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Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of the questions we are asked most often. If you have a query, please take a moment to browse through our list.

1. Is there a laptop version of the simplicity computer?

We hope to have some in stock by late February / early March 2010.

If you would like to be notified when they are available, please telephone us on 0800 028 0417 and leave us your contact details for us to get back to you. Alternatively, you can fill in the laptop enquiry form at the bottom of the page.

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2. 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 XP. All simplicity computers can run Windows Vista or Windows 7 but for best performance would benefit from being upgraded with additional memory and disk space.

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3. What is "Eldy"?

The Eldy software is a purpose-built program designed to simplify access to common tasks such as e-mail, browsing the Web, etc. You may have seen pictures of its main screen in newspapers or on TV. It is sometimes referred to as "Square One" or "The sixbutton interface."

Although there is a free version of Eldy available for download, the Simplicity Computers version has been considerably rewritten and enhanced. The free version also does not contain Simplicity's video tutorials.

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4. Can the simplicity computer connect to a wireless network?

Although the computer does not come with a wireless adapter as standard, we have tested many wireless dongles and can offer one that works well with the Linux operating system - this can be supplied for an additional cost of £20 plus postage and packing. (See order form for more information).

If you have broadband already, we recommend strongly that you put your computer as close to the broadband router as possible. This will mean that you can connect your computer to the broadband with a cable, rather than with a wifi dongle. Cable connections tend to be more reliable. If you have to use a 'wifi' connection then ensure that there are not too many walls, or too much distance, between your computer and the router.

If you are a new broadband subscriber, make sure the broadband router is located as close to the place where you plan to use your computer as possible.

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5. Can I use Skype on my simplicity computer?

Yes, and it is preinstalled on all simplicITy computers. However, it is not built-in to the present version of the Eldy software. To use Skype, you must run it from the Linux Mint OS behind Eldy. We are working on a new version of the software which will integrate Skype but, as before, this is still in development and therefore is not supported.

Further details will be posted on the website as they become available, or telephone us free on 0800 028 0417.

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

The first time that you turn on your new simplicity computer, it must be connected to a live, working broadband Internet connection. This means that you need your broadband line installed and working before you unpack your new computer.

After you have completed the initial setup process, you can use the machine without an Internet connection, for instance to watch the tutorial videos, but you do need an Internet connection to send and receive e-mails or access the web.

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.

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7. Do I need to have ADSL broadband connection?

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

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8. 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 a broadband dongle from the 3 network, 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.

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9. 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.

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10. 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, and Eldy will not allow infected emails to be forwarded on to other people, so there is absolutely no need for - or benefit from - running antivirus software on your computer.

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11. Can I add my own software to my simplicity computer?

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

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

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12. 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 Eldy, 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.

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13. How big are the computers?

The size of the computers vary depending on the model. The following measurements are taken with the computer laying flat on the desk:

The simplicity model 100: -

The simplicity model 200: -

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14. How many USB ports does the simplicity computer have?

Both the model 100 and 200 have six USB ports - two on the front and four on the rear.

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

Both the model 100 and 200 have 1GB of DRR2 (PC4200) memory installed.

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16. How much hard drive space do the simplicity computers have?

Both the model 100 and 200 have an 80GB hard drive.

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17. How much does it cost to deliver the simplicity computer?

To ship the computer costs £10 to UK mainland customers. Non-mainland UK customers will need to contact us to get a quotation.

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18. What can I expect in terms of warranty?

The nature of the hardware warranty differs depending on region:

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19. What is the difference between the simplicity computer and the complete simplicity suite?

The simplicity computer (models 100 and 200) include just the system unit (the main box that everything plugs into) by itself, whereas the suite ships with a cordless keyboard and mouse, a 19" widescreen monitor and stereo speakers as well as the computer.

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

Currently, we offer a Hewlett-Packard Deskjet F2480 all-in-one printer/scanner, complete with a USB printer lead. Other HP models should work out of the box, and many other makes are also compatible - check our list of tested models or ask the manufacturer. As stated earlier, we recommend that buyers avoid any device that requires drivers to be installed, as this can be forbiddingly complex for inexperienced users.

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