When the Archimedes computer was first launched it had only a simple command-line based operating system (called Arthur), without a proper graphical front end and only capable of running one task at a time.
In 1988 Arthur was replaced by RISC OS 2 which had an almost fully WIMP (Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointer) interface and could run several applications at once.
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RISC OS 2 was a very usable operating system and many excellent applications were written for it, but it lacked a little polish in its appearance.
In 1992 it was in turn replaced by RISC OS 3 which had a neater design and improved built-in utilities.
A screen-shot of RISC OS version 3. Click for the full-size picture (55 KB).
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The screen-shot above shows some of the features of RISC OS including:
- Scrollable windows for applications, with button bars if wanted.
- Pop-up and movable menus, accessed by pressing the middle button of a three button mouse. The menus are context-sensitive and disappear after use so they do not waste screen space.
- A directory displaying file icons, or optionally full details of files.
- The 'Icon Bar' along the bottom of the screen which provides easy access to devices (disc drives, printers) and loaded applications.
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