NCOS

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

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.

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]

  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 [...]