Etos - A Multi-Lingual Time Sharing System for the Pdp8

Summary This document introduces ETOS (EDUCOMP’s Time-shared Operating System), a hardware and software package designed to maximize the utility of the PDP8 computer. ETOS is engineered to support up to 16 concurrent users, providing each with the experience of a dedicated system featuring 64K bytes of memory.

The paper outlines the limitations of traditional PDP8 computing—such as the inefficiencies of single-user interactive modes, the lack of hardware/software standardization, and the restrictive nature of early batch and real-time processing. To address these issues, the authors define ten key goals for a robust computer utility, including remote access, continuous operation, reliable file systems, and the ability to support diverse, conflicting user objectives within a single, flexible environment. Finally, the document provides a historical overview of computer functions and the evolution of I/O and storage technologies, positioning ETOS as a solution to the bottlenecks inherent in previous operating environments.