Question 1

Does it include an Operating System?

Accepted Answer

No, you need to provide Windows 8/8.1 or Ubuntu Linux.  Incidentally, that's the reason you have to put it together.  Since its a kit, they don't have to include an operating system and can sell it cheaper. Windows installs easier because of the Wifi/Bluetooth driver.  I've installed both and the device is a decent little computer.

Question 2

since it has a VGA and HDMI, will it support duel monitors?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it does.  works great too, unless connected to a HDTV - it doesn't reacquire the video when you power cycle the tv, or even change tv inputs.  Probably not the best HTPC, but a fine Windows 8.1 or Ubuntu box.

Question 3

Um, sure this sounds like a stupid question to all the experts, but how do I load Windows 8.1? (haven't even powered it up, but I was hoping there would be some kind of step by step located on the product website - besides how to assemble it)

Accepted Answer

There are many guides on how to install windows from a usb stick, but here is what I did.  A few physical items you will need before you start...a working windows pc, the windows install disk, 4GB or larger usb stick (that will get wiped on step 2 so remove anything you need from it), and some software that you will need to search the web for, since Newegg does not allow links to other sites in the answer section.
Here we go:
1.  You need to rip the image from the windows install disk to an .iso image.  Tons of option out there, but the software I use is ImgBurn.  Awesome program, and it is free.
1a.  Start ImgBurn, and in the "Mode" menu select "Read".
1b.  Insert the Windows install disk in the drive.
1c.  Choose a destination to save the .iso image, and adjust the read speed if you want.
1d.  Click the big "read" icon that looks like a disk turning into an .iso image.

2.  Create a bootable usb stick and copy the .iso image to the usb stick.  Once again there are a few option out there like, Windows 7 USB DVD Download Tool, unetbootin, and rufus.  I used rufus.
2a.  You do not need to install rufus, just run the .exe file.
2b.  Plug in your usb stick. Rufus should recognize it, otherwise select it in the "device" drop down menu.
2c.  "File system" should be NTFS, and all other default settings are fine.
2d.  Click the icon that looks like a drive and disk, and navigate to the destination you saved the .iso image in step 1.
2e.  Then click start and do not mess with anything until rufus says DONE.  (This takes some time)

3.  It is finally time to install windows from the usb stick.
3a.  Make sure the Liva is off, and plug in the now bootable usb stick in the Liva.
3b.  Start up the Liva and immediately begin tapping [F7] until you see the boot menu.
3c.  Select the usb stick from the menu.  Pick the one that has UEFI in front of the name of the usb stick.
3d.  Windows installation will take over from here.

Hope that was what you were looking for.

Question 4

Do I need to solder anything?

Accepted Answer

No. It is all on the board. You can just snap it into the case it comes with or use a case of your own design. There is no soldering necessary. It is ready to go right out of the box.

Question 5

Can the "Black ECS LIVA" be configured so it can power on automatically when it is plugged  into the power socket or the AC power is restored ?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I have it set up that way.

Question 6

Does this model come with Windows 8.1 with Bing preloaded?

Accepted Answer

No pre-loaded OS included.
The 32GB hard drive is completely blank when it arrives.

You must install the OS from your own USB Flash Drive or USB DVD drive with your own license source.

Once you install Win 8.1 you'll have about 16GB free on the internal drive.

Question 7

Does this have a method for mounting to monitor?  If not is it light enough that it could be held with zip ties?

Accepted Answer

It does not come with mounting capability.  However, it is very lightweight.  Zip ties would easily hold it.  A couple of hook and loop straps might even be better since it would be easy to unmount for easy access if required.  I am considering attaching a metal or even plastic bar to two of the monitor mounting holes as a bracket.  Although the little PC itself is light you also need to allow for the weight of cables you will be attaching.  I would get a very short HDMI cable to minimize the weight.

Question 8

Will this run Windows 7 Pro 64?

Accepted Answer

I have not tried Windows 7, but Windows 8 Enterprise runs just fine.

I installed Windows from a USB stick.  There appears to be some kind of issue with the LIVA such that when the USB stick is inserted it frequently misses keystrokes or mouse motions.  A little annoying to have to hit a key, wait a few second to see if it took, repeat; especially with passwords.  Once Windows is installed and the USB stick removed all is well.

After Windows was installed, I installed the updated BIOS and drivers from the ECS website, then ran Windows Update until everything was up to date.

Note that when all is said and done, you've only about 8GB free disk remaining so consider that before running a full Windows installation.

While I haven't experimented extensively, Fedora20 LiveDVD appears to run but the Centos7 installer fails right out of the box.  It's missing some driver required for the hardware.  i8021 if I recall correctly.

Question 9

Can I replace ram with a bigger stick or is the 2GB all that is supported?

Accepted Answer

Everything aside from the bluetooth/wifi card is built into the motherboard.  That includes the CPU/SoC, RAM, and eMMC.

So the simple answer to your question is no.

Question 10

support for which operating systems ?

Accepted Answer

Windows 8.1, Ubuntu Linux, Windows 10.

For Ubuntu, you will need to do a Google search for these terms: ecs liva ubuntu

That will take you to a link that will help you get the wifi and bluetooth working.

I tested my LIVA with Windows 8.1 as well as 10 Preview. The only thing that didn't work in Windows 10 was the BIOS update. So, if you have 8.1 you may want to install it just to update the BIOS before moving to Windows 10 Preview. This bug may have been resolved by now, though.

Questions & Answers