Arca Noae has released ArcaOS 5.1.0. ArcaOS is an OS/2 based operating system. OS/2 appeared on the market in 1987 and was developed by IBM and Microsoft. After disagreements arose around the time of Windows 3.1’s release, IBM decided to go it alone in 1992. Eventually, the popularity of Windows 95 OS/2 took its toll, and IBM pulled the plug at the end of 2006. Arca Noae is one of the two companies They took over the support and development and now release it as ArcaOS.

ArcaOS includes support for newer devices, such as network cards, USB 2.0 and 3.0, and AHCI and NVME storage. In version 5.1.0, support for uefi and gpt partitions has been added. Moreover, it can be used in more languages, now also including Dutch, and the update can now be done from OS/2, eComStation or an earlier version of ArcaOS. Previously, a clean install was the only option. The release notes for version 5.1.0 can be found below.

ArcaOS 5.1.0 is now available

After years of development, Arca Noae is pleased to announce the general availability of Arca OS 5.1.0. For the first time in any OS/2-based distribution, ArcaOS 5.1 supports installation on the latest generation of UEFI-based systems, and includes the ability to install on GPT-based disk layouts. This allows ArcaOS 5.1 to be installed on a wide range of modern devices.

ArcaOS 5.1.0 can be used for new installations or to upgrade any version prior to ArcaOS 5. If installing from USB, the USB installation bracket can be created using any major operating system on hand (Windows, Linux, MacOS of course, OS/2, eComStation, ArcaOS). Once created, the USB drive can be inserted into any USB port on the target system to boot into the ArcaOS installer/update program in either UEFI or traditional BIOS mode (alternatively, the DVD image may be burned to physical media and also booted to any of the UEFI or conventional BIOS).

For a complete list of updates in this release, see ArcaOS wiki. Be sure to check out the README.TXT as well, as this contains important information to ensure you get up and running quickly, and includes tips for getting things right right away.

This upgrade is available at a deep discount with your valid subscription to ArcaOS 5.0 support and maintenance (and remaining subscription time will be added to the included support period). To download the new ISO file, simply visit your customer portal page and select ArcaOS Download Center The link on the navigation panel on the left. From there, click the “Upgrade to 5.1” button and proceed with the payment process.

If your ArcaOS 5.0 maintenance and support subscription has already expired, you can still upgrade for less than the cost of a new ArcaOS 5.1 license. Follow the procedure above to request the upgrade, and the discount will appear in your shopping cart.