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This page is currently being written, so come again soon to see how I am getting on.. |
Introduction
Congratulations.
You have got a Z88 off E-Bay or at a computer fair.
What
Does it work? What accessories do you really need after that?
The Z88 has three 1M expansion slots. These are used for RAM, ROM and for saving files in the File Area. If the device is less than 1M, the remaining space is wasted.
For example:-
if three 32K devices are used, only 96K out of a possible of 3M is used.
A good guide is to use Slot 1 for RAM, Slot 2 for ROM (additional Applications) and Slot 3 for File storage (EPROMS or Flash cards).
CARDS
| COMMENTS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  | A normal computer uses RAM as its working space and for saves files on a hard drive. The Z88 uses its RAM for both these functions so having enough RAM is important. The standard Z88 comes with 32K of RAM which you can only use 7K to store files, See RAM for the options. |  | |
| As the RAM can (and does) lose data when the Z88 crashes or the batteries go low , backing up the RAM files to an EPROM card ensures files are safer than leaving them in RAM. |  | ||
| To erase an EPROM card an EPROM Eraser is required. Fortunately, the Z88 can now use Flash cards, which are erased in the Z88. The other form of backup is when files are copied to the Desktop with a connecting cable. |  |
RAM
| RAM | Power | COMMENTS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32K | 1 |  | This size RAM is really a waste of space. It uses the same power as the Z88 which halves the time you can use it with batteries. Because technology improves, opposite logic takes place. Larger RAM pack use less power. | |
| Z88 EXPANDED MACHINE | If the RAM size is 128K or greater and used in Slot 1, 40K is automatically taken by the Z88's operating system turning it into an 'expanded machine.' The exception to this if OZ4.x is running in Slot 1. The RAM may be used in Slot 2 for the same rule to apply. | |||
| 128K | 1/2 |  | This RAM size was the most popular. 88K is available. This means that the maximum file size that can be stored on it is half that value, 44K. The reason for this is you need the file in the Z88's working space before it can be saved, | |
| 512K | 1/4 |  | As the RAM size increases, the Z88 becomes easier to use because the 'memory low' message does not appear. 236K is a large file when only ascii text files are used. | |
| 1M | 1/8 | | 1M is the largest size that can be used in the slot and also consumes the least power. | |
| 512K/512K Flash Card |  | If you just have a standard Z88 without any accessories, take a look at this card. It uses the full 1M space but has three functions in the one device.
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Connecting to a Desktop
As you are reading this on another computer, the next step would be to connect the Z88 to it so that files may be shared and printed. Any link requires three components.
- Desktop Program
- Connecting Cable
- Z88 Application
Desktop Program | OS | Comments | Z88 Application | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Connecting CableThe correct cable is available from Rakewell. DO NOT be tempted in getting a 9 way extension lead, they will not work. | |||
| PC Link | DOS | This was the original program that Cambridge Computer issued. Commands are typed from both the Desktop and the Z88. | Imp-Export
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| PC Link II | DOS |  | The transfer program was improved by adding a 'stand-alone' popdown application running on the Z88 which allowed all the commands to be sent from the Desktop Computer. | PC Link II |
| Mac Link | Apple Mac |  | Mac Link used the same protocol and although the 32K EPROM was named Z88-to-MAC, it was the same popdown as the one supplied for PC Link. | PC Link II |
| Eazylink | Windows |  | Eazylink expanded the use of this protocol by adding additional commands and speeding up the transfer speed. The Z88's Eazylink Popdown is backward compatible, allowing the original PC Link II / Mac Link commands to be used. Windows xp was the last OS that it would run on. | Eazylink
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| Eazylink2 |
|   | To allow 64 bit Desktops to carry on using the Z88, Eazylink2 was developed and can be downloaded from this site. The original slow and cumbersome Imp-Export protocol is included in this program. Users can therefore transfer files straight away using the 'built-in' Z88 application without the Eazylink popdown if desired. | Eazylink
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Complete these tasks to get started
- Edit this home page - Click Edit in the top right of this screen to customize your Space home page
- Create your first page - Click the Create button in the header to get started
- Brand your Space - Click Configure Sidebar in the left panel to update space details and logo
- Set permissions - Click Space Tools in the left sidebar to update permissions and give others access
This is what this will address. There are two sections which are
- What you need - the Quick Guide - Use this to get a basic understanding of the Z88.
- Getting it working - Z88 Help - Use this if you are having trouble getting your Z88 to work
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