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|type = [[:Category:Emulators by operating system|Operating systems]]
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''{{for|software that emulates Amiga and AmigaOS on other hardware|Amiga line}}''
AmigaOS, the iconic operating system of the Commodore Amiga, popular home computing in the late 1980s. Its intuitive interface, pre-emptive multitasking, and multimedia capabilities captivated users around the world. But AmigaOS wasn't static; it evolved alongside hardware advancements, resulting in distinct eras under two primary CPU architectures: the m68k and the PowerPC.
;The m68k Era - Classic Charm and Efficiency
*AmigaOS 1.x to 3.x ran on the Motorola 68000 (m68k) CPU, renowned for its efficient instruction set and elegant design.
*This era witnessed the birth of beloved Amiga features like Workbench, Intuition, and AmigaGuide, fostering a user-friendly environment.
*The m68k's compact code size contributed to AmigaOS's responsiveness and low memory footprint, even on limited hardware.
*Games and applications designed for this era often exhibit unique quirks and charm, reflecting the limitations and ingenuity of the time.
;The PowerPC Era - Unlocking New Potential
*AmigaOS 4.x and beyond embraced the PowerPC architecture, unleashing a wave of performance and feature enhancements.
*The PowerPC's raw processing power allowed AmigaOS to tackle demanding tasks like high-definition video editing and complex 3D rendering.
*Enhanced multitasking capabilities improved overall system responsiveness and allowed users to run more resource-intensive applications concurrently.
*Compatibility with a broader hardware range, including modern peripherals and storage devices, expanded the possibilities for Amiga enthusiasts.
;Before diving in;
;*See each Wiki Category [[:Category:Consoles|Consoles]], [[:Category:Computers|Computers]] and [[:Category:Arcade|Arcade]] for individual dedicated system pages to see more detailed comparisons and information about software emulators. Dedicated system pages provide more up-to-date listings and in-depth information on specific aspects like hardware features, peripheral support, and compatibility etc.
;*Some games have [[Game engine recreations and source ports]] that run on AmigaOS, which can be the better than emulators for their specific games.
==List==
