Qualities which make the AMIGA such a unique Computer:

  • AutoConfig (TM)
  • Preemptive Multitasking
  • Asynchronous Floppy Access
  • Long Filenames
  • Two User Interfaces
  • Localization
  • Diskette Capacity
  • Alternative Operating Systems
  • Emulation of most different Hardware Platforms
  • ARexx
  • Datatypes Concept
  • Video Compatibility
  • Programmable Videologics Chips
  • Software Situation
  • Stereo Sound
  • Working Storage
  • HAM Graphics Mode
  • Screen Concept
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    AutoConfig (TM)

    Fully automatic recognition and OS mounting of hardware expansions during system start-up.

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    Preemptive Multitasking

    Reliable operation and blazingly fast switching between tasks, even in low memory conditions. All this since 1985!

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    Asynchronous Floppy Access

    Read, write, copy, and format, while continuing to work.

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    Long Filenames

    In its current implementation, the AMIGA file system works with 32-character long filenames, for which on low-level even 127 characters are reserved. Filenames are allowed to start with '.' just like under UNIX, and they can also have multiple extensions: Archive.v102.tar.Z.

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    Two User Interfaces

    Graphical User Interface (GUI) Workbench and text- or commandline-oriented Shell (CLI), comparable with UNIX Shells.

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    Localization

    AmigaOS 3.1 or its graphical user interface Workbench can be switched among 10 different languages providing full localization through a preferences editor, and all this without re-installation of the operating system! Workbench offers this localization mechanism also for applications programs for these languages: Dansk, Deutsch, English, Español, Français, Italiano, Nederland, Norsk, Português, and Svenska.

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    Diskette Capacity

    880 KB instead of 720 KB, or in the case of the HD floppy you have 1.76 MB instead of 1.44 MB. All this while still using longer filenames, etc.

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    Alternative Operating Systems

    Aside from AmigaOS, Amigas also can be run under different UNIX derivatives like LINUX, NetBSD, Minix. Further operating systems through Emulation of the following computers:

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    Emulation of many differing Hardware Platforms

    These all work as pure software solutions and, of course, they also multitask among each other.

    MS-DOS and MS-Windows can also be emulated by software on a comparably powerful Amiga model, but it would make more sense to use a PC Bridgeboard -- these have been available since 1987 as hardware expansion cards.

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    ARexx

    ARexx is available in AmigaOS as a system-wide macro language and a means of communication between programs.

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    Datatypes Concept

    Programs under AmigaOS can use these Datatypes system-wide to work with most different kinds of data, like: audio, text, graphics, animation or data formats like GIF, PCX, AVI.

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    Video Compatibility

    The Amiga is video compatible from the start for simple use with TVs, for professional video presentations, or for video editing and/or video titling in home or professional quality.

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    Programmable Videologics Chips

    Practically freely programmable from video compatible to ergonomic displays; in normal, overscanned, or (through 'draggable' screens) mixed form.

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    Software Situation

    Unique through a comfortable price level and an unbelievably big offering in the Shareware or Free Software area.

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    Stereo Sound

    4-channel stereo sound standard, expandable through expansion cards, but they are not needed to provide sound at all.

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    Working Storage

    AmigaOS shows special qualities in economic use of resources and non-existance of 640 KB barriers, etc., thus a linearly usable address space. An Amiga can already work comfortably with 2 MB RAM, on the other hand an Amiga 4000 can be equipped with more than 1 GB of RAM nowadays!

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    HAM Graphics Mode

    In an abstract view, you can imagine it as memory saving, hardware supported data decompression.

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    Screen Concept

    Every program has the ability to open one or more 'screens' when necessary with each screen having its own custom resolution and/or color choice. To put it another way: with optimization for speed, memory use, or color display, respectively. You can drag screens down like rollos to expose those in the background.

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    Copyright by AMIGA