RISCOSbits are pleased to announce the immediate availability of ECOS5 –
an easy Linux add-on for RISC OS users. Although pre-announced at RISC
OS North in March, we’ve taken onboard community feedback the refine the system and internal design further before final launch.
ECOS stands for Easy Concurrent Operating System and is a smart
integrated hardware device designed to run Linux within your RISC OS environment. Built around the powerful Compute Module 5, it brings a
full Linux system into your RISC OS setup via internal and networked connections – allowing seamless interaction between the two systems. It builds on the success and solid foundation of Wispy, our award-winning
hardware browser (which brought modern web capabilities to RISC OS users
using a Linux subsystem) and EDOS, our easy dual-boot system for the Pi
4.
With ECOS, we’re taking that concept further — offering a complete, integrated Linux system that unlocks even greater potential beyond the
browser.
ECOS gives you access to a modern and well-supported Linux OS with a
base hardware specification of
2.4GHz quad core CPU
4GB RAM
32GB of fast eMMC storage for apps and files
Customised version of Raspberry Pi OS as standard
There’s a built in NVMe slot as standard (we can supply the OS
pre-installed on an NVMe drive if required), with options to increase
RAM to 8GB or 16GB, and to increase built-in eMMC storage up to 64GB.
There’s also an add-on to extract audio from the Linux system to a panel-mount 3.5mm jack on the ITX case, so you can use Linux to play
your auditory choices, while you work away on RISC OS – something not currently possible on other multi-headed systems.
There are two versions of ECOS: an integrated version and an external
one.
ECOS5 is the internal version, aimed primarily at owners of FAST SATA
and FAST NVMe systems, but may fit inside other ATX and Mini ITX systems
too. This requires the use of a wireless router for Linux, but is
powered directly from the FAST motherboard without the need for another
power supply.
For those with more compact or ‘densely packed’ systems, or needing to
use ethernet for Linux, we’ve also developed an external option, ExCOS5,
with a very subtle 99mm x 71mm footprint – easy enough to hide behind
the router! In fact, some routers can provide enough power from their
USB ports to power the ExCOS5 system directly.
For those of you unsure of the benefits of combining RISC OS and Linux,
the following may help:
Q: What can I do with ECOS that I can’t do with RISC OS?
A: ECOS opens up access to the vast Linux software ecosystem. That means
modern web browsers, office suites, development tools, multimedia apps,
and advanced networking utilities—all running alongside your RISC OS
setup.
Q: How do RISC OS and Linux communicate?
A: ECOS connects to RISC OS via an internal network link, allowing file
sharing (pre-configured) between the two OSes, remote desktop access,
and other communications between the two environments.
Q: Can I use ECOS to access the internet?
A: Absolutely. You can use the Linux environment for more modern and
secure browsing, email clients, and online tools, especially where
commonly used RISC OS tools might struggle with compatibility.
Q: Is ECOS always running in the background?
A: Yes. Once powered on, ECOS runs continuously, quietly handling Linux
tasks and services while you continue using RISC OS. You can switch it
off easily, or just leave it for when you need it.
Q: What’s the difference between ECOS and ExCOS?
A: ECOS is intended to be built into your RISCOSbits FAST ITX system, as
an internal add-on – no extra clutter on your desk. ExCOS is the
external version, ideal for compact cases, like the VENOM, or systems
from other vendors, but is small enough to be easy to hide away. Both
offer the same core features.
Q: Is ECOS hard to use?
A: Not at all. It’s designed to integrate smoothly with your existing
system, with pre-configured filesharing, desktop sharing, easy
interoperability and a user-friendly experience.
Q: Do I need to know how to use Linux to benefit from ECOS?
A: Not necessarily! Many tools are graphical and intuitive, and if
you’re just after a browser or file access, you can use ECOS without
diving deep into Linux. But if you are familiar with Linux, ECOS gives
you a lot more freedom and power. Just to be sure, we’ve also
pre-installed an “easy download” application so you can just download
the things you need. Think PackMan/PlingStore – it’s that easy!
Q. What if Linux goes wrong?
A. We made sure the hardware device has debug ports available. There’s
enough of the right ports to enable you to connect it to a monitor and a network, and add a keyboard and mouse, so you can interact with Linux
directly, and correct any issues that may arise.
Q. What can I do with Linux?
A.
Web Browsers: Firefox, Falkon, Midori
Office Tools: LibreOffice, WPS Office, Gnumeric, AbiWord
Email Clients: Thunderbird, Evolution, Geary
Media Players: VLC, MPV, Audacious
Graphics & Design: GIMP, Inkscape, Krita, Scribus
Developer Tools: VS Code, Geany, Git, Python, Node.js
Remote Access: Remote Desktop, VNC, SSH clients
Network Tools: Wireshark, FileZilla, Samba
Utilities: Archive managers, disk tools, system monitors
You can also run lightweight Linux environments or window managers,
depending on your preference and needs.
ECOS5 starts from £129 for the internal version, with the external
version just £10 extra. The audio add-on is just £19.
https://www.riscosfast.co.uk/ecos.htm
https://www.riscosbits.co.uk/ecos.htm
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