We'll begin with a introduction, here's a extract from the wiki:
GEOS (Graphic Environment Operating System) was an operating system from Berkeley Softworks (later GeoWorks). Originally designed for the Commodore 64 and released in 1986, it provided a graphical user interface for this popular 8-bit computer.
GEOS closely resembled early versions of Mac OS and included a graphical word processor (geoWrite) and paint program (geoPaint). For many years, Commodore bundled GEOS with its redesigned and cost reduced C64, the C64C. At its peak, GEOS was the third most popular operating system in the world in terms of units shipped, trailing only MS-DOS and Mac OS.
Other GEOS-compatible software packages were available from Berkeley or from third parties, including a reasonably sophisticated desktop publishing application called geoPublish and a spreadsheet called geoCalc. While geoPublish was not as sophisticated as Aldus Pagemaker and geoCalc not as sophisticated as Microsoft Excel, the packages provided reasonable functionality, and Berkeley founder Brian Dougherty claimed the company ran its business using its own software on Commodore 8-bit computers for several years.
Enhanced versions of GEOS later became available for the Commodore 128 and the Apple II family. A lesser-known version was also briefly released for the Commodore Plus/4.
Plus 4 GEOS
Do download and use GEOS for the Plus 4, you can download the Operating System freely from cbm264.com
Video of GEOS in operation on the Plus 4
Instructions on how to use with YAPE
Instructions on using GEOS with Yape
There are just a few points you need to remember when using GEOS on Yape.
Activate drives 8 & 9 using 1551 with CPU Level/Compatibility
Its best to configure the emulator for a Plus 4 with 256k of Ram.
Always leave the boot disk in drive A, and mount your program disks on drive B.
The mouse pointer is controlled by the joystick in port 2.
GEOS games on the Plus 4
I thought we would start with a few GEOS games, as not much is spoken about the games on this fantastic operating system. That are compatible with the Plus 4.
A wonderful graphic adventure game. The author has given us permission to display his work on the website. For further information about Sean (the author) go to his homepage
Hypex, the B/W screen is for speed and resolution. Remember, multi colour in your C16 is only at 160x200, that is not enough for an OS "workbench". If GEOS is for Word processing, small games, or vector-based drawing, this is all ok. On GEOS this programs have beautiful patterns, and this pictures from The Orb... woa.
Unfortunately my GEOS is German, and the cbm264.com has closed.
I am surprised to GEOS on the C16/+4! After looking at the pictuires I am disappointed though. Why did they want to make it look like a Mac? I mean, given the C64 only had 16 colours it's understandable that not much can be done there. ;-) But even the C16 had a superior 121 colour palette and where are all those colours!? :-?
Can you imagine an Amiga Workbench replacement that looks like an MDA screenmode?
The C16 was my first computer and despite what it was slandered as I'm glad I owned one. To me it was the best (except the Plus/4) and having friends who owned C64s I knew mine had the easier, superior OS and bitmap graphic ability. Pitty we never got to much of that.
Unfortunately my GEOS is German, and the cbm264.com has closed.
Can you imagine an Amiga Workbench replacement that looks like an MDA screenmode?
The C16 was my first computer and despite what it was slandered as I'm glad I owned one. To me it was the best (except the Plus/4) and having friends who owned C64s I knew mine had the easier, superior OS and bitmap graphic ability. Pitty we never got to much of that.