Archimedes

computer A family of microcomputers produced by AcornComputers, Cambridge, UK. The Archimedes, launched in June

1987, was the first RISC based personal computer

(predating Apple Computer's Power Mac by some seven

years). It uses the Advanced RISC Machine (ARM) processor

and includes Acorn's multitasking operating system and

graphical user interface, RISC OS on ROM, along with an

interpreter for Acorn's enhanced BASIC, BASIC V.

The Archimedes was designed as the successor to Acorn's

sucessful BBC Microcomputer series and includes some

backward compatibility and a 6502 emulator. Several

utilities are included free on disk (later in ROM) such as a

text editor, paint and draw programs. Software emulators

are also available for the IBM PC as well as add-on Intel

processor cards.

There have been several series of Archimedes: A300, A400,

A3000, A5000, A4000 and RISC PC.

Usenet FAQ.

Archive site list.

HENSA archive . Stuttgartarchive .

See also Crisis Software, Warm Silence Software.

(1998-04-03)