I’ve heard that ArcaOS (Blue Lion) includes an updated kernel. Can you tell me more about this?

In short, the last kernel (core of the operating system) for OS/2 had some remaining issues, several of which have been addressed in ArcaOS 5.0. Essentially, these issues involve running DOS windows, unloading modules which have been loaded into high memory, and some other areas affecting stability.

ArcaOS includes a new loader making it possible to run ArcaOS 5.0 on systems which might otherwise only see 512MB of memory instead of the full compliment of RAM installed. In addition, this new loader allows the configuration of memory above 4GB as a RAM disk and includes a handy utility for creating and managing such virtual disks.

Arca Noae is looking at additional ways of enhancing the OS/2 kernel, as well, so look for more improvements over time.