~04/1995
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.