The ReactOS project has consolidated its installation media by preparing a single BootCD, as detailed in a GitHub pull request. This new image combines the traditional text installer and LiveCD mode into one convenient media. Notably, the updated LiveCD mode now includes a graphical system installer option, aiming to enhance accessibility for new users, especially when using USB media.
In addition, ReactOS has integrated a new ATA storage driver into its codebase with the intent to improve hardware compatibility. This new driver, detailed in a GitHub pull request, supports various technologies such as SATA, PATA, ATAPI, AHCI, and even SCSI devices, potentially expanding ReactOS’s range of compatible hardware.
Furthermore, ReactOS has ventured into experimental support for the ARM64 architecture. Previously focused on i586 and AMD64 architectures, ReactOS can now boot on 64-bit ARM systems, such as the Raspberry Pi 5 or in QEMU with an Apple ARM64 processor, as detailed in this announcement.
All these features, in addition to recent improvements in graphics driver support, are now available for testing in the latest nightly test builds of ReactOS 0.4.17, accessible on their GitHub page.