What is ECOS?
ECOS stands for Easy Concurrent Operating System and is a smart internal hardware device
designed to run an alternative Operating System within your RISC OS FAST environment. Built
around a powerful modern CPU, it brings a full alternative operating system into your RISC OS set
up via internal networking - 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 system that unlocks even greater potential beyond the browser. Designed for
integration into your RISCOSbits FAST ITX system, ECOS gives you access to a modern OS with
abundant RAM and fast storage for apps and files. If you’re using a more compact set up or a
system from another vendor, there’s ExCOS, an external version of ECOS offering the same power
and integration in a plug-and-play form factor.
For those of you wanting more than just a Linux sidekick to your RISC OS system, we have a two
further options:
ECOS
11
- a Windows 11-based version of ECOS
ECOfile - our ECOS technology with many additional features, such as cloud access and multi-OS
support. Plus an elegant customisable case-mounted OLED system information panel to display
numerous facets of the system: storage, RAM, temperature, IP address, CPU Load and more!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What can I do with ECOS that I can’t do with RISC OS?
A: ECOS opens up access to the vast alternative software ecosystem. That means modern web
browsers, office suites, development tools, multimedia apps, and advanced networking utilities - all
running alongside your RISC OS set-up.
Q: How do RISC OS and ECOS communicate?
A: ECOS connects to RISC OS via an internal network link, allowing file sharing, remote desktop
access, and communication between the two environments.
Q: Can I use ECOS to access the internet?
A: Absolutely. You can use the alternative environment for more modern and secure browsing, email
clients, and online tools, especially where RISC OS browsers might struggle with compatibility.
Q: Is ECOS always running in the background?
A: Yes. Once powered on, ECOS runs continuously, quietly handling its own tasks and services while
you continue using RISC OS.
Q: Does ECOS actually run RISC OS?
Er, well, sort of! We have installed RISC OS on Linux on the ECOS5 and ECOfile variants as
standard, plus a selection of RISC OS emulators on ECOS11. You can run all of your old games and
software in a window in RISC OS!
Q: What’s the difference between ECOS, ExCOS and ECOfile?
A: ECOS
5
and ECOS
11
are designed to be built into your RISCOSbits ITX system internally. ExCOS
5
and ExCOS
11
are the external versions, ideal for when you run RISC OS from a more compact case
or systems from other vendors. Both offer the same core features of ECOS
5
and ECOS
11.
ECOfile, on the other hand, has all the core features of ECOS
5
but with several incredibly useful
added extras. Plus, it acts as a file server for all of your files, regardless of the OS you’re connecting
from.
•
It has twin solid state drives
•
Storage is more robust and can be configured to use large capacity storage (up to 8TB)
•
You can access it over the internet using the optional Cloud access
Q: Is ECOS hard to use?
A: Not at all. It’s designed to integrate smoothly with your existing system, with preconfigured
networking and a user-friendly experience.
Q: Do I need to know Linux to benefit from ECOS
5
or ECOfile?
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.
Q. What if the system goes wrong?
A: We made sure each hardware device has debug ports available. There’s enough ports to enable
you to connect it to a monitor and add a keyboard and mouse, so you can interact with the operating
system directly.
Q. What kinds of software can I use with Linux on ECOS
5
and ECOfile?
A.
Web Browsers: Firefox, Chromium, Falkon
Office Tools: LibreOffice, OnlyOffice, Gnumeric, AbiWord
Email Clients: Thunderbird, Evolution, Geary
Media Players: VLC, MPV, Audacious
Graphics & Design: GIMP, Inkscape, Krita, Scribus
Developer Tools: Geany, Git, Python, Node.js
Remote Access: Remmina, VNC, SSH clients
Network Tools: Wireshark, FileZilla, Samba
Utilities: Archive managers, disk tools, system monitors
Q. What kinds of software can I use with Windows on ECOS
11
?
A.
Web Browsers: Firefox, Chrome, Vivaldi, Brave
Office Tools: Microsoft Office (inc. Word and Excel), LibreOffice
Email Clients: Outlook, Windows Mail, Thunderbird
Media Players: Windows Media Players, VLC, ClipChamp
Graphics & Design: Photoshop, Ovation Pro, Adobe Suite
Developer Tools: Visual Studio Code, Git, Python
Remote Access: Remote Desktop, VNC, AnyDesk
Network Tools: Wireshark, FileZilla, Samba
Utilities: Archive managers, disk tools, system monitors
And that’s just the start!
You can also run lightweight Linux environments or window managers, depending on your
preference and needs. And you can even “downgrade” ECOS
11
to run earlier versions of Windows
(but you’re on your own with that one!)
Specifications
ECOS
5
(internal)
56mm x 85mm footprint (all inside ITX case)
2.4GHz Quad Core CPU
4GB RAM (with options for 8GB/16GB)
32GB eMMC storage (with option for 64GB)
Powered from the FAST motherboard
Integrated NVMe drive option
Wireless networking only
Full access debug ports
Internal fixings for FAST ITX cases
Optional audio adaptor and case-mount cable
FROM £129
ExCOS
5
(external)
71mm x 99mm footprint
2.4GHz Quad Core CPU
4GB RAM (with options for 8GB/16GB)
32GB eMMC storage (with option for 64GB)
Can be powered from some router USB ports
Integrated NVMe drive option
Wireless or ethernet network connections
Full access debug ports
External custom case
Optional audio adaptor
FROM £139
ECOS
5
ECOS
11
76mm x 75mm x 43mm footprint
Windows 11 Pro
Intel N97 CPU with 3.6Ghz burst speed
12GB RAM
256GB storage (upgradeable to 8TB)
Wireless and ethernet network connections
Twin HDMI ports
Twin 4K 60Hz external display capability
Internal fixings and power for FAST ITX
External PSU for ExCOS
11
From £199
ECOfile (external)
161mm x 96mm x 32mm footprint
2.4GHz CPU
8GB RAM (with option for 16GB)
1TB storage
Optional dual drive system
Wireless or ethernet network connections
6 USB ports
2 HDMI ports
External PSU
Optional web/cloud access and administration
From £279