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| 1. |
What is Splashtop? |
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Splashtop is a proprietary pre-boot environment, developed by DeviceVM, which allows you to rapidly access certain applications without the need to boot your main operating system. Splashtop boots out of the BIOS on your PC motherboard, and launches a lightweight Linux stack capable of running certain applications like the Splashtop web browser, and the Skype VOIP program. The Splashtop environment allow you to open a web browser, check email, watch videos, instant message, and place VOIP calls within seconds instead of minutes. |
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| 2. |
How do I use Splashtop? |
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Splashtop comes pre-installed on your PC motherboard. When you press the power button on your PC, Splashtop will boot (generally in 5 seconds or less) and give you several options. You can launch Skype or the Splashtop web browser (based on Mozilla Firefox.) Alternatively you can launch your primary operating system (generally Windows or some version of Linux.) If you make no selection for 10 seconds, your operating system will launch normally. You can configure your BIOS settings to skip Splashtop and always launch your operating system immediately. |
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| 3. |
Where can I buy Splashtop? |
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Splashtop is currently available only on the ASUS P5E3 Deluxe / WiFi AP motherboard. That motherboard is available most places where ASUS PC components can be purchased – please see www.splashtop.com for specific retail locations. |
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In the near future Splashtop will be available in more places, including notebook and desktop systems. |
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| 4. |
Is Splashtop based on Linux? |
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Splashtop has two components. One is the core engine, a real-time operating system that runs out of the system BIOS. The second is an optimized Linux stack that boots rapidly and can run most Linux-based applications. |
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| 5. |
Can I boot Windows in the background while I’m using Splashtop? |
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When the Splashtop launch pad appears, you have the option to run Splashtop applications (including Skype and the Splashtop web browser) or to launch your primary operating system. Simply click the green button titled: “Boot OS” to launch your operating system. |
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| 6. |
How do I open Windows (my Operating System)? |
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Currently Splashtop runs separately from your primary operating system. You can use Splashtop to browse the web, use all the many web applications (Gmail, Yahoo! Mail, YouTube, MySpace, etc.) or run Skype. You will have to exit Splashtop in order to launch your operating system. The same is true in reverse as well – you will have to exit your operating system (and restart your computer) in order to open Splashtop.
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| 7. |
What is Linux? |
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux): |
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Linux (IPA pronunciation: /ɪnʊks/) is a Unix-like computer operating system. Linux is one of the most prominent examples of free software and open source development; its underlying source code can be freely modified, used, and redistributed by anyone.Linux is also known for zelotism community and programs in beta hell [1] |
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The Linux kernel was first released to the public on 17 September 1991, for the Intel x86 PC architecture. The kernel was augmented with system utilities and libraries from the GNU project to create a usable operating system, which later led to the alternate term GNU/Linux.[2] Linux is now packaged for different uses in Linux distributions, which contain the sometimes modified kernel along with a variety of other software packages tailored to different requirements. |
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Predominantly known for its use in servers, Linux has gained the support of corporations such as IBM, Sun Microsystems, Dell, Hewlett-Packard and Novell, and is used as an operating system for a wide variety of computer hardware, including desktop computers, supercomputers,[3], video game systems (PlayStation 2 and 3 for example) and embedded devices such as mobile phones and routers. |
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| 8. |
How do I get on the Web? |
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Seconds after you hit the power button, the Splashtop launch pad will appear. Click on the Splashtop button marked “Web” to launch the Splashtop browser.
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| 9. |
What type of web browser does Splashtop use? |
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The Splashtop browser is based on Mozilla Firefox, and is a fully functional browser that stores bookmarks, features tabbed browsing, and will let you use the internet to its full capability. |
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| 10. |
Can I put Firefox, Opera, IE, or some other browser on Splashtop? |
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Currently the only browser that runs in Splashtop is the Splashtop browser, based on Mozilla Firefox. It is not possible to install other browsers into Splashtop at this time. |
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| 11. |
What is Skype? |
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Skype is a free VOIP (voice over internet protocol) solution, allowing users to place phone calls over the internet to other Skype users. It is also possible to place phone calls to POTS (standard phone lines) using Skype; there is a fee for that service. Skype also allows users to perform video conferencing (using a web-camera), have conference calls with multiple Skype users, and instant message with other Skype users. |
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Skype operates on a P2P (person to person) network rather than a more traditional server-client model. The Skype user directory is distributed among the nodes in the network which allows the system to scale easily to a very large size – there are currently ~240 million users on the Skype network. For more information visit: http://skype.com/ |
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| 12. |
How do I use Skype? |
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From the Splashtop launch pad click on the “Skype” button. This will launch Skype. Login using your username and password, or if you are a new user click on the tab to “Create a new Skype account;” this will let you register and create a Skype account. Skype is free to use, though there are paid services offered from Skype (like placing phone calls to standard phone lines.) |
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| 13. |
Who makes Splashtop? |
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Splashtop was developed DeviceVM Inc., a San Jose, CA based software company. For more information please visit: http://www.splashtop.com/ |
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| 14. |
What is BIOS? |
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BIOS): |
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BIOS (pronounced ['baɪoʊs]), in computing, stands for Basic Input/Output System. The term is incorrectly known as Binary Input/Output System, Basic Integrated Operating System and occasionally Built In Operating System for example in Neal Stephenson's novel Snow Crash[1]. |
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BIOS refers to the firmware code run by an IBM compatible PC when first powered on. The primary function of the BIOS is to prepare the machine so other software programs stored on various media (such as hard drives, floppies, and CDs) can load, execute, and assume control of the PC[3]. This process is known as booting up. |
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BIOS can also be said to be a coded program embedded on a chip that recognizes and controls various devices that make up the PC. The term BIOS is specific to personal computer vendors. Among other classes of computers, the generic terms boot monitor, boot loader or boot ROM are commonly used. Boot is short for bootstrapping. |
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The term first appeared in the CP/M operating system, describing the part of CP/M loaded during boot time that interfaced directly with the hardware (CP/M machines usually had a simple boot loader in ROM, and nothing else). Most versions of DOS have a file called "IBMBIO.COM" or "IO.SYS" that is analogous to the CP/M disk BIOS. |
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