Minimising Dependencies

AniAni
6 min read

In today’s world, technology is often seen as a tool for efficiency, but in reality, it has become a structure of control. Operating systems dictate how we interact with software, app stores determine what we can access, and centralised networks govern our digital presence. The prevailing belief is that these structures are necessary for stability, security, and usability. However, don’t you think that technology should minimise dependencies rather than create them. Instead of being locked into specific platforms, users and developers should be free to interact, build, and own their digital experiences without artificial barriers.

The future of computing and web can not be walled gardens but open, permissionless, and decentralised protocols. We need to rethink the fundamental design of digital ecosystems, not as closed systems but as universal environments where applications and services are accessible to all, without intermediaries.

Currently, the digital world is built on a fragmented ecosystem of operating systems, Windows, MacOS, and Linux, each with its own architecture, software packaging formats, and compatibility constraints. Even within Linux, the presence of multiple distributions (Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch, etc.) means that software developers must support various package managers like DEB, RPM, AppImage, Flatpak, Homebrew and Snap. This creates unnecessary complexity and overhead, forcing developers to maintain multiple versions of their applications, resolve dependency conflicts, and manage frequent updates for each platform.

Beyond operating systems, cloud services and centralised application marketplaces have further deepened our dependence on proprietary infrastructures. Most modern applications rely on centralised servers for authentication, data storage, and computing resources, making them vulnerable to downtime, censorship, and high costs. This centralised model not only limits innovation but also creates gatekeepers who control access to digital services.

Remeber Tor? “The Onion Router”, an open-source privacy network designed to enable anonymous web browsing. It employs a technique called onion routing, which encrypts user data and bounces it through a series of volunteer-operated servers, or nodes, making it difficult to trace the origin of the traffic. It’s quite popular amongst tech audience but not so much known in the newer generation and is slowly fading away yet still. Why? It’s an incredible network and project.

Because, it several challenges for regular users, primarily related to access, security, performance, and user experience. Many websites block traffic from Tor exit nodes, leading to difficulties accessing certain sites and frequent CAPTCHA prompts. Additionally, users face security risks from potentially malicious exit nodes that could intercept unencrypted traffic. Performance can also be an issue, as Tor often results in slower internet speeds and connection problems due to its complex routing process. Furthermore, the setup of Tor can be complicated for less tech-savvy individuals, which may discourage them from using the network effectively. The association of Tor with illegal activities can also create negative perceptions, impacting users’ willingness to utilise it for legitimate purposes. Overall, while Tor offers enhanced privacy, these challenges can significantly affect the user experience.

Do we need a network then? No, we already got the tech. Started with TOR, but current web3 vibrant and somewhat crazy ecosystem is already making it’s mark. So, what do we need?

How about a new OS?

This is where CyberSpace OS comes in. A fully decentralised operating system that exists entirely on Web3 networks, offering a new way to interact with technology that is free from the constraints of traditional software and hardware ecosystems. CyberSpace OS, designed to break free from these limitations by offering a truly universal execution environment where applications are deployed directly on-chain as smart contracts or Web3-native dApps. Instead of being tied to a specific OS or hardware architecture, software would exist independently on a decentralised network, accessible from any device.

With CyberSpace OS:

  • Developers deploy once on a blockchain and make their applications universally accessible.

  • Users interact with applications without requiring installations, updates, or dependencies on traditional OS platforms.

  • The operating system itself is not a software package but a network protocol, meaning that access to applications is fluid, borderless, and truly open.

  • The storage is partially distributed and partially **InterPlanetary File System (**IPFS) based.

This approach eliminates the need for package managers, compatibility layers, or centralised repositories. Instead of apps being tied to Windows, MacOS, or Linux distributions, they become accessible through decentralised execution environments that are maintained across a distributed network. With smart contract-driven applications, developers no longer need to worry about distribution logistics or maintenance across multiple platforms. Everything is handled in a trustless, automated manner on the blockchain.

The benefits of a Web3-native OS extend far beyond decentralisation for its own sake. By eliminating dependencies on traditional operating systems and cloud infrastructure, CyberSpace OS drastically reduces costs associated with software development, distribution, and hosting.

  • Cost Efficiency: Cloud services are expensive, requiring developers to pay for hosting, maintenance, and bandwidth. With a decentralised network, computing resources can be distributed across nodes, reducing infrastructure costs while ensuring redundancy and uptime.

  • Performance Gains: Instead of routing traffic through centralised data centers, decentralised execution allows applications to run closer to the end user, reducing latency and improving performance. By utilising Layer 2 scaling solutions, zk-rollups, and distributed computing, CyberSpace OS ensures high efficiency without sacrificing security.

  • Simplified Development: Developers no longer need to manage different OS versions, dependencies, or update cycles. A single deployment on CyberSpace OS ensures their application is always accessible and up to date.

Building Towards a Truly Open CyberSpace

The long-term vision of CyberSpace OS is to create a self-sustaining digital world, where users are not just consumers but active participants in an open, decentralised economy. Instead of relying on tech giants for software, storage, and computing, individuals and communities can collectively own and govern the infrastructure they depend on.

In this world:

  • Users own their data and identity, free from the control of centralised platforms.

  • Applications run on decentralised networks, ensuring resilience and censorship resistance.

  • The operating system itself is not an installable product but an evolving, trustless environment that runs across the blockchain.

The Future is Protocol-Based, Not Platform-Based

For decades, the digital landscape has been dominated by platforms. Closed systems that dictate how technology is used, who has access, and how data flows. CyberSpace OS proposes an alternative: a world where protocols replace platforms, ensuring that applications, services, and digital interactions remain open, permissionless, and universally accessible.

This is not just an evolution of computing, it’s a fundamental shift in how we think about technology. By removing artificial dependencies and embracing decentralised, trustless networks, we can build a truly open CyberSpace. One where innovation is unhindered, costs are minimised, and users have complete control over their digital lives.

The time has come to break free from outdated models and build an operating system for the future. CyberSpace OS is not just another alternative. It is the foundation for a new digital era!

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