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- 07/08/94
- Computers based on Acorns RISC technology, such as the Archimedes range are
- extremely powerful and can emulate computers based on different
- microprocessors such as the BBC Model B and IBM PC. This allows the
- Archimedes and BBC A3000 to run a huge range of software that was not
- specifically written for them.
-
- A number of people are confused as to what the PC Emulator provides for
- the user. The Acornsoft PC Emulator is provided as a two disc package, one
- with the Emulator program and one with Microsofts MS DOS operating system
- for IBM PCs. The PC Emulator software in effect transforms the Archimedes
- into a PC complete with a colour graphics adaptor (CGA) display and 720K PC
- format 3.5 inch disc drive, and up to 640K of memory. Unlike RISC OS
- computers whose operating system largely resides on ROMs within the
- computer, MS DOS machines must load their operating system from disc. For
- this reason starting the PC Emulator is a two stage process requiring both
- discs. Once the emulator is running the machine can be used to run a huge
- range of PC software. If the computer has a hard disc then part of this can
- be partitioned for used by the PC Emulator. The PC Emulator provides MS DOS
- utilities that allow data to be exchanged between MS DOS and ADFS discs and
- there are third party utilities that allow MS DOS discs to be read from RISC
- OS.
-
- Acorn still has the Master 512 system software upgrade available to upgrade
- to version 2.1 of DOS +. If you own a Master 512 please check which version
- of the system software you are using (by running DOS +) and if the version
- is earlier than 2.1 return you original 4 discs to the above address for
- a free of charge upgrade. This upgrade will not be available forever and
- therefore it is imperative that if you are ever going to want the upgrade
- you should get it now.
-
- Iy is also still possible to obtain application notes on various aspects of
- the Master 512. The application notes include details on software
- compatibility, plus hints and tips on general usage of the Master 512
- expansion. The application notes can be obtained from the above address.
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