes from the UNSTABLE branch will be merged into
here as reviewed and/or they are decently tested. Some changes
may not be merged or merged slower than necessary (see mailing list).
Head is meant to remain as a stable branch for those needing a stable
kernel for their product [personal or commercial] or those not
wanting to help improve the kernel. The dev branch is meant for those
who are willing to help improve the kernel (or simply have a program
that needs a fix yet to be merged). Patches are accepted for both
branches, but those to the dev series may be applied quicker or with
less rigorous review than patches to the stable series.
Stable kernel snapshot from cvs HEAD branch.
Open Watcom, Fat32 enabled, for 8086+
Development kernel snapshot from cvs UNSTABLE branch.
Open Watcom, Fat32 enabled, for 8086+
For modern systems consider the 386 optimized kernel - kwc38632.dev.zip
Simply rename included kwc38632.sys to KERNEL.SYS. You may wish to view the
directory index for additional alternate compiled kernels, e.g. compiled without FAT32 support,
8086+/186+/386+, and built with various compilers.
Development kernel snapshot from cvs UNSTABLE branch with debugging code enabled.
Very verbose! use only to help track down problems.
Open Watcom, Fat32 enabled, for 8086+