NCOS

NCOS is the graphical user interface-based operating system developed for use in Oracle Corporation's Network Computers, which are discontinued.[1] It was adapted by Acorn Computers from its own RISC OS,[2][3] which was originally developed for their range of Archimedes desktop computers. It shares with RISC OS the same 4 MB ROM size and suitability for use with TV displays.

This article is about the Network Computer Operating System. For Non-Commissioned Officers, see NCOs.
NCOS
DeveloperAcorn Computers, Pace
Working stateDiscontinued
Available inEnglish
PlatformsARM
Default
user interface		RISC OS
LicenseProprietary

In 1999, Pace acquired the set-top box (STB) division of Acorn Computers,[4]: 5 : 9  this being a component in the disposal of assets around the takeover of Acorn by MSDW Investment Holdings.[5] This gave Pace the rights to use and develop NCOS.[6] RISCOS Ltd later announced Embedded RISC OS, which was to have similarities with NCOS.[7]

Development

NCOS originated in connection with the Network Computer project. It was used on various STB products.[8] It branched from RISC OS 3.60 and was called RISC OS 3.61 before being named after Network Computer Operating System.[9] It was merged back into the HEAD whilst at Pace, where it was known as RISC OS-NC[10] and RO-STB.[11]

Features

NCOS was designed in accord with the Network Computer Reference Profile and thus supports internet standards of the time. Being closely based on RISC OS, it can also run many of that operating system's applications.[12]: 13  Reporting on the launch of the Network Computer in 1996, it was noted that NCOS was essentially the same as RISC OS but with some features removed, such as "support for local file systems", whereas other features such as network support had been added to ROM.[13] The actual differences involved the absence of "modules significant to the operation and networking" of existing RISC OS versions, including the Filer, TaskManager and Pinboard modules, plus a range of networking modules. The use of files stored on a server and accessed using the Network File System (NFS) also imposed restrictions on the files used by applications, with recommended techniques for the deployment of applications involving the transfer of files over NFS from RISC OS clients or the use of archives in the largely Acorn-specific Spark format, with these being unpacked on the server using an appropriate tool.[12]

See also

References
  1. Aguilar, Rose (1996-02-26). "Oracle to debut $500 network computer". CNET. CNET.com. Retrieved 2011-05-27. The Oracle Network Computer (NC) [...] will come with a small footprint operating system called the NCOS [...]
  2. "Acorn Group spurs NC clone market by giving away nc hardware production and reference designs". PR Newswire. 1997-08-19. Retrieved 2011-06-07. A scaled down version of RISC OS was licensed to Oracle to form its NCOS(TM).
  3. Mills, Elinor (1996-01-15). "Oracle unveils plan for family of Internet devices". Network World. p. 10. ISSN 0887-7661. Retrieved 2011-06-10. [Andrew] Laursen confirmed an agreement with Acorn Computer Group Plc. [...] on the development of reference designs for a range of network computer products. [...] "The Network Computer will use pieces of the RISC operating system [...] calling it NC-OS," [...]
  4. Pace Micro Technology PLC Annual Report & Accounts 2000 (PDF) (Report). 2000. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2008-12-06. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  5. "Acorn Group PLC - Preliminary Announcement of Audited Results for the Year Ended 31 December 1998" (PDF). marutan.net. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 July 2011. Retrieved 14 January 2011.
  6. Cullen, Drew (24 April 1999). "ARM denies role in Acorn dismemberment". The Register. Retrieved 31 January 2021.
  7. Middleton, Paul (2002-02-08). "Foundation Newsletter 20". RISCOS Ltd. Retrieved 2011-06-08. Embedded RISC OS [...] In principle it will be similar to the NCOS derivative of RISC OS previously used in Network Computers [...]
  8. Whytehead, Chris. "Acorn NCs, STBs & Prototypes". Retrieved 2021-04-15. Acorn produced the following Network Computers, Set Top Boxes and Prototypes [...]
  9. "V.E.R.A. Search Results". VERA. Virtual Entity of Relevant Acronyms. Retrieved 2011-06-09. NCOS Network Computer Operating System (OS, Oracle, Internet)
  10. Whytehead, Chris. "Bush Internet Surf Set". Retrieved 2021-04-15.
  11. Whytehead, Chris. "Pace DSL4000". Retrieved 2021-04-15.
  12. "Acorn Network Computer: All This and RISC OS too!" (PDF). Acorn Clan Newsletter A7000+. Acorn Computers. 1997. pp. 13–15. Retrieved 2021-04-15.
  13. Nagel, Jim (August 1996). "Acorn Shopper". Computer Shopper. p. 633.
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