Stories with Tag Acorn Computers

• A technical history of Acorn Computers

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  Posted: 2025-03-10 14:35:05

  Verbose tl;dr

  Acorn Computers, born from a Cambridge-based electronics shop, evolved from early microcomputers like the System 1 to the iconic BBC Micro, fueled by a partnership with the British Broadcasting Corporation. This success spurred further development, including the ARM architecture, born from the Acorn RISC Machine project, and the Archimedes range utilizing this new processor. Despite innovative designs like the Acorn RISC PC and the Network Computer, Acorn struggled against the growing dominance of the PC market. Ultimately, Acorn transitioned into ARM Ltd, focusing solely on the increasingly successful ARM processor design, leaving behind its legacy of influential computers and its profound impact on the UK computing landscape.

  This extensive online resource meticulously chronicles the technical evolution of Acorn Computers Ltd., a British company that played a pivotal role in the personal computer revolution, particularly in the UK. The narrative begins with Acorn's humble beginnings in 1978, originating from a Cambridge-based electronics consultancy named CPU (Cambridge Processor Unit). The site details the initial projects undertaken by CPU, laying the groundwork for Acorn's subsequent emergence.

  The narrative progresses through Acorn's early microcomputer systems, starting with the Acorn System 1, a kit-based machine designed for hobbyists. The subsequent System 2, System 3, and System 4 are discussed, emphasizing their incremental advancements in hardware capabilities and design. The piece then delves into the Atom, highlighting its significance as a more polished and commercially viable product, powered by the 6502 processor. This discussion includes details of the Atom's architecture, expansion capabilities, and its role in establishing Acorn's foothold in the burgeoning personal computer market.

  A significant portion of the history focuses on the BBC Microcomputer, arguably Acorn's most iconic creation. The story unfolds with the BBC's Computer Literacy Project and Acorn's winning bid to produce the educational machine that would become synonymous with a generation of British computer users. The site painstakingly details the technical specifications of the BBC Micro, including its MOS Technology 6502 processor, sophisticated video capabilities, and its innovative use of a second processor, the Ferranti ULA (Uncommitted Logic Array). The various models of the BBC Micro, including the Model A, Model B, and the later Model B+, are examined, highlighting their distinct features and enhancements.

  The narrative then transitions to the Acorn Electron, a cost-reduced version of the BBC Micro aimed at the home market. The Electron's design compromises and its eventual fate are explored. The subsequent rise of the Acorn Archimedes range is discussed, emphasizing its revolutionary use of the ARM (Acorn RISC Machine) processor, a groundbreaking architecture that would go on to dominate the mobile computing landscape. The architecture of the Archimedes, its operating system (RISC OS), and its performance advantages are examined in detail.

  The later years of Acorn are also covered, including the development of the A3000, A4000, A5000, and Risc PC series of computers. The site details the evolving ARM processors used in these machines, the advancements in RISC OS, and the changing market dynamics that influenced Acorn's strategic decisions. The eventual shift in Acorn's focus towards the ARM processor business, culminating in the formation of ARM Holdings, is also chronicled.

  The site’s comprehensive approach includes numerous photographs, diagrams, and technical specifications of the various Acorn systems, providing a rich and detailed picture of their evolution. The narrative effectively captures the innovative spirit of Acorn Computers, its contribution to the personal computer industry, and the enduring legacy of the ARM processor. The document serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of computing, particularly the pivotal role played by Acorn Computers in shaping the technology we use today.

  • Acorn Computers
  • BBC Micro
  • Arm
  • RISC OS
  • British Computing
  • Retrocomputing
  • computer history
  • technology history
  • Acorn Archimedes
  • Electron
  • Atom
  • A3000
  • A5000

  Summary of Comments ( 1 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43321131

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users discuss the linked history of Acorn Computers, praising its comprehensiveness and detailed technical information. Several commenters reminisce about their experiences with Acorn machines, particularly the BBC Micro and Archimedes, highlighting their role in the UK's computing history and education. Some discuss the innovative features of Acorn's RISC architecture and its influence on ARM processors. Others mention Acorn's business struggles and the eventual dominance of x86, while acknowledging the company's lasting legacy through ARM. A few users also share personal anecdotes about using Acorn machines for programming, gaming, and even running small businesses. The overall sentiment is one of nostalgia and appreciation for Acorn's contributions to the computing world.

  The Hacker News post titled "A technical history of Acorn Computers" sparked a lively discussion with several insightful comments. Many users reminisced about their experiences with Acorn machines, highlighting their influence and innovation.

  One commenter shared a personal anecdote about their school acquiring a BBC Micro and how it ignited their passion for programming. They fondly recalled the excitement of using the machine and the impact it had on their career trajectory. This sentiment was echoed by others who expressed similar formative experiences with Acorn computers, emphasizing the accessibility and educational value of the platform.

  Another commenter delved into the technical aspects of the Acorn Archimedes, praising its advanced RISC architecture and the innovative ARM processor. They highlighted the forward-thinking design of the Archimedes and how it paved the way for the ubiquitous ARM processors found in countless devices today. This point sparked further discussion about the technical merits of Acorn's designs and their lasting legacy in the computing world.

  The conversation also touched upon the business aspects of Acorn, with some commenters lamenting the company's eventual decline and acquisition. They discussed the challenges Acorn faced in competing with larger players in the market and speculated on alternative paths the company could have taken.

  Several users mentioned the role of the BBC Micro in the UK education system and its impact on a generation of programmers and computer enthusiasts. They discussed the educational software available for the platform and how it fostered a culture of learning and experimentation.

  Some commenters also pointed out the influence of Acorn on the development of the RISC-V architecture, drawing parallels between the design philosophies of both. They discussed the open-source nature of RISC-V and its potential to carry on the legacy of Acorn's innovative approach to computer architecture.

  Overall, the comments section paints a picture of Acorn as a highly influential company with a dedicated following. The users' recollections and technical insights provide a valuable perspective on Acorn's contributions to the computing world and its lasting impact on the industry.

• The British Micro Behemoth

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  Posted: 2025-01-23 10:53:01

  Verbose tl;dr

  The UK has a peculiar concentration of small, highly profitable, often family-owned businesses—"micro behemoths"—that dominate niche global markets. These companies, typically with 10-100 employees and revenues exceeding £10 million, thrive due to specialized expertise, long-term focus, and aversion to rapid growth or outside investment. They prioritize profitability over scale, often operating under the radar and demonstrating remarkable resilience in the face of economic downturns. This "hidden economy" forms a significant, yet often overlooked, contributor to British economic strength, showcasing a unique model of business success.

  This voluminous exposition, entitled "The British Micro Behemoth," meticulously dissects the fascinating, yet often overlooked, phenomenon of the micro-business within the United Kingdom. The author embarks on an extensive exploration of these diminutive enterprises, characterizing them as entities frequently operated by a solitary individual or a remarkably small cohort, often from the confines of a domestic setting. These ventures, while seemingly insignificant in isolation, collectively constitute a substantial segment of the British economy, a point the author emphasizes with considerable fervor.

  The narrative meticulously details the multifaceted reasons behind the proliferation of these micro-businesses. Among these contributing factors are the comparatively low barriers to entry within the UK, a regulatory environment that, while certainly not devoid of complexity, is generally perceived as less burdensome than in other developed nations. This ease of establishment, coupled with the potential for flexible working arrangements and a perceived enhancement of autonomy, makes the micro-business an attractive proposition for many British citizens.

  Further enriching the analysis is a thorough examination of the technological landscape that underpins and empowers these miniature commercial entities. The readily available and increasingly sophisticated suite of digital tools, from cloud-based accounting software to online marketplaces and collaborative platforms, significantly lowers the operational overhead and expands the reach of these micro-behemoths, allowing them to compete with larger, more established players.

  The author also delves into the socio-economic implications of this micro-business boom. While acknowledging the potential benefits of increased entrepreneurship, job creation (albeit often self-employment), and localized economic stimulation, they do not shy away from the potential downsides. Concerns are raised regarding the precarious nature of such ventures, the potential for exploitation of workers (particularly in the gig economy context), and the challenges of scaling these micro-operations into sustainable, long-term enterprises.

  Finally, the discourse concludes with a contemplative reflection on the future of the British micro-business. While predictions remain inherently speculative, the author posits that this sector will likely continue to play a pivotal role in the UK's economic tapestry, evolving and adapting to the ever-shifting dynamics of the global marketplace. The enduring appeal of independence, flexibility, and the empowering potential of technology suggest that the reign of the British micro-behemoth is far from over.

  • ARM Holdings
  • Acorn Computers
  • RISC
  • British technology
  • microprocessors
  • Semiconductors
  • Computer Architecture
  • technology history
  • Business
  • United Kingdom

  Summary of Comments ( 44 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42802778

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN commenters generally praised the article for its clear explanation of the complexities of the UK's semiconductor industry, particularly surrounding Arm. Several highlighted the geopolitical implications of Arm's dependence on global markets and the precarious position this puts the UK in. Some questioned the framing of Arm as a "British" company, given its global ownership and reach. Others debated the wisdom of Nvidia's attempted acquisition and the subsequent IPO, with opinions split on the long-term consequences for Arm's future. A few pointed out the article's omission of details regarding specific chip designs and technical advancements, suggesting this would have enriched the narrative. Some commenters also offered further context, such as the role of Hermann Hauser and Acorn Computers in Arm's origins, or discussed the specific challenges faced by smaller British semiconductor companies.

  The Hacker News post "The British Micro Behemoth" (linking to an article about the UK's ARM Holdings) has generated a significant discussion with a variety of comments. Several key themes and compelling arguments emerge.

  Many commenters focus on the implications of ARM's business model, which centers on licensing its architecture rather than manufacturing chips itself. Some praise this "fabless" model as brilliantly capitalistic, highlighting how it allows ARM to focus on design and innovation while leveraging the manufacturing capabilities of its partners. This approach is contrasted with the integrated model of companies like Intel, with commenters debating the relative merits of each. Concerns are raised about the potential vulnerability of the fabless model to geopolitical factors, particularly given ARM's reliance on global manufacturing partners and the increasing tensions around semiconductor production.

  Another prevalent topic is the comparison between ARM and other major players in the semiconductor industry, notably Intel and x86. Several commenters discuss the historical dominance of x86 in the desktop and server markets, and the subsequent rise of ARM in mobile and embedded systems. The ongoing competition between these architectures is analyzed, with some predicting a continued shift towards ARM, especially in the context of increasing power efficiency demands. Others express skepticism about ARM's ability to fully displace x86 in performance-critical applications.

  Several comments delve into the technical aspects of ARM's architecture, discussing its RISC design principles and comparing them to the CISC architecture of x86. The relative simplicity and power efficiency of ARM are highlighted, while also acknowledging the performance advantages that x86 can offer in certain scenarios.

  The acquisition of ARM by Nvidia, and its subsequent collapse, is also a recurring theme. Commenters express varied opinions on the potential benefits and drawbacks of such a merger, with some arguing that it could have stifled innovation and competition in the industry. The regulatory scrutiny that ultimately led to the deal's termination is also discussed, with some commenters suggesting that it was a necessary intervention to protect the open licensing model that has fueled ARM's success.

  Finally, the discussion touches on the broader implications of the semiconductor industry for national security and economic competitiveness. The importance of securing access to advanced chip technology is emphasized, with some commenters advocating for greater government investment in domestic semiconductor manufacturing. The geopolitical aspects of chip production and the potential for supply chain disruptions are also highlighted, particularly in the context of the ongoing tensions between the US and China.

  In summary, the comments on the Hacker News post offer a diverse range of perspectives on ARM's history, business model, and future prospects. The discussion delves into technical details, strategic considerations, and geopolitical implications, providing a comprehensive overview of the complexities surrounding this crucial player in the semiconductor industry.