---
title: Altos Computer Systems ACS-186
categories:
- Computers
types:
- Professional Computer
origins:
- U.S.A.
years:
- '1984'
cpus:
- iApx 186
params:
  name: ACS-186
  image: /media/museum/photos/altos_186_1.jpg
  company: /companies/altos-computer-systems
  company_name: Altos Computer Systems
  specs:
  - label: NAME
    value: ACS-186
  - label: MANUFACTURER
    value: Altos Computer Systems
  - label: TYPE
    value: Professional Computer
  - label: ORIGIN
    value: U.S.A.
  - label: YEAR
    value: '1984'
  - label: KEYBOARD
    value: Full-stroke professional keyboard, editing and numeric keypads, 16 function keys
  - label: CPU
    value: iApx 186
  - label: SPEED
    value: 8 Mhz
  - label: RAM
    value: 512 kb
  - label: TEXT MODES
    value: 80 x 25
  - label: GRAPHIC MODES
    value: 640 x 400
  - label: COLORS
    value: Yes...
  - label: SOUND
    value: Beeper
  - label: I/O PORTS
    value: 2 x RS232/Serial ports
  - label: BUILT IN MEDIA
    value: 720k 3''1/2 disk-drive and 10Mb or 21Mb hard-disk
  - label: OS
    value: Xenix
  - label: POWER SUPPLY
    value: PSU built-in
  - label: PRICE
    value: 12350 (France, september 1984)
  comments:
  - author: Art Cancro (USA)
    date: Friday 11th October 2013
    text: |-
      Altos 186 and 486 systems did indeed run the Intel 80186 processor, which were passed over by the PC world.

      Typically there would be one to four terminals attached, one of which was the system console. The version of unix that it ran was a port of Xenix, which was Microsoft''s port of Unix. Yes it was "real" unix, albeit a somewhat limited one. However, most unix software could be made to run on it.

      Altos computers of this era were Intel based but most of them were not "IBM compatible." Altos did not see any need to do that since their machines were never intended to run MS-DOS.
  - author: Jeff Nisler
    date: Wednesday 22nd December 2010
    text: |-
      I worked at Altos when the 186 system came out. I porterd a version of the Pick OS to it in 1984 (a solo effort, which was never offered for sale). And I can tell you why it was a slow pig running zenix - the size was made small by removing hardware to a bare minimum, and in the balance the main cpu had to also be the CRT controller - the OS had to sit 2nd seat to the controller, or you wouldn''t see anything.\
      I have one of the prototypes, and it still works.
  - author: Donald S. Campbell
    date: Wednesday 10th March 2010
    text: |-
      I attempted to use the 80186 based Altos many times, but it was a failure from the beginning. It was officially called ACS486.

      It''s speed was horrible, and the reliability almost nonexistant. It was a blunder of gigantic proportions.

      I bought several at the ''bargain'' price of $4k each, and soon discovered why the great discount - they were junk.

      Howver, the other Altoses I''ve used, including ACS8000-10, ACS580, ACS586, ACS2086, ACS1000, and ACS2000, are easily among the best systems in their class.

      My OS of choice from the beginning was Oasis8-16/Theos, and it still would be if the Altos was still available.

      Altoses running Theos were unbeatable - Xenix/Unix were slow and made for support groups - not efficiency and productivity, where it counts.
  oc_id: 528
  source:
    url: https://web.archive.org/web/20221127121630/http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?c=528
    date: '2022-11-27'
---

The Altos 186 was based on the "brand new" 16-bit iApx 186 CPU, in fact the (sometimes called "Lost Generation") Intel 80186.

Compared to the previous Altos models, the new design made it less bulky. The main unit is at last smaller than the keyboard or the monitor. The main unit houses a 720k 3.5" disk-drive and a 10 MB hard-disk.

<table> <tr> <td></td> <td>We need more info about this computer ! If you designed, used, or have more info about this system, please send us pictures or anything you might find useful.</td> <td></td> </tr> </table>