OASIS Hardware
OASIS software runs under DOS. This is because DOS is a more appropriate operating system than Windows for real-time applications (like OASIS) where it is important to have control of all the resources of the PC; under Windows, there are always background processes running that may require resources at a critical time for the real-time application. Unfortunately, with the increasing use of the Windows NT/2000/XP operating systems which offer no native DOS capability, it is becoming difficult for OASIS users to find a PC that they can run OASIS on, so, by way of solution, we are offering a small, inexpensive machine specifically custom-built for running OASIS software. We proudly introduce the OASIS Box.
Basic Specification
The specifications of the basic OASIS Box follow. Note that it is possible to upgrade the basic specification by request (see Optional Extras below).
| Processor: | VIA C3, 800 Mhz. |
| Memory: | 128 MB. |
| Graphics: | 8 MB, VESA2 compatible. |
| Sound: | Soundblaster 2 Pro. |
| Storage: | 256 MB Flash card.
CD-ROM |
| Dimensions: | 12.7" x 10.5" x 2.7"
325 x 265 x 75 mm |
The anodized aluminum face plate gives you access to the power button, CD-ROM, and the slot for the Compact-Flash card.
Note that the basic OASIS Box has no hard-disk. The OS, OASIS software, and data, are all stored on the bootable Compact-Flash card.
Monitor, mouse and keyboard are not provided in the basic specification as we anticipate that most users will wish to supply these themselves.
The price of a basic OASIS box is € 450 (ex. VAT). Buy a box with OASIS Software and you will get a € 100 (ex. VAT) discount.
Optional Extras
Optional extras available include:
- Up to 2 PCI cards.
- A hard-disk.
- A 1 GHz processor.
- More RAM memory.
- A larger Compact-Flash card.
- USB Compact-Flash card reader.
We can also provide an inexpensive TFT display, wireless mouse and keyboard, and a Wacom tablet with electrostatic surface.
We will be happy to discuss your requirements. Please ask us for additional information.
|
Advantages of the OASIS Box
The OASIS Box, which we assemble ourselves, is a very small PC specifically designed and tested for OASIS. It offers the following advantages:
Portability of Data
The special feature of the OASIS Box is that all data is stored on a Compact-Flash card. These cards are normally used in digital cameras but are big enough and fast enough to contain DOS, the OASIS Software, and any data you might wish to store, obviating the need for a hard-disk. Because nearly all modern PCs have USB sockets, you can easily connect a USB Compact-Flash card reader. (We can provide such a reader as an optional extra - see above). So when you want transfer data from your OASIS Box to another PC, you simply pull out the Compact-Flash card and put it in the card reader on the other PC.
Video output
The OASIS Box can be connected to a normal TV, or a video camera.
Configurability
You can organize data on the Compact-Flash card or cards any way you wish. You may wish to have different Compact-Flash cards for different OASIS-users or for different experiments or even different subjects; each card is completely independent of the others.
Personalization
Because each OASIS-user can have their own card, they can customize their own version of OASIS as they wish.
Ease of Use
Once your monitor, mouse and keyboard are connected, all you need do is connect your Wacom tablet, insert the Compact-Flash card, and switch on the power. You are booted directly into OASIS.
Setup and Restore
You can easily set up or restore a system by copying all the original files onto the Compact-Flash card.
Stability
Because the OASIS Box is designed and tested for the package, you can be assured of the stability of OASIS even if it runs continuously for many days.
Versatility
Although it is specifically designed for OASIS, you may also use the OASIS Box as a normal PC. Although the basic box doesn't come with a hard-disk, if you are running DOS applications, you should find that the Compact-Flash card provides enough disk-space for your needs. However, if you want to run Microsoft Windows you will probably need to buy the optional hard-disk. Note that it is possible to install Windows 95/98/SE/ME from the CD-ROM drive and then and run OASIS under Windows.
Support
KIKO Software offers support for any software and hardware problems you might encounter while using the OASIS Box for OASIS.
|
