Minimum Requirements
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
| |
| 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
| |
| 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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