How do I set up Zonbu?
When you receive your Zonbu, you'll find our “Getting Started Guide” and “Safety Guide” inside the packaging. Be sure to read the Safety Guide. Then, flip to the Getting Started Guide.
You simply plug all your accessories into Zonbu, connect it to your DSL or cable modem or router and power it up. The Zonbu Network assistant will take you from there if additional network configuration is required. Otherwise, you will directly reach the login screen. Really, it's that easy.
Do I need a broadband Internet access to use Zonbu?
Yes, you do. Although you can work for brief periods offline, Zonbu requires a DSL or cable connection to deliver hassle-free features — like transparent and continuous back-up of your data and automatic software upgrades.
If more than one person at my house uses Zonbu, can the settings be different for each of us?
No, the settings and preferences you select apply to your entire Zonbu environment. Of course, you can keep your data separate by saving your files in different folders.
What applications come pre-loaded on Zonbu?
Zonbu comes pre-loaded with 20 world-class open source applications and 12 accessories, more than most people will ever need. And, for some fun, we also include 30 casual games.
Are the Zonbu applications easy to use? Are they world-class?
Yes, and yes. Zonbu applications are very easy to use – they're similar to the most popular software applications used by consumers today. Moreover, Zonbu applications are robust and powerful. They're created by the Open Source community, which is great news for you because open source software delivers benefits that no company alone can provide. Open source applications are created collaboratively by the best and brightest developers around the globe. This community of experts checks and challenges each other's contributions since the source code is open for all to inspect. So, there are no secrets, no back doors — which means a virus free experience for you.
Do you include personal finance software such as Quicken, and tax-preparation software such as TurboTax?
Zonbu includes the Personal Finance Manager, which is very similar to Quicken and can even import Quicken .QIF files.
There's no equivalent of TurboTax pre-loaded, but Intuit offers TurboTax Online and H&R Block offers TaxCut Online, both of which are compatible with Zonbu's Personal Finance Manager.
Do you upgrade the applications for me?
Yes, we automatically and transparently upgrade your pre-loaded Zonbu applications. This ensures that you're always working with the latest releases, including new feature enhancements and bug fixes.
Can I install more applications?
Unfortunately, no. Zonbu is designed to prevent you from installing applications, primarily for security reasons: it's the best way prevent your Zonbu from contracting viruses or getting malicious software installed on it without your knowledge.
Please read our rationale for a comprehensive explanation as to why Zonbu works this way.
What operating system does Zonbu use?
In order to deliver to you the self-healing architecture of Zonbu on a low-power, compact mini computer, we created our own operating system based on Linux. It's a state-of-the-art OS built on open source software. You'll find it intuitive, with a familiar and elegant UI — including transparency and shadows.
Am I protected from viruses on Zonbu?
Zonbu is by design virus-resistant. There are more than 100,000 viruses that invade PCs, but Zonbu isn't susceptible to even one of them.
Is the Zonbu Office Suite compatible with the Microsoft Office Suite?
Files created by the Zonbu Office Suite (including word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation) are compatible with Microsoft Office, and vice versa. If your friend or colleague creates a document using Microsoft Office, you can open that document in the Zonbu Office Suite, make changes, and return the revised document to your friend. Collaborating on Office files with your non-Zonbu buddies is a breeze.
What keyboard languages does Zonbu support?
Please see the list here.
Can I read PDF documents I receive?
Absolutely. We've pre-loaded Adobe Acrobat, which automatically launches when you double-click on a PDF file. Moreover, the Zonbu Office Suite enables you to export your documents in the PDF format.
Can I watch videos from the Internet?
Yes, easily. Zonbu handles all the complexities so that you can surf from site to site and watch videos without a glitch. Enjoy YouTube and all other sites that host videos.
Can Zonbu play my music and videos?
In most cases, yes. See our media file format compatibility page for details.
Can Zonbu participate on my internal network?
Yes. Your Zonbu device can connect to your internal network — in the “Neighborhood” of your Zonbu, you can access any Mac or Windows PC on your home network. With the remote access tools, you can also access to the entire content of your Zonbu from any computer.
What's a Peer-to-Peer application? Which ones are pre-loaded?
Peer-to-peer applications enable you to share video, music and other large files over the Internet. With peer-to-peer, you tap into a large community of users who all agree to share files on their individual computers and enable the peer-to-peer software to transmit files to anyone who asks for them. Your Zonbu device is pre-loaded with Transmission, a light-weight BitTorrent client, aMule, which can browse eMule and eDonkey networks, and Azureus, the most popular open source peer-to-peer application.
Can I really make phone calls nearly for free?
Yes, you can. We've pre-loaded Skype, the most popular Internet phone service for you. Skype is a peer-to-peer VoIP (Voice-over-Internet Protocol) network that lets users exchange voice calls, instant messages, files, and video between computers and from computers to telephones, or from telephones to computers. It provides free Internet telephone calls and video conferencing between computers. It also offers low-cost voice calling from computers to telephones.
Which instant messenger networks can I use on Zonbu?
Zonbu is pre-loaded with an Instant Messenger application, which enables you to chat with your friends who have accounts on any messenger network — AOL, ICQ, IRC, MSN, and Yahoo. No need to have a messenger application for every network!
Does Zonbu offer a parental filter?
Yes, Zonbu has pre-configured a parental filter in the Firefox web browser so you can control access to the web. Use this parental filter to set limits on the websites your children can visit.
Can I use my favorite photo as my desktop wallpaper?
Of course. We've pre-loaded your Zonbu device with several desktop wallpaper choices. You may choose one of them or opt for one of your own.
Can I use a non-English keyboard? Can I enter non-English characters? Yes, the Zonbu supports keyboards from around the world. You can type any character your keyboard has a key for.
