RISC OS

I use computers that run the RISC OS operating system. Unlike many people who have only ever used one operating system I have extensive experience of using three different operating systems, over many years, and have seen them all evolve. On almost every count, my order of preference is RISC OS, then Mac and finally Windows. That puts me in a minority, among many people who assume that everyone uses Windows. Certainly the majority do, but in most cases it is not by making an informed choice, and not based on any knowledge of the alternatives.

RISC OS has many advantages. It is very easy and productive to use. It is easier for a non specialist to maintain a home system. And if you do have problems, there is a very supportive community of users who help each other.

RISC OS runs on machines that tend to last far longer than most people expect of the more popular computers, and the software that runs on it does not suffer from the bloat that renders your machine inadequate after a few years - so the cost of ownership is relatively low. The software also tends to be very reasonably priced, and there is a lot of extremely good, free software available. I used RISC OS to develop !Strike , a training tool for bellringers.

Then there is peace of mind. With RISC OS, you don't need to be paranoid about opening e-mails, because viruses are operating system specific. Almost all virus writers target Windows computers, partly because so many people use them, and partly because Windows is more vulnerable with all its built in security weaknesses. I like not having that problem. Internally too, things are safe, because RISC OS computers have the operating system in ROM (Read Only Memory). That means it doesn't get corrupted even if a program tries to do something drastic - you can always get back to a basic working machine to start to sort the problem out.

RISC-OS is British, and so are most of the machines designed to run it. RISC OS software comes from talented people in many countries where RISC OS is used, including UK, Europe, the Far East and the Antipodes.

You don't have to follow the herd. There is a better way.

Look at these RISC OS links:

•  A potted history of RISC OS  

•  Drobe   (A RISC OS portal)

• My RISC OS  (Another starting point)

•  RISCOS Ltd (Developing RISC OS)

• Some RISC OS software  (Product directory)

• Iyonix  (One of the leading RISC OS computers)

• Virtual Acorn   (If you like the idea, but want a half way step - it makes a Windows PC work like RISC OS.)

Type RISC OS into Google  and you get over eight million entries.