# ArcEm

> Acorn Archimedes Emulator

**Wikidata**: [Q100994819](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q100994819)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/arcem

## Summary
ArcEm is a free software emulator designed to replicate the Acorn Archimedes computer system. It enables users to run software and operating systems designed for the Acorn Archimedes platform on different hardware. The project is hosted on SourceForge and is recognized specifically as an Acorn Archimedes emulator.

## Key Facts
- **Entity Type:** Emulator, Free Software.
- **Primary Function:** Emulates the Acorn Archimedes computer.
- **Operating System Association:** RISC OS.
- **Website:** http://arcem.sourceforge.net/
- **Source Code Repository:** Hosted on SourceForge (https://sourceforge.net/projects/arcem/).
- **Software Class:** Distributed as free software, allowing users to run, study, change, and distribute it.
- **Related Platform:** The Acorn Archimedes originally ran RISC OS, an operating system inceptioned in 1987.

## FAQs
### Q: What computer system does ArcEm emulate?
A: ArcEm is designed to emulate the Acorn Archimedes, a series of personal computers based on the ARM processor.

### Q: Is ArcEm free to use?
A: Yes, ArcEm is classified as free software. This means it is distributed under terms that allow users to freely run, study, change, and distribute the software and its modified versions.

### Q: Where can the source code for ArcEm be found?
A: The source code repository for ArcEm is located on SourceForge at https://sourceforge.net/projects/arcem/.

### Q: What operating system is associated with ArcEm?
A: ArcEm is associated with RISC OS, the operating system originally used by the Acorn Archimedes hardware it emulates.

## Why It Matters
ArcEm serves as a critical preservation tool for the Acorn Archimedes computing platform. As physical Acorn Archimedes hardware becomes scarcer and prone to failure, software emulation provides a sustainable method to ensure the longevity of the platform's legacy. By classifying as free software, ArcEm guarantees that the community has the right to study and modify the code, preventing the software from becoming "abandonware" and allowing for continued maintenance and porting to modern operating systems.

The emulator facilitates access to the RISC OS environment, which was a significant operating system (inception 1987) in the history of computing, particularly known for its cooperative multitasking and use of the ARM architecture. For historians, developers, and enthusiasts, ArcEm provides a window into this specific era of computing technology without the need for legacy hardware.

## Notable For
- **Acorn Archimedes Emulation:** Specifically targets the Acorn Archimedes hardware architecture.
- **Free Software Licensing:** Distinguished by its status as free software, promoting user freedom to modify and redistribute.
- **RISC OS Support:** Enables the running of RISC OS, a landmark operating system in ARM computing history.
- **Open Source Availability:** Its presence on SourceForge ensures transparent access to the codebase.

## Body
### Software Classification
ArcEm is identified as both an **emulator** and **free software**. As an emulator, it replicates the hardware environment of the Acorn Archimedes, allowing software written for that specific architecture to execute on non-native hardware. As free software, it adheres to the philosophy that users should have the liberty to run, study, change, and distribute the software. This classification ensures that the tool remains accessible and adaptable for future development.

### Technical Specifications
The emulator is specifically tailored for the **Acorn Archimedes**. This involves emulating the ARM processor and the specific chipset utilized by Acorn computers. The software interacts with or emulates the **RISC OS** environment. RISC OS is a computer operating system which was incepted in 1987 and is tightly coupled with the Acorn Archimedes hardware.

### Availability and Development
ArcEm is publicly accessible via its official website at `http://arcem.sourceforge.net/`. The development is managed through a repository hosted on **SourceForge**. The project page can be found at `https://sourceforge.net/projects/arcem/`. This hosting arrangement aligns with its status as free software, providing a centralized location for downloads, source code access, and potential community contributions.