By Bob Vogel
RISC OS: The Other Alternative OS?
Dear Bob:
In response to your recent column titled, "Just say no to Upgrading," I say Bravo!
Finally, someone in the press is telling the real truth about the computer industry. As a computer consultant myself, I am constantly getting queries from my clients about upgrading.
I have been able to convince them that XP is nothing more than glitz and glamour rather than an upgrade for their existing hardware.
Alongside my Pentium III, which I simply purchased to aid in my consultancy, I have a 10-year old Acorn RISC PC which has a full GUI (Windows) operating system in 4 Mbytes of ROM on the mother board. (Hint: cannot be corrupted with viruses).
The 200 Mhz StrongARM processor (now being rallied as the next generation chip for PDA's) powers the unit. In a mere 32 Mybtes of RAM, I can simultaneously run 5 or 6 major applications such as DTP, web browser, e-mail and image processor without ever getting a blue screen of death. Each application is independently loaded with absolutely no intertwining into the OS and confusing the system.
If only the world knew that there is a "better" computer out there. Unfortunately, it is difficult to match the big advertising clout of the MS/Apple diehards.
A large number of users and a small group of companies still keep RISC OS alive for those of us who appreciate computing for what it is — a fun and productive tool. — LT. via e-mail
Dear L.T.: As you probably already know, Acorn, the primary manufacturer of RISC-based machines, ceased production back in September of 1998. But RISC OS had gathered a rather loyal following, so Acorn licensed the development of RISC OS for desktops to RISCOS Ltd., which it does to this day. Fans of the alternative operating system swear that it is much leaner and far more productive and intuitive than the bloated Microsoft applications the rest of the world runs on. Because Acorn no longer makes machines for RISC OS, other vendors, such as Microdigital and RiscStation, have stepped up to fill in the gap. For those who are stuck with a WinTel (Windows and Intel) machine, Virtual Acorn produces a RISC OS emulator, much akin to Virtual PC for the Mac.
For more info:
http://www.virtualacorn.co.uk
http://www.riscos.org
Comments? Questions? Contact InfoLink at robertvogel@earthlink. net.
(c) 2002 King Features Synd., Inc.