I've always wondered if something seemingly impossible could be done with MMF2?
Here are my questions:
Could an operating system be made through MMF2?
What about a browser?
Or maybe a game console type thing? (You build the hardware thingy, then you create the application that runs applications from a CD)
So could any of these three things be done (With MMF2 of course)?
No. Yes. Yes.
Why not an operating system? Isn't it just a series of applications, DLLs, ect?
MMF2 makes software, not kernels, drivers and loads of other OS stuff, so it wouldn't be possible at all. It's like saying Clickteam builds operating systems (they build a tool to make games and applications without needing to know code) Plus, it's heavy tied to the Windows API, so again, not at all! You could make a distribution of Linux, and run your MMF2 through a compatibility layer like Wine, which in theory is like having your own operating system (Google it here) but really, it's just a distribution of Linux. (If you know about Linux, you'll know what I'm talking about)Originally Posted by XStar
Edit: I forgot to mention SUSE Studio -- a free easy tool for making your own Linux-based Live CD and appliances.
There's an extension called Web View Object, and it's based on Firefox (I think?) ... there's also the ActiveX control "Microsoft Internet Explorer" -- but it's not as friendly.
If you had a spare Windows/Linux PC around the house, you could set it up so it seamlessly logs in automatically and bring up a MMF2 application you made to handle what's put in the CD drive. If you have an Xbox Controller, you could purchase and hook up a receiver so it feels like a game console, but really... it's just a PC.
I too wondered about similar things long ago. You could be really creative with these things.
Number 3 sounds really interesting, do you have any more information on how to do this?
(As you already know, I'm also working on a server ((Apparently I just LOVE to test what I can acomplish
lh and Jacob are correct, however you could create your own 'shell' for Windows. There are numerous tricks dating back to Win95 by replacing explorer (not literally just disabling explorer from launching) this gives you the chance to load a shell up in front of it with the entire Windows environment also loaded.
Oh, by the way, took a look a SUSE Studio! (SO COOL!)
Let's develop the idea: Let's suppose you have a spare Windows PC that looks like an Xbox 360
There's loads of third party tools for Windows which can completely customize the interface, from the start-up screen to the cursors. (Some searches you might want to research here, here and here) Your aim is that from the moment you press the power button, it has your logo/brand and then the main menu (your application built by MMF2 -- something like the Wii Menu, Xbox Dashboard, PS3 Menu etc)
The main MMF2 application can be controlled by a controller (a USB PC one or Xbox 360 controller maybe?) and this will be in charge of reading what's in the CD Tray. Essentially it will open another MMF2 program. All of this should be done in full-screen mode. It's like having your own games console, it could be a creative project for you to explore. Remember to execute "shutdown.exe -s" to shut off your custom built "games PC" rather then ending the application.
The only downside of doing it with Windows is the nagging updates and consistent anti-virus scanning you'd want to avoid..... there's always the Linux platform which is a bit more lightweight and can run MMF2 applications through a layer called Wine. Linux could do with some gaming
Edit: With SUSE Studio you looked at, it's possible you can make a Live CD with your game included meaning it'll work on most PCs by booting from CD.
XStar, with these things being said... make sure you make backups before messing around with the Windows registry or using tools that will tinker with the operating systems' files, just in case a disaster happens.
Wise words. If I was you and you have a spare computer laying around, use that as your test machine and obviously not your main development machine. When I used to dabble with this kind of development like 1998-2001 I just used to use a 'test machine' that had no important data on it. This way, if you fluff anything up you can just re-install Windows back over the top and try again
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