Ric's RISC OS Page
What is RISC OS?
Reduced Instruction Set Computer Operating System is the operating system developed by Acorn for its Archimedes
personal computers and their successors. RISC OS is now owned and developed by RISC OS
Limited, 3 Clarendon Road, Cyncoed, CARDIFF CF23 9JD. RISC OS version 5 has been developed by Castle Technology
Limited for the IYONIX PC.
Why do I use a RISC OS computer?
- The best and most user-friendly GUI bar none.
- OS in ROM - fast startup, can't be corrupted by viruses.
- StrongARM RISC processor - low power consumption.
- Well though-out architecture.
- Ergonomic three-button mouse.
- Fast, efficient software - economical with disc space and RAM.
- Anti-aliased outline fonts.
- Immune to all Windows and Microsoft Office viruses and worms.
- Starts up clean every time (according to desktop boot file).
- Handles GMT and BST correctly.
- Helpful software developers and vendors.
- Excellent applications like TechWriter, Artworks, Photodesk and Ovation Pro.
- Lots of freeware, shareware and PD software.
- Low cost of ownership - upgrade every 10 years, not every 18 months.
- Software compatibility - even 1980s BBC Micro programs can be run.
- BBC Basic with built-in assembler.
- Uses file type - no need for filename extensions.
- Files stay in the right order in the filer window.
- No rebuilding desktop file.
- No irritating paper clips.
- No "Do you want to save the changes you have made?" when you haven't made any.
- No "Saving your personal settings".
- No "My this", "My that", "My the other".
Comparison of restart times
- Windows PC (Dell Optiplex GX200, Windows 2000): shutdown in 32s, restart in 2min, 27s.
- Mac (PowerPC 7500/100, MacOS 9): shutdown in 9s, restart in 1min, 58s.
- RiscPC (Kinetic 300, RISC OS 4): shutdown immediate, restart in 15s.
The time is measured from last click on "shutdown", "restart" or "OK" until the desktop
is fully restored and operational. Network login script was not included in PC timing.
OK, so what are the drawbacks then?
- Latest web developments take more time to be implemented for RISC OS.
- Hardware developments lag behind.
- Some specialised applications simply aren't available.
- Not available from computer and electrical chain stores.
However for most home, educational and small business uses the advantages of RISC OS far outweigh the minor
inconveniences. RISC OS dealers are knowledgeable and can provide support for hardware and software solutions.
Acorn is no more, so who's making RISC OS computers?
Three manufacturers at least:
- Castle Technology made the Acorn badged, StrongARM powered RiscPC and
A7000. It now makes the 32-bit X-Scale powered Iyonix PC plus boards for embedded
solutions and OEM applications.
- Advantage Six makes the compact A9 Home and other computers using
ARM procesors or Virtual RiscPC.
- RComp Interactive makes RISCube, SpaceCube and RiscBook computers running
Virtual RiscPC.
- 3QD Developments Ltd (Vitual Acorn) sells Virtual RiscPC software which
runs RISC OS on a Windows PC (MacOS X under development).
In addition a number of companies are offering alternative solutions using Virtual A5000
or Virtual RPC which emulate the ARM processor to run RISC OS on PC hardware.
Please note these links have not been verified recently.
Developers and Vendors
Magazines
- RISC OS Now - new magazine for users and programmers.
- Archive
- Eureka (comes with ARM Club membership)
- Foundation Risc User (on CD from RISC OS Foundation)
- Risc Domain (on CD from APDL)
- Qercus (occasional magazine incorporating Acorn Publisher and Acorn User)
User Groups and Support
Some other Sites and Articles
Links Checked 14th January 2007
All of the above links were found to be working and to have Acorn or RISC OS content, although some sites appeared
not to have been updated for a while. Please notify additional sites to the Webmaster.
Last updated 14th January, 2007
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