PsiFS: Getting Started

Getting Started

PsiFS should be loaded by double-clicking on the !PsiFS icon in a filer window. This will add the idle icon to the left-hand side of the iconbar:

If the standard internal serial port is being used, then PsiFS can be used in remote link mode without changing the default configuration. However, to use the printer mirror mode, or if a third-party serial port card is being used, then it will be necessary to configure the serial block driver first.

Connect a suitable serial cable between the two machines. The Psion Series 3/3a and Acorn PocketBook I require a special Psion 3-Link or Acorn A-Link cable; other machines use a simple serial cable like that supplied with the Psion Series 5 or Oregon Scientific Osaris. Note that only the Psion 3-Link will work unmodified on early Acorn Archimedes computers.

Remote Link

The main use of PsiFS is to access files stored on a SIBO or EPOC device as if they were on a local drive. A remote link can be connected or disconnected as required by simply clicking on the icon. The icon will change to reflect the current status.

The remote link can be used to perform a manual or automatic backup of any available drive. Restoring backups is slightly more complicated, but should rarely be required.

EPOC devices can also use the remote link to print via the RISC OS printer drivers using the Printer via PC option.

Printer Mirror

As an alternative to using the remote link, PsiFS can also be used to print via the RISC OS computer using the SIBO or EPOC device's own printer drivers. The printer mirror can also be enabled or disabled by simply clicking on the icon. The icon will change to reflect the current status.

EPOC users are advised to use the Printer via PC driver to print via the remote link in preference to the printer mirror.

File Format Converters

SIBO and EPOC devices use different file formats to common RISC OS applications. Hence, it is necessary to convert between different file formats to enable data to be usefully shared between the platforms.

PsiFS allows third party tools to be integrated within a simple and consistent interface. These need to be seen before they can be used to perform conversions or install EPOC SIS files.

Clipboard

PsiFS allows the clipboard of EPOC devices to be integrated into RISC OS's global clipboard. This makes it possible to copy data from an application running on either device, and then to paste the data into an application on the other device. Third party file format converters will be used if available.

Once the clipboard support has been enabled in the configuration it is possible to copy and paste between applications whenever there is an active connection.

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