Download BeOS Free
Be, Inc. has announced that beginning at the end of the first quarter of 2000, when BeOS R5 becomes available, users will be able to download it free of charge for personal use. By registering on the Be Web site, users can download a fully functional, unlimited copy of the software.
BeOS 5 brings an exciting new boot option for users running Windows. In version 5, Be can launch from within Windows by double-clicking the icon like a regular program. The system will then exit Windows, and boot to BeOS using a large file in the FAT system that loads a BFS volume. This means that BeOS can run as an operating system without the need to partition the hard drive.
Users will also have the option of a regular installation to run Be as a stand-alone OS on a hard drive partition.
While the downloaded software does not include everything the retail version will include, it is not time limited or restricted in any manner. It will contain the full set of development tools that current versions of BeOS are bundled with. Be Inc. will be offering an expanded version of the OS, containing special software and utilities for users to purchase from their Web site.
By adding the new boot feature and making it available over the Internet, Be Inc. hopes to expand their user-base and convince developers, as well as other companies to bundle BeOS with their applications. This will give BeOS a greater market share and increase the knowledge of their system so that in the future, it can lead to an increase in the development of software for the Be platform.
BeOS 5 will be available no later than March 31, 2000 and will consist of a 40 to 60MB download from their Web site at http://free.be.com. To check your systems compatibility, visit http://www.be.com/compatible. Read the announcement and FAQ for more information.
If you would like to be informed as soon as BeOS becomes available for download, send a blank e-mail to [email protected].