# Arthur operating system

> Early Acorn Computers RISC operating system; later versions known as RISC OS

**Wikidata**: [Q471172](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q471172)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/arthur-operating-system

## Summary
The Arthur operating system was an early RISC-based operating system developed by Acorn Computers for their Archimedes line of computers. It served as the precursor to RISC OS, with later versions adopting the RISC OS name. Arthur played a foundational role in Acorn's transition to RISC architecture.

## Key Facts
- Developed by **Acorn Computers** for the **Acorn Archimedes** platform.
- Initially codenamed "Arthur" before being renamed to **RISC OS** in later releases.
- Succeeded by **RISC OS**, which continued its development lineage.
- Designed for **RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing)** architecture.
- First released in the **late 1980s** as part of Acorn's shift to RISC-based systems.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the relationship between Arthur and RISC OS?
A: Arthur was the original name for the operating system, which was later renamed to RISC OS in subsequent versions.

### Q: Which company created the Arthur operating system?
A: Acorn Computers developed Arthur for their Archimedes hardware line.

### Q: Why was the name changed from Arthur to RISC OS?
A: The name change reflected the system's evolution and its focus on RISC architecture, though the core functionality remained consistent.

## Why It Matters
Arthur is significant as the foundational operating system for Acorn's RISC-based Archimedes computers, marking a key milestone in the development of RISC technology. Its release highlighted the potential of RISC architectures in personal computing, emphasizing efficiency and performance. As the direct predecessor to RISC OS, Arthur influenced a dedicated user base and contributed to the longevity of Acorn's software ecosystem. Its role in advancing RISC systems underscores its importance in the history of computing, particularly in niche markets where Acorn hardware thrived.

## Notable For
- Being the **first RISC-oriented operating system** from Acorn Computers.
- Laying the groundwork for **RISC OS**, which retained its core design principles.
- Optimized for the **Acorn Archimedes** platform, showcasing RISC capabilities.
- Representing Acorn's early innovation in reduced instruction set computing.

## Body
### Development and Release
Arthur was created by Acorn Computers in the late 1980s to support the Acorn Archimedes, a line of computers powered by RISC architecture. The operating system was initially released under the codename "Arthur" but transitioned to the RISC OS name as the platform matured.

### Technical Foundation
- Built for **RISC architecture**, emphasizing streamlined instruction sets for improved performance.
- Tailored to the **Acorn Archimedes** hardware, ensuring tight integration between software and RISC-based processors.

### Legacy and Impact
Arthur's development directly led to the creation of RISC OS, which continued to evolve into the 1990s and beyond. While Arthur itself remained a short-lived name, its contribution to establishing RISC systems in the market—particularly within Acorn's user community—cemented its role in computing history. The operating system's focus on efficiency and innovation helped pave the way for future RISC-based solutions.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013