Does the simplicity computer run Windows?

No. The simplicity computer runs on an alternative operating system (or "OS") called Linux Mint. It does not run Windows or any Windows applications. This means that any additional hardware (accessories such as printers) must be compatible with Linux.

If you wish to remove the special simplicity software from your computer, it is 100% compatible with Windows and you can install any ordinary retail copy of Windows on the machine and use it with all Windows software. We do not support this, but if you wish to do it, we recommend Windows 7. All simplicity computers can run Windows Vista or Windows 7.

What is the simplicity Envelope®?

The simplicity Envelope® is a custom-built interface that allows a beginner to perform every-day tasks on the Internet in a simple and easy way. Based around easy-to-navigate four-way menus of options, it breaks these tasks down into three straightforward areas - e-mail, documents and browsing the Web. All the steps are supplemented with in-depth video tutorials presented by Valerie Singleton to help learn your way around.

The simplicity Envelope® is pre-installed on all simplicity computers and starts automatically when the computer is turned on.

Can the simplicity computer connect to a wireless network?

Although for reliability and ease we highly recommend a wired connection between your computer and router (the box that would be sent from your internet provider which plugs into the telephone socket) it is possible to use the simplicity computer with wireless (or "Wi-Fi") networking.

Wireless networking works best when the computer is placed as close to the router as possible, with as few walls as possible in between. Thick or numerous walls can diminish the wireless signal.

To enable your Desktop version of the simplicity computer to work with wireless networking, you will need to order a wireless dongle. We sell a dongle that we have tested and found to work well with the Linux operating system. These are available at £20 plus postage and packing. (See order form for more information).

The simplicity Laptop and Touchscreen versions are fitted with Wireless ("Wi-Fi") as standard, so no dongle is neccesary.

Do I need an Internet connection to use my simplicity computer?

Although the simplicity computer can operate without an Internet connection, much of the functionality (such as e-mail and browsing the web) does require an Internet connection to be present.

If you do not already have broadband, simplicity has set up a broadband service in partnership with Eclipse - a national provider with a good reputation for after-sales support. To contact them, please telephone 0845 1224 333 and inform them that you are a simplicity customer, as they will provide not just a connection but also a preconfigured router ready for our customers to use.

You do not need an Eclipse connection, of course - any broadband connection will do. Having an Eclipse connection just makes it a little bit easier.

Do I need to have ADSL broadband connection?

No, any broadband connection will do. If you have a Virgin cable modem rather than ADSL, that is absolutely fine.

Can I use 3G mobile broadband (a "USB mobile broadband dongle") with my simplicity computer?

Yes, but we do not currently offer support for this connection method.

At this time, we have only tested broadband dongles from the T-Mobile and 3 networks, although we have had reports that Vodafone's broadband dongles are also well-supported by Vodafone themselves for use in Linux.

3G mobile broadband does indeed work, but with several caveats. You need 3G coverage in your area from your chosen provider and a strong to excellent mobile phone signal in the part of the building where your computer will be located. 3G is noticeably slower than a true, wired broadband connection, and except for very light use, it works out considerably more expensive.

In summary, yes, it works, but we would only suggest it as a last resort if wired broadband is not available for some reason.

Can I use a dial-up (analogue) Internet connection instead of broadband?

Linux can use dial-up Internet access over a standard phone line, but it is very slow and can result in very large phone bills. Apart from for very occasional use, it is often actually cheaper to go for a cheap broadband deal. Also note that Linux will not work with cheap "winmodems" and needs a proper Hayes-compatible dialup modem. (Internal, external or USB does not matter.)

If you live in an area where ADSL or cable Internet is not available, you could try a 3G wireless dongle. Failing that, we recommend that you investigate the availability of ISDN. ISDN is a type of digital telephone line and is significantly quicker than dial-up, although slower and more expensive than true broadband. If you can get ISDN, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) should be able to provide you with an ISDN router that your computer can plug into with a network cable. This is the simplest and most reliable option if you can not get true or even wireless broadband.

Do I need to use an anti-virus program on my simplicity computer?

As we discussed earlier, Linux will not run Microsoft Windows programs. All the main computer viruses out there infect - and are solely targeted at - Windows computers, and as such cannot infect computers running Linux.

The design of Linux is based on the highly-secure, 40-year-old Unix operating system, making it extremely difficult to write viruses that infect Linux. As such there are no Linux viruses out there in the wild and no spyware whatsover.

The only reason to run antivirus on Linux is to detect Windows viruses embedded in emails, to avoid passing them on to Windows users. There is no risk of catching them on a simplicity computer, so there is absolutely no need for - or benefit from - running antivirus software on your computer.

Can I add my own software to my simplicity computer?

Linux Mint is an enhanced version of the industry-leading Ubuntu Linux operating system, so all Linux software designed for Ubuntu will work fine on Mint - as will almost all other programs designed for Linux.

Linux Mint comes pre-installed with a wide variety of software, including well-known programs such as Skype and the Mozilla Firefox web browser. It also includes the Microsoft-Office-compatible OpenOffice suite, the Mozilla Thunderbird email program, photo-editing software, a selection of card- and board-games and much more.

If you wish to add additional programs, Linux Mint includes a selection of some 14,000 freely-downloadable programs.

Many leading Windows programs have free alternatives, purpose-built for Linux, so if you are looking for a particular program, it is worth using Google to see if an equivalent is already available. If it is, it is probably in the Linux Mint software catalogue.

The simplicity Envelope® is restricted to the functions that it comes with, so you cannot add your own software. This does not mean you can't use your own software, but you need to minimise the simplicity Envelope® to access the Linux desktop behind it. This means that adding and using new programs is a job for more confident, skilled users.

Can I add my own hardware to my simplicity computer?

Yes, certainly - just check that the devices are compatible with Linux before you buy. Some types of device might need device drivers installing; ask their supplier first, or use Google to check. If the accessory requires a driver to be installed, we advise against it, as this can be very complicated, especially for inexperienced computer users.

Simple upgrades such as more memory or disk space generally need no configuration, but as each simplicity computer is custom-made to run Linux and the simplicity Envelope®, you will generally not see any improvement in performance from them. Devices such as USB "thumb drives" - also known as "pen drives", "Flash drives" or "USB keys" - generally need no configuration. Printers, scanners and more sophisticated devices may need more setting-up and we cannot guarantee to help with devices which we did not supply.

How big are the computers?

The simplicity Desktop - (W)268 x (D)318 x (H)70mm

The simplicity Laptop - (W)374 x (D)250 x (H)34.1mm. Weight: 5.5lbs (2.5kg)

The simplicity 20" Touchscreen: (W)497 x (D)57 x (H)373mm

The simplicity 24" Touchscreen: (W)582 x (D)50 x (H)495mm

How many USB ports does the simplicity computer have?

The simplicity Desktop - six: two on the front and four on the rear.

The simplicity Laptop - three.

The simplicity 20" Touchscreen - four.

The simplicity 24" Touchscreen - three.

How much memory (RAM) do the simplicity computers have?

The simplicity Desktop - two gigabytes.

The simplicity Laptop - four gigabytes.

The simplicity 20" Touchscreen - two gigabytes.

The simplicity 24" Touchscreen - four gigabytes.

How much hard drive space do the simplicity computers have?

The simplicity Desktop - 160 gigabytes.

The simplicity Laptop - 500 gigabytes.

The simplicity 20" Touchscreen - 500 gigabytes.

The simplicity 24" Touchscreen - 1000 gigabytes (one terabyte).

What can I expect in terms of warranty?

All machines are sent out with a 12-month hardware warranty. The nature of this warranty varies between computer model and region:

The simplicity Desktop - Return To Base. Customer pays to send in desktop, simplicity pays for the return.

The simplicity Laptop - Return To Base. Customer pays to send in the laptop, simplicity pays for the return.

The simplicity Touchscreens - Collect & Return warranty, 3-4 day turnaround.

If you require more information, please call us on 0800 028 0417

The order form says you sell a printer with the simplicity computer. Which printer is this?

Currently, we offer a range of Hewlett-Packard (HP) all-in-one printer/scanners, complete with a USB printer lead. The machines all have the latest HP drivers installed, so any HP printer should work. Many other makes of printers also work, but we recommend that buyers avoid any device that requires drivers to be installed, as this can be forbiddingly complex for inexperienced users.

Please feel free to call us for advice on 0800 028 0417.