Software:Dreamshell

From HandWiki
DreamShell
OS familyUnix-like
Available inEnglish
PlatformsSega Dreamcast

DreamShell is a Unix-like operating system, designed for the Sega Dreamcast video game console. It is based on KallistiOS libraries. Originally a command line interface with the ability to run third-party applications, later versions of DreamShell gained a GUI XML-module and support for applications written in the lua-scripts, with the ability to enhance their functionality by using functions of KLF-modules (analogous to DLL in Kallisti OS).

Version history of DreamShell

  • DreamShell 1.0.0 - release date February 2, 2004
  • DreamShell 1.1.0 Beta - release date 20 April 2004
  • DreamShell 1.1.5 Beta
  • DreamShell 1.1.8 - release date 28 April 2004
  • DreamShell 1.2.0 - release date 5 May 2004
  • DreamShell 1.2.1 - release date 5 May 2004
  • DreamShell 1.2.2 - release date 7 May 2004
  • DreamShell 1.2.3 - release date June 2004
  • DreamShell 1.3.0 Build 71 - Release date July 24, 2004

DreamShell XT

  • DreamShell XT 2.0.0 Alpha build 280
  • DreamShell XT 2.1.1 Alpha2 build 457
  • DreamShell XT 2.3.0
  • DreamShell XT 2.3.1

DreamShell NG

  • DreamShell NG 3.0.0.100 PreAlpha
  • DreamShell NG 3.0.0.500
  • DreamShell NG 3.0.0.800
  • DreamShell NG 3.0.0.810

DreamShell 4

  • DreamShell 4.0.0 Beta The system acquires a new, cross-platform kernel and GUI. Able to write applications in Lua, using the functions of the modules KLF, written in C.
  • DreamShell 4.0.0 Beta 2
  • The first version to include a simple File Manager.
  • Added support for the integrated SD Card. This makes it possible to manage the files on the SD card, the VMU, or another storage device connected to Dreamcast. Supports all major file system capabilities. The file names are limited by 8.3 convention.
  • Added a new XML element <cardstack>
  • Added a loading screen (displayed when the application is loaded.)
  • Added initial support for cursor changes GUI.
  • Fixed parsing of XML in color for items <label> and <input>.
  • Event "onload" (in XML <body>) the application is now running in a separate thread.
  • Rewrote the API functions to work with the console commands and new features associated with the withdrawal of the console.
  • Added ability to "put down" the core of DreamShell.
  • DreamShell 4.0.0 Beta 3
  • SD Card file system no longer limited by the 8.3 standard, making it possible to have long file names and file names using Russian alphabet. Library updated to work with the FAT.
  • File Manager updated. Added new functions to work with files (archiving, decompression, rename) and support for more file formats by loading the appropriate module if necessary.

Fixed modules mp3 and ogg, now when they are loaded into the console commands appear to play these formats, as well as their support is implemented in the file manager.

  • Added a module created from the program VC / DC 0.2 (VideoCD player for the Dreamcast).
  • Added gzip and bzip2 to work with the same name archives.
  • The cursor in the GUI can now be changed at any time.
  • Added new event in XML <body> - "onopen", "onclose", "onunload".
  • Path to XML can now be relative, just added the ability to set the working directory for DreamShell.
  • Now DreamShell can boot directly from the SD card using "DreamShell SD Loader".
  • Added module sdiso, when it is loaded the same name appears in the command console, which you can run ISO images with the SD card, this will be in the file manager so you can run the images by clicking on the ISO file.
  • DreamShell 4.0.0 Beta 4
  • Reworked the video rendering. Now it works in a separate process, which will not freeze the OS, and the speed of it has been increased.
  • Added support for external commands. Commands are separately compiled programs in (ELF format) or Lua-scripts. Located in the directory cmds.
  • Updated library fatfs (to work with the SD card) to the latest version, as well as improving its functions to the OS.
  • Module sdiso is no longer a module, now it is designed as an external command. It also has been updated libraries in the fatfs and added support for long file names.
  • Added new commands, including:
bios - command allows flashing of the BIOS (if you have bios mod)
gdrip - command to rip GD-ROM to the SD card.
hack - command to hack LBA in binary. Can hack into binary and directly in the ISO image.
ffdev - command to work with the SD card.
dreameye - command to save and delete pictures from the camera Dreameye.
luac - compiler lua scripts into bytecode.

Some internal to external commands were added, so as to facilitate the DS kernel.

  • Slightly refined file manager. There are hints in the toolbar, as well as the title shows the current path. Also, it has built-in support for BIOS flashing (when you click on a file with the extension. Bios) and rip GD-ROM.
  • Added DreamShell application to install the BIOS (if the hardware mod BIOS). Now you can download directly without DreamShell ROM BIOS and SD cards.
  • Added initial support for the network.
  • Added module lwip, which is an alternative to built-in support network.
  • Libraries zip and bzip2 were made in separate modules, to facilitate core DS.
  • Added a virtual keyboard that works in both the console and in the GUI. Called shift on the joystick.
  • Faster loading the kernel DS.
  • The buttons in the GUI add mouseover and mouseout;
  • New features in the API.

Applications

File Manager

The first application, which appeared in DreamShell version 4.0.

DSInstall

Allows you to install the operating system directly to Dreamcast BIOS.

Region Changer

Lets you change the console's regional setting and video output format (PAL / NTSC) without flashing the BIOS. The application relies on consoles with a modified motherboard.

External links