The Acorn Network Computer was a network computer designed and manufactured by Acorn Computers Ltd. It was the implementation of the Network Computer Reference Profile that Oracle Corporation commissioned Acorn to specify for network computers. Sophie Wilson of Acorn led the effort. It was launched in August 1996.

The operating system used in this first implementation was based on RISC OS and ran on ARM hardware. The NetStation was available in two versions, one with a modem for home use via a television, and a version with an Ethernet card for use in businesses and schools with VGA monitors and an on-site BSD Unix fileserver based on RiscBSD, an early ARM port of NetBSD. Both versions were upgradable, as the modem and Ethernet cards were replaceable "podules" (Acorn-format Eurocards).

Developer: Acorn Computers, Oracle
Manufacturer: Acorn Computers
Operating system: NCOS (a development of RISC OS on 4096k ROM)
CPU: ARM 7500FE processor at 40 MHz; approx 35.9 MIPS
Memory: 4096k 12 MHz RAM

Our unit is the Acorn V.34 Modem NC UK Serial No. 870-TNS10-8695WT and is complete with keyboard model SWK-8695WT together with the Quick Guide and User Guide.

Kindly donated by Piers Wombwell.

Manufacturer: Acorn
Date: November 1996

This exhibit has a reference ID of CH14452. Please quote this reference ID in any communication with the Centre for Computing History.