So, let's start. So, to be successful we need to keep in mind a few things: * we need binary compatibility from release to release, so companys can produce and sell closes source, this means binary only programs and device drivers! * we better add a compatiblity layer, so we can run all current BeOS programs * it may be a wise decision to create a compiler independent binary format, so we don't need to break compatiblity if the gcc compiler breaks compatibility , since we can't break our compatiblity * i think we should use the beos kernel approach, this means independent modules which are all loaded at boot time, and those who find hardware keep loaded. You really don't want a single large kernel you need to constantly recompile! Some legal things: * if we want to use GPL source code, how can we make it possible for other to produce closed source drivers without legal problems? * is a gpl kernel allowed to load non gpl driver modules? * or is it possible to have a non gpl (but open source) kernel, and have programmers write gpl drivers for this one? regards Marcus