- Java application environment (which includes the Java virtual machine, Java run-time interpreter, and standard Java class libraries)
- Text input capability
- Audio output
- Pointing device
- Minimum screen resolution: 640 by 480 pixels
- TCP/IP networking
- Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), Internet Message Access Protocol v.4 (IMAP4), and Post Office Protocol v. 3 (POP3) e-mail protocols
- SNMP for network manageability
- Ability to use the following file formats: HTML, JPEG, GIF, WAV, AU
Oracle NC System Software Suite
Al
l network computers built to Oracle's NC reference specifications will run NCOS and the NC System Software Suite without porting. The next version of the software suite will include a portable OS capable of running on multiple hardware platforms, Oracle says.
NCOS is based largely on a multitasking OS from Acorn. Key features include antialiasing and dithering algorithms that make it possible to display high-quality text and graphics on lower-grade monitors and TVs. NCs can work with regular computer monitors, of course, but low-end devices for consumers may rely on a TV as the display device. The software must be compatible with GIF, GIF89a, JPEG, QuickTime, Indeo, AVI, WAV, AU, and Shockwave files.
The NC System Software Suite includes the following components:
- NCOS
- Web browser
- Macromedia Director player
- Oracle Media Objects player
- Oracle Interoffice suite, including e-mail, scheduling, and calendar functions, plus directory services
- Java virtual machine, wi
th support for both streamlined Java applets and full-function, stand-alone Java applications
- NFS file services
- Network boot services (Bootp/DHCP)
- Support for Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)
- Smartcard authentication mechanism
- Support for streamed video
Optional Capabilities
- Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) for secure TCP/IP connections
- FTP if the NC has local storage
- Sun's Network File System (NFS) if the NC supports a distributed file system
- User Datagram Protocol (UDP) for application-specific, end-to-end connections under NFS
- Telnet (if the NC supports character-based console access to remote hosts)
- Bootstrap Protocol (Bootp) for booting the NC over a network
- Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) for network booting with automatic IP addressing and network configuration
- ISO 7816-standard smartcards
- Europay/MasterCard/Visa specifications
photo_link (22 Kbytes)
NC specs are flexible enough to accommodate devices for office and home.
A:
Text input capability;
B:
audio output;
C:
Pointing device.
What It Takes to make a Network Computer
