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RISC OS is a powerful, yet easy and intuitive to use operating system specifically designed to run on ARM® compatible processors. Software applications follow tight guide lines to ensure that software has a familiar feel from application to application.

The IYONIX pc comes with RISC OS 5 programmed into Flash ROM, meaning that upgrades can be easily made using a simple software update available from the web. Additionally as the Flash ROM can only be programmed by an updated version of the operating system, RISC OS it is not subject to viruses in the same way as disc based operating systems.

Click on the following links for more information:

WIMP, FILETYPES, FILING SYSTEMS, FONTS, 16-bit SOUND, PRINTING, VIRUS PROTECTION, NETWORK STACK, BUNDLED APPLICATIONS, COMMAND LINE, CONFIGURATION.

FEATURES
WIMP environment (Windows Icons Mouse Pointer)

WINDOWS.
Unlimited multi-tasking windows on screen. Featuring the following window icons:

  • Close, open document directory
  • Put to back/Bring forward
  • Maximise and Minimise
  • Iconise
  • Scroll Horizontal
  • Scroll Vertical
  • 2-d scroll
  • Resize

ICONS
Application, File, Directory and storage media icons ensure that data is easily recognisable. In addition Application icons, when run, will self install on the desktop Icon Bar to indicate that they are loaded into memory ready for use.

MOUSE
A 3 button USB mouse provides "point of execution" features.

Button 1 - Left Hand Button - "Select"
is used for actions such as launching applications  and opening files and directories. "Drag and Drop" activities such as move single/multiple files etc.

Button 2 - Middle Mouse Button - "Menu"
is used to produce a menu at the "pointer". Menus are always of a similar style and because they appear at the mouse pointer there is no need to move to another part of the desktop. This is especially useful when using several applications together on the desktop.

Button 3 - Right Hand Button - "Adjust"
allows the user access special features. Such as having the opposite effect to Select, access to 3D window scrolling, multiple Select, closing windows after functions, etc...

POINTER
An "on-screen" pointer is guided by the mouse. The whole "WIMP" environment is controlled by the mouse pointer with no need to use the keyboard other than for data input or, for those who have the abilities, programming.

FILETYPES
RISC OS does not use file extension (although it can recognise them if files have been created on another platform). The file type is recognised by RISC OS from the file header information and RISC OS automatically loads the relevant application if it is not already loaded.

Here are a selection of image file types supported:

  • JPEG
  • GIF
  • TIFF
  • Sprite

Here are a selection of document file types supported:

  • Plain Text
  • WORD
  • Rich Text Format
  • EasiWriter
  • Excel
  • BASIC
  • PDF
  • HTML

The IYONIX pc can read all the above files (and more).

FILING SYSTEMS
Hard drive, floppy and CDROM support using built in ADFS and CDFS filing systems. Support for file and directory names up to 256 characters. Support for reading DOS floppy discs.

FONTS
The anti-aliased 16-bit font manager supports both 8-bit Latin Fonts and 16-bit Unicode fonts. RISC OS comes with 23 built-in fonts that can be supplemented from a wide range of third party suppliers.

16-BIT SOUND
RISC OS 5 has full support for 16-bit sound and is able to play multiple concurrent sound tracks.

PRINTING
A built in printing system allows the user to select from a wide range of supported InkJet and Laser printers. The printing system also supports text only printing, full WYSIWYG document printing and full colour image printing with a range of configurable options. Printing on the IYONIX pc is done through the fast modern USB connections. Note- USB to parallel adapters are available from Castle.

VIRUS PROTECTION
Each IYONIX pc comes with the virus monitoring software VProtect. Although RISC OS computers are not effected by PC viruses a careful check is made to ensure that any viruses are detected as soon as possible, so that they can be dealt with appropriately.

NETWORK STACK
Full industry standard support for a wide range of networking protocols. With TCP/IP and DHCP built in, connecting is easy.

BUNDLED APPLICATIONS
PAINT
A bit mapped painting application with a host of features. This application incorporates useful additional functions such as "Snapshot" for grabbing part or all of the screen display.

DRAW
A fantastic vector drawing application that allows both simple and more complicated drawings to created with ease.

EDIT
A versatile text editor that can load data from any file. It features comprehensive "Search and Replace" functions among others.

CALCULATOR
A Scientific calculator that takes the guessing out of maths. With a wide range of mathematical and algebraic functions it is a necessity.

WRITER+
This is an excellent document processor it is fully WYSIWYG supports WORD™ and EasiWriter documents.

MESSENGER LITE
Messenger Lite is one of the most powerful email/news solutions for RISC OS machines. It is designed to handle large quantities of email and news, and the special demands of the office and classroom.

FIREWORKZ PRO
Fireworkz is an integrated page based, WYSIWYG Spreadsheet and Wordprocessor which supports variable height and width cells and variable sized fonts. The printout is exactly as you see it on screen.

!PDF
A extremely useful application that ensures that PDF documents can be displayed and printed.

OREGANO2
Oregano 2 is an advanced browser for the RISC OS platform. Very capable for surfing the internet and packed full of features.

ZOOL
A wonderful action Game originally released for the Acorn A3010. Re-released for the IYONIX pc it is a great game with lots of levels.

COMMAND LINE
Although most configuration can be done from the desktop a comprehensive Command Line structure is built into RISC OS. Pressing F12 will take you out of the desktop to the Command Line, returning to the desktop is just as easy.

CONFIGURATION
Each IYONIX pc can be configured in a number of ways. The following is a list of some specific areas that can be user configured:
  • Boot - eg add applications to Boot sequence etc...
  • Discs - Configure in IDE, SCSI, Floppy, CD ROM, RAM discs etc...
  • Filer - Customise the way that Files and Directories are displayed
  • Font - Choose different desktop fonts and set up parameters for special requirements.
  • Help - The simple but extensive Help system can be configured.
  • Keyboard - Choose from a wide range of country specifications, together with Auto-repeat, Caps Lock On/Off etc...
  • Lock - Allows the hard disc to be password protected to prevent unauthorised computer use.
  • Mouse - All attributes to mouse functionality can be configured to meet personal requirements
  • Network - Provides access to a full range of network options.
  • Pinboard - Allows easy configuration of the Screen background and Iconised applications, directories and files.
  • Screen - Allows an user to set the default monitor resolution and choose an appropriate screen saver.
  • Sound - Sets the sound volume and other sound features.
  • System - Gives an easy method of updating system modules supplied with third party software.
  • Windows - Ensures that the windowing system can be fully configured to meet personal requirements.
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