Context: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKzRf8B-oDk
Would it be possible to run mpv and a browser directly on hardware somehow? Perhaps in an environment that doesn’t classify as an operating system according to the definition in those California codes?
I know that an operating system distributes workloads and facilitates communication between various hardware components, but would it be possible to build a Linux kernel that is “only” an interface to the CPU, a GPU, a sound card and a keyboard? One that can take commands to run for instance a browser[1] and mpv? Having the user manually - through commands of physical switches - handle the inter component communication? Or perhaps by being a kernel it already falls under the definition of an OS?
I’m just spitballing here. Barely know what I’m talking about, so please enlighten me! :D
Nowadays, a browser feels like a container that can run most things a physical computer would: stream media, serve as a word processor, play simple games, what have you. ↩︎
If you are concerned about the new California law it is important to point out that the California law only applies to Operating Systems vendors and providers. It does not apply to end users.
For example, if you obtain a copy of a Canadian linux distro and install and use it on your computer in California, you aren’t breaking any law.