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.