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This page is currently being written, so come again soon to see how I am getting on.

You have got a Z88 off E-Bay or at a computer fair. What do you really need after that?

CARDS

The Z88 has three 1M expansion slots. These are used for RAM, ROM and EPROM packs.

			COMMENTS
			RAM A normal computer uses RAM as its working space and for saves files on a hard drive. The Z88 uses RAM for both these functions. Having additional RAM is recommended. After inserting RAM packs, a HARD RESET ensures correct operation. Removing RAM packs results in data loss.
			ROM Additional programs (or Applications) are supplied on ROMs. They are selected and are displayed in the INDEX on the left-hand side with the applications supplied with the Z88. In practise ROM were supplied on EPROM packs. EPROM 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. Changing EPROM cards is permitted. The other form of backup is when files are copied to the Desktop with a connecting cable.
			To erase an EPROM card an EPROM Eraser is required. These are mains powered and takes 20 minutes.
			The Z88 can now use Flash cards instead of EPROMs. These are erased in 15 seconds by the Z88.

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. RAM ROM and Filing area

EPROM

EPROM	Power		COMMENTS
32K
128K
256K

If the pack size 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).

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	Comments	Z88 Application
	Connecting Cable The correct cable is available from Rakewell. DO NOT be tempted in getting a 9 way extension lead, they will not work.
PC Link	This was the original program that Cambridge Computer issued. Commands are typed from both the Desktop and the Z88.	Imp-Export
PC Link II	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	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	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
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

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