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75M7
check or money order

893byPAGES SOFTWARE GROUP P.O. Box 670431 Dabs.TX 75367 2H 430 0765 Al Rghts Reserved.
 E
ISSUE I VOLUME NUMBER APRIL 15. 1994

From the Editor 2

Editorial

On The Horizon 4
News, new products, services, sources, rumors, opinion

Just Asking 6
The Commodore World staff looks for solutions to users' problems

The Connection 8
Find out what's happening with other publications and vendors

Foreign Exchange 10
General Manager
What's up overseas
Charles R. Christiansen
Editor User Group Connection 12
Doug Cotton A list of User Groups we 've heardfrom recently
Technical Editor Top Tips 14
Mark Fellows
Tim Walsh supplies his top ten do's and don 'ts
Advertising Sales
Charles A. Chris Hanson Just For Starters 16
Graphic Arts Understanding how to talk to your computer
Mark Douglas Printers & Interfaces 18
Which ones are rightfor you?

In Review 26
See how QWKRR 128 stacks up in the world of QWK Mail

On The Cover Graphic Interpretation 28

Star's new 2480 Rainbow 24-pin printer. GEOS Morphing with Maurice Randall's geoMorph
Cover art by Mark Douglas.
geoProgrammist 30
Commodore World Is in no way altiHated wilh Commodore
An introduction to what you 'II need to get into programming GEOS
Business Machines. Inc. Commodore World is published bl-
quarterly by Creative Micro Designs. Inc., 15 BentenDnvB, East Basic Instincts 32
LongmeaiJow MA 0102B-0646. Bulk Postage Paid a! East
Longmeaao™ MA Annual subscription rate is USS2B.95lorU.S. Applying simple BASIC programming techniques with the game BIG GUNS
addresses, USS35 95 lor Canadian addresses All subscription
paymants must be provided in U.S. Dollars Moil subscriptions
loCWSubttfiotions.ciOCrealiveMicro Designs, Inc.. P.O. Bci
Advanced Techniques 34
W8. Eas! LonrjmBadow MA Q1028-K46
Making programs that work on both the C-64 and C-128 isn 't that hard
E nhre contents copyrign I ©1SEW by Creative M ic ro Das ign s. I nc
No pa ri oT Ih I s p u blicalion ma y tw printed of otherwis a rep roo u ced Peripheral Vision 36
by any means without prior written consent Ijoto me publisher.
All ororjrams published in this publication are (or the personal A/i introduction to CMD DOS
use 0( Ins rea3er, and may not be copied or in any way
distributed All rights reserves. Creative Micro Designs, Inc. Carrier Detect 39
assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions In Bdilorlal,
program hsllnrjs or advertising content CrealIva Micro Designs, Online services news and info, plus a talk with the owner of Color64
Inc., does not assume any liability for acWorllserfj' claims

POSTMASTER: Sana address changes lo CW Address Over The Edge 42

Changes, c(o Creative Micro Designs. Inc.. P.O. B01616, East
Lonflmaadow MA 01 rjZB-0648.
Raining on the Pentium Parade and comparing platform pricing
 From The Editor...
Strange as it may seem to be writing this, here I am. After all, who could have
imagined a few years ago that CMD would put it's efforts into producing a magazine
for the Commodore 64 and 128 market. We 'd always taken itfor granted that RUN and
Compute's Gazette would be with us for as long as there was a viable market. While a
lot of the earlier magazinesfell by the wayside, that was due more to naturalfallout
than anything else.
When RUN threw in the towel, we were a bit suprised. It seemed very premature for
them to leave at that time. While we hadn 't always liked the content of RUN, it did keep
the market connected, and supplied vendors with a place to advertise. Compute's
Gazette did too, though we felt to a lesser degree ever since they were bought and
merged into the multi-editions. Their constant problems with subscription problems
didn 't help either, and they became somewhat notorious for it. Sad, because I can recall
starting out in my early days with Compute!, and it gave me endless hours ofpleasure.
With the announcement that Compute's Gazette would convert to a disk-based
publication, we knew something had to be done. The upstart dieHard has done well,
and we 're glad that they have. But the market can certainly handle more than one
paper-based publication, and many arefearfid to deal with upstarts. We could only
conclude thai CMD needed to put it's name and knowledge into a new publication—the
one you 're now reading.
Strange as it may seem for us to find ourselves in the magazine business, it's a role
which we take seriously. We hope to provide users with the kind of infonnation that
they want, and in a timely manner. Sadly, this first issue is arriving a couple of weeks
later than we had hoped; but being ourfirst issue, we 've had a few hurdles to clear,
and a lot of things to learn. We fully expect forthcoming issues to remain on a stable
schedule, with a new one arriving in your hands every six to seven weeks.
There's a lot inside this issue, but expect even more in future issues. You'll notice that
we've opted for a lot of regular columns and a single main feature article. We may
expand on the features somewhat over the next few issues, but we won't be cutting back
on columns to do it. We feet that the regular columns do more la bring users constant
information on theirfavorite subject, and we hope you 'II agree. Our review section will
also grow, with more pages devoted to it beginning next issue.
Before I close, I have to extend the thanks from our stafffor the strong subscription
support we 've received early on. We 're hopefid that we 'H be able to meet your
expectations. Wliether we do or not is partly up to you, though, so please take the time
to write us and let us know how we 're doing.

Doug Cotton
Commodore World Editor

Commodore World April 15, 1994

 SOFTWARE SUPPORT

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Beyond Zork 128 $12.97
'\\-. ■]■■■!<■ & Peripherals.
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Although we can't gel keyboards and disk drives any longer,
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Word Attack $9.97
* Friendly & Courteous Order Takers. Reader Rabbit $9.97
You'll have a hard time findingorder takersasanxious to help Sky Travel $19.97
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Major C 'rettit Cards A cccpted.

Volume 1, Number 1 Commodore World

 COMMODOK.E A.NO COMPUTER INDUSTRY ISlEWS

Commodore Stock Plummets company. The following synopsis was provided:

Certainly Commodore hashadfheirsharcofproblcmsoverthelast few "Join your host, Salisbury Smythc, in a world premiere television
years. Now stock holders in CBU have some 'share' problems of their documentary on Public Network Television. As the documentary
own. Commodore stock on the NYSE has dropped somewhat steadily continues, the player participates in the daily routines of a prehistoric
ovcrlhe past few years, and has hovered at very low levels over the past man. These routines include bone collecting, saving your mate from
year. But after [he release uf somewhiii dismal 2nd quarter earnings cave apes, discovering fire, and dodging dinosaurs. The game is a
early tliis month, CBU stock went on a selling frenzy that caused the mixture of arcade action, adventure, and comedy."
NYSE to suspend trading until a price could be set to equalize the Withthisncwgame,scheduledforreleaseonApril8,1994,Crcative
number of sellers and buyers. At this writing, CBU stock is priced at Pixels confirms its commitment to supporting the C-64 market with
37.5 cents per share. new products. For further details, write:
Meanwhile, rumors are spreading like wildfire that Commodore will
be taken over by institutional investors, go on the auction block, or be Creative Pixels
bought out. Regardless of what happens, it is assured that it will have P.O. Box592
little or no effect on current Commodore 8-bit users. Library, PA 15129

I Paint and I Port Update New Digitized Sound Editor Released

We've received word from Living Proof, Ltd. that upgrades have Autumn Sofi ware has recently released Digimaster, their ncwdigitized
recently been performed on I Paint and I Port. I Paint is a powerful sound editor software for the Commodore 64. Digimaster can edit and
interlace mode drawing program for the C-128. The new version, 1.5, play 8 hit digitized sounds using all 8 bits, for a vast improvement in
has approximaiely 35 new or updated printer drivers, including color sound playback quality. It features a graphical user interface which
drivers for 9-and 24-pin Star primers, Panasonic's KX-P2123c, and supports controller input from either a mouse orjoystick, cut and paste
Okidata's model 293, and Okimate 10 and 20. Other new and updated editing, and a range reverse function. Included with the software are
drivers include LANDSCAPE drivers, HPL-III drivers for HP DeskJet utilities for adding digitized sounds to your own programs, a utility for
and LaserJet, Epson and Star 9- and 24-pin drivers, and high-density converting Amiga IFF sound samples, and instructions for interfacing
three pass drivers for 9-pin printers. Living Proof considers this Amiga sound digitizing hardware to aCommodorc 64or 128. The new
upgrade to be minor, however, they feel that it may be an Important program is currently available from Creative Micro Designs, Inc.
upgrade to users with the specific printers whose drivers have been
updated. Commodore 128 and CP/M Software
I Port, the company's graphic conversion utility program, has gone A Commodore users group in Virginia, called MPCUG, puts out a set
through a more substantial upgrade. Currently at version 1.54, it now oftwenlyC-12Sdisks(1571 format, but you can ask forl541 or 1581
handles conversions for IFF and Koala files (introduced in vl.5). and if you need them). The 20 disks are from a collection made by a fellow
accepts GIF files beyond the H7A standard (though additional features called EmJe Tipton, and at last report the entire collection was a real
beyond those in the K7A standard are not supported). Living Proof also bargain at a cost of only S 10.00 plus S3.00 for shipping. Thereare 18
indicates that added improvements have been made to [he user- disks of C-12% software, and two disks of CP/M software - including
interface of this program. programs to transfer between CBM and CP/M formats. You may
Retail prices oflhcsc packages are $39.95 (I Paint), $29.95 (I Port), contact the group concerning the Tipton Disk Collection' at the
and $59.95 for both. Owners of I Port version 1.2 may upgrade to the following address:
new version for S10 with the return of their original vl.2 disk. No
information was provided for upgrading I Paint The company may be MPCUG,
contacted by writing to: P.O. Box 391,
Gloucester, VA 23061
Living Proof, Lid,
P.O. Box80714 Music/MIDI PD Software Source
Minneapolis, MN 55408-8714 The Music Software Exchange has a large number of C-64 and C-l 28
music and MIDI software items available, offering both commercial
and Public Domain programs. Contact them at:
Creative Pixels Finds Prehistoric Man
Creative Pixels LTD., a Library, PA company, has recently announced The Musk Software Exchange
the release of a new game for the C-64. The new program,/! Day in the P.O Box 533334
Life of a Prehistoric Man, is the fourth game to be released by the Orlando. Florida 32853-3334

Commodore World April 15, 1994

CMD Launches New Magazine allow user's to squeeze more data onto system storage devices.
CreativeMicro Designs, Inc., an Easi Longmeadow MA linn, recently Data compression itself is nothing new. and the programming
announcedplanstopublishanewmagazineforthe Commodore 64 and algorithms usedareinthepublic domain; bui the patents involved apply
128 computer user. The newpublication, dubbed Commodore World, more to exactly how data compression is put to use, and Stac appears
should be shipping by the time you read (his. Hmmm... I sec you've [0 have the older applicable patent in this case.
already gol a copy. Nevermind. Microsoft also had Doubles with IBM last year over their software
licensing agreements. In the end, Microsoft ended up agreeing to pay
Star Unleashes Two New Rainbows IBM in excessofS20million for patent and licensing lees, due to IBM's
Star recently released two new 24-pin color printer models, the Star huge holding of over 1,000 software patents. Now, while there are few
2450 Rainbow and [he Star 2480 Rainbow. The 2480 offers three paper that will argue in Microsoft's behalf, software patents are indeed
paths, 18 bit-mapped and ISTruetype fonts, andfeatures an LCD status getting a bit out of hand. Compton's NcwMcdia has recently been
display. TTie 2450 is a radical new design which looks more like a laser granted a patent covering computer-based retrieval of text and graphic
printer tlian a dot-matrix. It uses a top-feed cut-sheet paper tray and data. The company now claims lhat this patent covers a large percentage
prints in a face up/face down manner similar to laser prinlers. This of Multimedia products being sold or developed by other companies,
model comes with 10 bit-mapped fonts and 15 Tructypc fonts. Both and is seeking to gain substantial royalties from these companies.
models have full color and are Epson LQ-860 and IBM Proprinjer 24E Tolhc end user, this means highcrpriccsonsuch products, and fewer
and 24P compatible. Star Micronics America, Inc., (212) 986-6770. of these products coming to market. We can aiso expect slower
response to patent requests and searches due to the huge backlog being
New Epson 326O Printer generated by all this activity in the software industry (the U.S. Patent
Epson has recently made a new addition to its Action Printer series, the and Trademark Office reports having a current backlog of more than
Epson Action Printer 3260. The 3260 is a 24-pin printer, comes with a 3.000 software patents).
50pagecut-shcct paper feeder, and is rated at 216cps. A color upgrade On a i elated note, it was recently brought to this reporter's attention
can be added by thecnduser.withaS49colorkit.List price oflhcprintcr lhat Televideo, a company which was once well known for its
is S299. For details, contact Epson at (800) 289-3776. manufacture of mainframe terminals, owns a patent on the solid
blinking cursor. While both IBM and Apple apparently side-stepped
Patents Getting Out of Hand? this issue by designing their own unique cursors, it's interesting to note
Recent events in the use of patents to gain advantages in the computer that part of the money we paid for our Commodore machines was
market are creating quite a stir. Microsoft has been one Of the hardest earmarked for Televideoductothis(in this reporter's opinion) ridiculous
hit, losing a patent infringement suil brought by Stac Electronics over palcni. Perhaps C-128 owners who opt to use the blinking underscore
Microsoft's inclusion of data compression schemes in MS-DOS to cursor could apply for a partial rebate?

r Rising Zip from tfic ftsfies

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Commodore World
Volume 1, Number 1
Just Asking
THE COMMODORE WORLD STAFF LOOKS FOR. ANSWERS TO USERS' PROBLEMS

thaveOEOS 1.2 which! My computer system

got with my C-64. [am looking for a printer consists of a Commodore 128D, two 1581
driver which supports a postscript laser disk drives, an HD-100 hard drive and an
printer. Do you knnw where I can find this? MPS-1000 printer. If I turn off either of my
-./. C, Lexington, KY 1581 drives, my computer locks up when I
try to load from any of the drives I have
turned on. Is (here something wrong with
my drives?
- R.M., Mechanicsville. PA
We are not aware of any
laser printer drivers for prc 2.0 versions of
GEOS. When CMD acquired manufacturing Commodore is that all disk access and VIC
and distribution of GEOS 2.0 from video memory updating must be performed This problem is more
Gcoworks, support foroldcr versions ceased. at I MHz on both the C-64 and C-128. common than you might think. These
We are, however, certain that Postscript Because of this, every time the computer symptoms are typical of 'Serial Bus
laser printer drivers are available forGEOS needs to access a disk drive, or update its Loading', a condition which occurs when
2.0. An RS-232 version of the LaserWriter video RAM, the processor must step down drives or devices that are connected to the
driver comes with GEOS 2.0, and a to 1 MHz before these operationscan occur. serial bus are turned off. When a drive or
GEOCABLE version is available on an extra Speed deficiencies on the Commodore printer is turned off, it creates a load on the
disk available fromCMD. TheGEOCABLE often are not the result of processor speed. signals which move along the serial bus,
driver and a Postscript pro-processor uli lily Most complaints we have heard from weakening them or causing the signals to
for GEOPUBLASER are also available on Commodore users concerning slowness with become 'skewed', or distorted. When this
Collette Utilities. You might want to check their software have hecn attributable to disk occurs, the other devices which you have
some of the advertisements in this issue for operations - not processing speed. turned on receive or send bad information
these products. Accelerators have been available in the on the bus, causing the lock-up. By turning
past for the C-(i4, but even the best of these all serial bus devices on, this condition is
have suffered compatibility problems. Since less likely to occur. Some computers are
a different processor must be used, any more susceptible to bus loading than others,
programs which use 'undocumented but it is always a good practice to turn on all
My friend was telling me
opcodes' tend to fail. Also, many programs of your serial bus devices when using your
about a rumor that someone was developing
written for the Commodore were written to computer.
an 8 MHz cartridge for the 128. Is this true?
run at the standard clock speed. When you
If so, can you tell me where can I get one?
increase the clock speed, these programs
How much faster will this make my 128 and
often operate so quickly you cannot control
disk drives?
them. Imagine trying to beat your favorite
- CP* Rochester, NY game when the monsters come hurtling at JUST ASK!
Tf you're having trouble getting your
you four times faster than normal.
system to do what you want it to, or
While there certainly arc some things
think you' ve got something wrong wi
which would benefit from a faster processor
your hardware, Just Asking may bca!
To ihc best of our on the C-64 and C-128, you should take a
iohelpfindasolution.orgetyoupoi
knowledge, this is still just a rumor. Last harder look at what is causing the speed
"in the right direction. Send yo
year, a company called Parsec had publicized deficiencies in your specific software before
questions lo:
that it was developing such a chip, and had assuming that a faster processor will be a
actually begun to lake deposits. cure-all. Stay tuned to Commodore World,
CW Just Asking
Unfortunately, this project appears to have though, since this topic is scheduled for an
do Creative Micro Designs, Inc.
been shelved. in-depth discussion in an upcoming issue in
P.O. Box 646
One thing that you should keep in mind the Peripheral Vision column.
ii,MastLongmeadow,MA 91028-06
about running high speed processors on the

Commodore World 6 April 15, 1994

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Tomatuwk. Harrier. Inilltrilor 2) 1500 AHaDali Eiternal Floppy Qnvo 79 95 Included. Reflect at a tecond 1571 Drives aretouny NEW units, with all
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Tony LaBussa Teams (Specify) 7.00 Suitor Bun dig: XmdWords,
compulEr. Order early as these will not last
Weird Dreams 1100 Fusion Pjlnt.F-1fl.F-40, long at.
Wheel ol Fortune 1.2.Gotrl.Ji (Specify) 10.00 Indiana Jones 15 00
Where (Specify] Is Carmen S. D.f 27.00 1541-2 DRIVES $159.95
Who Framed Roger Rabbit 2! 00 At ihe LARGEST Amiga Dealer In
Wo rW Games 12.00
Ihtt Uni|..: Siatet, we carry a are camplelely NEW S
OUR POLICIES
Wrairi ol the Demon 22 00
camplstg line at soltware, baierj by Commedoie liom Iheli
hardwire, and Amiga lalett production run. Include: all
PERIPHERALS & compuien, Including the ASDO, Cabling, Manuals, and Disks.
Mo wiling for your biob'S to sft'p.
Oitfiis lit by 1PM qo oal Iht same ttiy.
A120D. AZ00O. A30O8, A4000. S Hurnr at suppllet are limited.
ACCESSORIES $119.95
Second Diy A OvBrnlobt shtppttiQ ts
ivitliOlt, >n!crnllionil Urdus ire
CD-32 1399 95 sftlpptdfyAirPmtlPost. WSorDHL
176* RAM Eip. - Adds 256K10 Ci i or Aim Call Domestic ortters in iftipDetf UPS.
64C, *tMarj Duly Power Supply ■ 1699.00 ■ All outers ire sui/ect In creail tiitl
H9.S5
1700 RAM Eipiulua - Adds 1!8K to till lor other conliguntlons tnd
2299.00
PARTS & JOYS venlicifon •
* All or'ces suo/ect to
C128oM28D- W9.9S lorthtfllstAinigitCD-32
• 64 Power Supply -122.95
1S70 Mtrftm - New, unbQMd S17.95
sottwtn.
■ 64 or 64C Keyboard (Specify) - 11900
KTOMoJim ■ Ni* Cuiri) mtn ill parts ■C12BOKeyMan)-I22.0O
S29 95 Productivity ■ C1!8Dlnt.P.Supply-S3B.0O
Buj Blue Reader 4 135 00 -:i?3f.i ■■?■;.■. Refurb- (34.00
Micro RID Prlnlir lilartiu - For non- Dan Manager 2 (64) 22.95 ■ P.S. lor 1541-21571-2 1581-126 00
CEs'J parallel printers, ■ ■ s s n: graphics DomeHome*ccountinfj 64.95 ■ Micro RSD C64 Rep'Jble P.S S36.95
M9.SS GE0SWV2.0 42.95 • C12B Motherboard - S95 00
1200 CommiMon Prlnlit-Complete Supplies jib limiled and on a llrst-come
GEOS12SVJ0 45.00
firsl-ser.-e basis. We accept Visa, Waster
-;,:.■ ,:~r -)>.-■>■ :• r • 120cps. Gen Flic M or Geo Cii: 64 (Specily) 45.00
BnllisiKk or Navigator (Specify) I20.DO Card, and Discover. We also ship COD.
Supports Graphics. Ready to use - Geo File 12B or Geo Calc 12fi (Sp«lfy)52.95
The Bug 23 00 accepting Casti. Cerlllled etietk, oi
JWS.95 Geo Programmer Call Money Order SotlwiiB and accessories
Geo Publish M 45.00 Competition Pru 5000 21.00
1350 Maun - New, wiOoml -JZ9.SS shipping Is $6 DO. Hardware shipping Is
Ergo Stick iaoo
Master Type BOO > i'i! lor small Items. Call tor larger
5 or B pin Composite Cable IS 95 Meilln 1ZB 45.00 Hyper Star Joystick 24 00
Items (ic Computers). COD add S5.00.
cm lo HagnjvotnOW (Specify] 14 95 NewsMaKr 12fl 10O0 Kraft Triple Trackball 4000
Minimum COD order Is 150 00. CinUlan,
Computer/Disk Drive Cabin - 6II. 12.95 Prim Shoo 3B.95 Maverick 1 or Tac 3 (Specify) 14 00
/■i.i. I International orders are welcome.
Bisk Noictinr 4.95 SwirtCalc (64) 22.95 Python 1 or Apache 1 (Specify) 1300 We will bill only for actual snipping
Siirtje ProtBctor w/EMI (6 Ouitet | 14.00 Euperfli Jlllrties64-1J8lSpaclty| 14,00 Sim Sim 900 charges & Insurance at lime of orrtnr.
1084S Mo nil or Call Supertjase 64 v3.O1 26.95 Speed Kino TurboIIre 2200 15% re-stncklng fee on all returns not
WordWtiteia 34.95 Super Pro Zip Slick 21.00 exchanged. Stilpplnij Is NOT relundable.
Call tor Printer Ribbons
l tM4, IpchWrilpri Inc. l mb(v»i]

Volume 1, Number i Commodore World

 THE
CONNECTION
News from Commodore-belated Vendors and Publishers

CEE-64 Alive! is a friendly, down-to-earth disk magazine for

dieHard
This April will mark dieHard, the flyer for commodore 8 bitiers"
Commodore 64 users. The philosophy behind CEE-64 Alive! is 30th anniversary issue. Issue number 300 will have some drastic
positive, enthusiastic support for C-64 computer users at an affordable changes. Find out why The Newsroom is now the preferred Desk
price. We don't wear rose colored glasses, and we'll call "em as we see Top publishing program and why dH has elected to use it over
"em, but at CEE-64 Alive!, we £/££ourConimodorc64's.andi:onsider geoPublish. Files will not be printed out, but rather be on disk, so
ourselves first and foremost, Commodore 64 users. Each magazine you'll have to own a copy of Newsroom to print out and read ihc
issue includes at least Iwo disks. We publish both articles lo read and articles that range from reviews o!' the latest Amiga hardware and
programs to run, along wilha great deal of helpful information. Our last software to... NOT!
issue (Volume 3, Issue #1), included three disks instead of two,
including a recipe data base, demonstration of new software, game April Foois — of course.
hims, apaint programdemo.anda wealth of information forCommodore
64 and 128 users. For those who don't know, dieHard is a magazine dedicated to
Coming soon from CEE-64 Alive!, the North American edilion of the users ofcommodore 8 bits. What is an 8 bit? Well, Commodore
Commodore Network ofAustralia. Commodore Network and CEE-64 made several over the course of the years. The most well known
Alive! have been sharing articles and programs for two years now, via ones are the C-64 and C-128. dieHard supports not only the users
an agreement to publish each other's articles, but soon CEE-64 Alive! of these great machines but we offer support to the C-16, plus/4,
will be delivering more Commodore news with the North American VIC20, as well as the various PET and CBM machines. This April's
edition of Commodore Network, which is a "paper" magazine. Watch issue will be spilling out the sides with Cyberspace Cowboy
for future announcements about it! programming and PRG!
We're also proud to announce the debut of our own SIG (Special Speaking of Cyberspace, Noel Plank, reknowncd dH reviewer
Interest Group) on DELPHI, one of the leading on-line services. extraordinaire, will be entering this realm wilh REVIEW!s on the
Through the CEE-64 Alive! SIG, you will have direct access to the SupraModem 2400 and Bob's Term Pro. Archaic Computer takes
magazine staff, and will be able todownload special software packages a look at Injured Engine (also reviewed by Noel — we keep him
direcdy from CEE-64 Alive!. busy!).
DELPHI is easy to call and easy to get around in, which is why R. J. Smulkowski, dieHard's own Cyberspace Cowboy, gallop's
CEE-64 Alive! has chosen it as our "home" online service. To call us through new areas within Delphi, introduces us to ABBSA and
DELPHI and take advantage of iheir 5-Frcc-Hour trial offer, just use speaks the truth!
your modem and dial: DOS & Don'ts discusses reading the disk directory from your
1-800-695-4002 programs. It really is easier than you think.
Rarities, INPUT, Q&A and more! Pick up an issue today! What,
Press return once or twice, and at the Usemame prompt, enter: your local commodore shop doesn't carry it? Then, see our ad in
JOINDELPHl this issue of Commodore World for details on how to get yourself
a copy today.
At the Password prompt, enter:
CUSTOM 159 - Brian L. Croswaite, Editor and Chief

- Gaelyne R. Moranec, Editor, CEE-64 Alive!

Commodore World April 15,1994

 FUN GRAPHICS
OADSTAR
MACHINE
1994! Who'd ever have thought that LOADSTAR would endure Greetings FGMers and future FGMers. Commodore WorUlhas offered
from 1984. through the march of the MS-DOS X86 machines, us this column so we can give you FGM tips and keep you informed of
though the Windows revolution, all the way 10 199'!—and we're FGM happenings.
still uncovering new things on the C-64. I'm going to use this first column lo introduce FGM 10 the few
1994 hrings us LOADSTAR MONTHLY and LOADSTAR 128 (millions) of you Commodore users out there who Mill don't know
QUARTERLY on 3.5-inch disks. 1994 also brings us to ihe GEnie about FGM (ifyou know about FGM then you'realreadyauscr.righl;).
mall, with our own Download SuperSlore. There, subscribers as FGM stands for ihe FUN GRAPHICS MACHINE. In brief, FGM lets
well as non-subscribers can download individual LOADSTAR you place graphics and text on hi-res screens, manipulate, modify and
titles and charge them to (heir credit cards. There will be online edit the images and screens into whatever you wish (ie: forms, cards,
support, and new titles added every month. newsletters, labels, calendars, fog charts, etc.). then print the hi-res
Naturally we're always hard at work to produce and secure our screens in a variety of ways.
usual fine lot of monthly software. As our 10-year anniversary FGM is not intended to be a "drawing" or "paint" program. I'm not
approaches in May, we're searching worldwide for Ihe best an arlisi and I'm pretty helpless when presented wilh a blank screen.
programmers and artists to bring you Ihe amazing value that has When writing FGM my intention was toallow using pre-made images,
always been LOADSTAR. My personal goal in 1994 is to spread such as the vasi library of PS [PrinlShop] images that are available.
the word. Sof'.disk Publishing is the world's largest publisher of Additionally, screens from most drawing programs can be imported
C-64 software though LOADSTAR, yel most C-64 diehards have into FGM, and FGM saves screens in formats that can be loaded by
never even heard of us after ten years. many other programs. Although FGM was not intended lobeadrawing
For those unfamiliar with LOADSTAR, allow me to explain who program, 1 know FGMers who defy me and use FGM to create nice
we are: We're a monthly muga/.ineondisk. Mosi people who Iry us, drawings anyway. Hints on drawing in future columns.
love us. Every issue of LOADSTAR comes jiim-packcd with about Compatibility has always been important, and FGM gets along great
nine all-original programs. This includes mind-expanding games with CMD's line of products. FGM can be installed into R AMLinkor
that any parent would approve of, programming tutorials, music, any of the CMD drives. FGM loves JiffyDOS, and I rate JiffyDOS as
graphics, educational quizzes. Besides our feature programs, you'll the number-one best thing you can add to your Commodore. Buying
be blown away by the regular features and editorials. There's even JiffyDOS is like buying more time to use your computer.
tech support when you need it. You'll also gel our highly regarded Considenhis; ifyou hadaprogramlhal you loaded uponce everyday
monthly newsletter to keep you ahreasi of industry trends. It takes and it took two minutes to load, ihai's over twelve hours of loading time
some subscribers an entire month to digest the whole package. By per year. With JiffyDOS ihe loading time would probably be under
that time the next LOADSTAR disk set will arrive in the mail. thirty seconds, whichsaves you (andyourdri ve)over nine hours aycar.
LOADSTAR ships on two 5.25-inch disks (filled on all four sides) Add to that the time saved with file handling and we can easily start
or on one 3.5-inch disk. Many disk magazines, on many computer talking days or weeks of extra computing time.
formats, have come and gone, but we're the only one that can say The FGM UPDATER DISK; I've received inquiries from users
we've been around for len years. We've got our act together, a wondering if their FGM needs updating, "this disk is for updating
professional crew, and a ten-year record thai speaks for itself. I'm earlier v6.0-6.4 FGMs to v6.5 (the version number is on ihe FGM hoot
very proud to be a part of that. menu screen). Ifyou purchased FGM within llie lasi eighteen months
This year we'll also deliver to you even more new machine then it doesn't need upgrading. Older FGMs will benefit to varying
language tools that will help the programmer in you create better degrees. The updates aren't major, but the disk is well wonh the low
games, utilities and productivity software. There will be more cost even if your FGM doesn't need updating; there arc other useful
contests and prizes. Last year we gave away three FD-2000s and things are on thedisk. The UPDATER disk may be freely given toother
one CMD Hard drive in our Codequest '93 programming contest. FGM users, and may already be in your club's library.
By the time this is published we'll have given away even more Some HOT NEWS for users of The Write Stuff (TWS). Hugh
FD-2000S. McMenamin has finished The ILLUSTRATORII. This new versionof
It's hard to believe thai I've been with LOADSTAR for over 50 The ILLUSTRATOR uses FGM clipart images insteadof RUNPAINT,
issues. I assumed when I moved to Shreveport that my job would and includes other useful additions. Send your TWS user number and
be short-lived. Five years laler, I have ihe best job in ihe world. I S5+S3.50 s&h to the Busy Bee.
hope you'll join in. In future columns like these, I'll keep you Next month Jerry will take a turn ai ihis, and he's full of expert advice
abreasi of what's current in LOADSTAR. on using FGM. I'll be spending the "lime oft" wilh my ml monitor,
workingon more additionsto FGM. Unlilncxl time, Happy Computing...
- JeffJones, Associate Editor, LoadStar
-Ron Htickley.)

Volume 1, Number 1 9 Commodore World

Foreign Exchange
OUR OVERSEAS CONTACT GIVES HIS VIEWS ON THE EUROPEAN FRONT

if a repair becomes necessary. I personally

own a 128-D, C-64 with 1541, an SX-64 and
enough spare parts to open a Commodore
service center. I've had kids show up at my
doorstep with everything from broken
joysticks to burned out power supplies. Don't
get me wrong: Parts and chips are still readily
available in Germany, but they cost as much

fey -
now as they did 8 years ago. If you burn out
3 chips, you might as well buy a new
computerandusc the old one for replacement
parts!!
C-64 andC-128 users in Europe belong to
a special type of family and have a different
**tf* * kind of mentality. Loyalty runs high in our
ranks and we take our computer very
"You mean to Icll me that (here are Mill eastern European markc! and is doing quite seriously! Members of user groups go into
eompanicsoffering hardware and software for well. This computer refuses to die! mourning and have been seen wearing
the C-647 You've gol (o be kidding! Where The greatest problem with the Commodore sackcloth and ashes after learning that one
can I gel a catalog?" These arc some of the C-64 and C-128 in Europe is the same one of their own has sold his computer and has
"highlights"ofarecent telephone conversation you face in the States. During the late 80's gone "the way of the wicked" (He bought a
I had with an Austrian who called our office. and early 90's most of the hardware and PC!). A good friend in Vienna gets a big
He had seen CMD's ad in a German computer software companies jumped ship. Some of kick out of bring his C-128 with RAMLink
magazine and couldn't believe his eyes. He the companies that remained, raised and and FD-4000 to work, showing off what ii
had been a C-64 freak during his teenage years then dashed our hopes with promises of can do and making fun of his colleagues
when everyone who was someone had a products that never made ilpast the drawing who all work on a PC. There is even a GEOS
Commodore C-64 or C-128. He had table. The longest running (over 100 monthly club in Switzerland that refuses club
"Graduated" to an Amiga but had never lost issues todate!) and best European magazine membership to those who own the PC version
hislove for the C-64. He sold the Amiga to buy still supporting our computer—Markt & of GEOS. Club meetings are usually intense
a PC, then discovered CMD. After assuring Tcchnik' s 64 'ermagazine—currently boasts social gatherings centered around our
him that CMD is dedicated to supporting the only about one dozen advertisers. About computer. A Gasthaus (German Restaurant)
Commodore 8-bit computer, he is returning to one half of which are actually producing will offer the group one of their rooms for
his first love. hardware and software. It has become the day as long as the group eats their dinner
There has never been any doubt among obvious to Commodore users that the only there. Some of these meetings last for several
Europeans that the "breadbox"—as it is ones who were going to save their computer days andeven require reservations. Many of
affectionately referred to here—is one of, if were those who use it. We have to support the users travel several hundred miles to
not the greatest computer ever assembled. ourselves by writing some of our own take part in workshops lasting only a few
The number of units sold here speaks for programs, offering each other support (User hours. Everyone comes to learn, share,
itself. I was in East Berlin at the time the Groups), and support those companies that debate and generally soak in as much as
Berlin Wall came down and experienced the continue to offer us support by purchasing possible. It is this kind of enthusiasm and
frenzy of East Germans trying to get their legitimate copies of software and not pirating participation that has given the European
hands on the computer that they had heard software for our friends. market its reputation for being a hot bed of
about for years but were never able lo own: I don't know a single Commodore user that activity.
the C-64. Today, one can still purchase a doesn't have at least one extra Commodore It is the purpose of Foreign Exchange to
C-64 in most of the larger European slashed in the closet somewhere—just in introduce you to European C-64 users, their
department stores and through mail order case something happens. European computer ideas, their problems and their programs.
companies at a fraction of the cost I paid for users tend to be more technically oriented We will be looking at the different products
mine some ten years ago. Insiders report and usually have some experience with a that are available in the European market
that Commodore has moved most of its soldering iron or have a friend who knows and also interview some of the brightest
8-bit computers and accessories into the their way around the inside of the "breadbox" European programming minds. CW

Commodore World 10 April 15, 1994

 THE MOST POWERFUL DATABASE EVER
DEVELOPED FOR THE C 64 AND C128

SuperBase 64/128
±5
For years, Superbase has been the most powerful database
system available for Commodore 8-bit computers. Why? Because
not only can you access its commands from menus, but you can
The Programmable Database for ye
also create your own custom Superbase applications using the
Commodore"! 28 built-in programming language. Superbase can also import and
t ■ ■< "•* tt'ttn.
export data using standard sequential files for easy portability with
other applications. Additionally, the C-128 version will load with,
itt'f
C/wf
'nesi Uyfo p'agrmtirtrung *"lf> thics of powerful £\,O*'b*i* c
output ftttm tf/fWwir frits wdtr program contio'
and pass Macro commands to, the Superscript word processor to
create a completely automated office system.

With its built-in programming language, Superbase is ideal for

custom applications such as invoicing, inventory, Accounts
Receivable, Accounts Payable or just about any task you can think
of. Superbase version 3.01 is available on 5.25" or 3.5" disk
formats, making it ideal for use with CMD's FD-2000, FD-4000 and
Commodore 1581 3.5" diskdrives, CMD Hard Drives and RAMLink.

Soifyou've been looking fora powerful, easy-to-use, programmable

database - look no further! Superbase is back and ready to tackle
the toughest job of all - keeping you organized!

CHECK OUT THESE OTHER FINE PRODUCTS FROM THE MAKERS OF SUPERBASE

Superbase: THE BOOK Superscript 64/128 SuperDiskdoc

The final word on Superbase Superscript has everything your The ultimate Commodore disk utility
programming techniques from looking for in a professional word program, and the best protection there
getting started through advanced processor. Its menu driven command is for your valuable data. Zoom in on
programming techniques. This book structure is easy-to-use and eliminates the bytes on your disk, interpret them
is filled with a plethora of hints, tips and the need for complicated commands. in Hex, ASCII, or plain old English,
practical examples.Superbase: The Superscript includes professional make any changes that you want, then
Book is required reading for anyone style editing, spell checking, calculator, simply replace them. Super DiskDoc
who is working or contemplating row and column arithmetic and full brings you extra security. Just in case
working with Superbase 64 or 128. mail merge facilities. The phrase disasterstrikes, Super DiskDoc is there
This book is a rare find and quantities glossary allows you to store entire to help you repair the damage to those
are limited so get your copy today! passages of text or Macro commands irreplaceable files.
and recall them with a key stroke.

Available from
Creative Micro Designs, Inc. Software Hut, Inc. Software Support International
P.O. Box 646 313 Henderson Dr. 2700NEAndresenSt.,A-10
E. Longmeadow, MA 01028 Sharon Hills, PA 19079 Vancouver, WA 98661

Volume 1, Number 1 11 Commodore World

User Group Connection
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL USER GROUP

Alaska Connecticut Kentucky :

Sitka Commodore User's Group CapitOl Region C.C.C. L.U.CKY
PO Box 2204 P.O. Box 2372 POBox 19032
Sitka, AK 99835 Vemon, CT 06066 Louisville, KY 40219-0032
Anchorage C. U. G. Fairfield County C.U.G.
POBoxl04615 P.O.Box2I2 Maryland
Anchorage, AK99510-4615 Danbury,CT06813 ABCUG
POBox 179:
Alabama Delaware Glen Burnie, MD 21060-0179
H.A.C.K.S. First State Commodore Club A.C.U.G.
POBox 14356 POBox!313 POBox 3358
Hunt8vi«e,AL 35815 Dover.DE 19903 Annapolis, MD21403

Arizona Florida Massachusetts

Busy-Bee User Group Sun Coast Commodore Club Boston Computer Society - C= SIG
2634 East Malvem Street c/o Frank Galler One Center Plaza
Tucson, AZ 85716 7034 Mayfield Drive Boston, MA 02108
Port Richcy, FL 34668 Pioneer Valley Commodore Club
California Gainesvilie C.U.G. 6 Laurel Terrace
Lake County Computer Users PO Box 90212 Westfield, MA 01085
7827 Evergreen Drive Gainesville, FL 32607 Commodore Club of the Berkshires
Kelseyville, CA 95451 Titusville Commodore Club 38 Walden Lane
Commodore 64 West Users Group 890 Alford Street Piitsfield,MA0120]
2306W. ISOthStreet Titusvillc.FL32796
Torrance, CA 90504 M.I.C.E. Michigan
Southern California C.U.G. 11110 Bird Road Computer Users of Lexington
; 2059 Cedar Ave., #11 Miami, FL 33165 P.O. Box 482
• Long Beach, CA 908064616 Tampa Commodore User's Group Lexington, MI 48450-0482
Orange County Commodore Club PO Box 27141 Saginaw Area C.U.G.
c/o Bill Fox Tampa, FL 33688 P.O. Box 2393
4939 Dunrobin Ave. Commodore User's Group of Venice Sagnaw, MI 48605
Lakewood, CA 90713-1836 PO Box 3325 Lansing Area Commodore Club
FUNHUG Venice, FL 34293 POBox 1065
814VaileyRun "••:• E. Lansing, MI 48826
;Hercules,CA 94547-1440 : Illinois
SacrementoC.C.C. S.W.RA.P.User'sGroup Missouri
P.O.Box 13393 POBox 342 MDC/RCC - Commodore SIG
Sacrememo, CA 95813-3393 Bedford Park, IL 60499 P.O, Box 1171 Carr Station
Hub Area Commodore Club East Side Computer Club Florissant, MO 63031
7127 Arrowhead Trail P.O. Box 276 CUGSL
Browns Valley, CA 95918-9630 Godfrey, IL 62035-0276 c/o 129 Aokay Drive, Apt. K
Fox Valley 64 User's Group St. Charles, MO 63301
Colorado POBox 28 Computers North Users Group
Front Range Commodore Club North Aurora, IL 60542 P.O. Box 34534
PO Box 272 Meeting 64/128 Users Thru the Mail North Kansas City, MO 64116
Niwot,CO80544 Rt.l,Boxl51
St. Joseph, IL 61873

Commodore World 12 April 15, 1994

New Hampshire Oregon Texas

Manchester C.U.G. Commodore User's Association C.U.SA.T.

POBox 1641 PO Box 84 PO Box 380732

Manchester, NH 03105 Mcdford, OR 97501 San Antonio, TX 78280

New Jersey Pennsylvania Utah

Info 64 Users Group Pittsburgh Commodore Group Mountain Computer Society

c/o i 86 Delmar Avenue PO Box 16126 c/o 3898 Cheryl St.

:Glen Rock, N-f 07452 Pittsburgh, PA 15242 Salt.Lake City, UT 84119

C.E.B.U.G Harrisburg Area Computer Club

721 S. 29th St. Vermont
PO Box 314
East Brunswick, NJ 08816 Harrisburg, PA 17111 Champlatn Valley C. I). G.
6 Mayfair St.
Scranton C.U.G.
New York S. Burlington, VT 05043
PO Box 244
Mohawk Valley C.U.G. Scranton, PA 18501
Virginia
P.O. Box 343 Main Line C.U.G.
Tribes Hill, NY 12177 Fredericksburg Commodore Club
1046 General Allen Ln.
West Chester, PA 19382 6803 Teal Court
Bronx User's Group
Spotsylvania,VA 22553
PO Box 523 Philadelphia Area Computer Society
Bronx, NY 10475 cA) LaSalle University Peninsula C.U.G.
Philadelphia, PA 19141 P.O.Box 11293
Queens C.U.G.
Newport News, VA 23601-9293
P.O. Box 129
Queens, NY 11417 South Carolina Capitol Area Commodore Enthusiasts
607 Abbotts Lane
Hudson Valley Commodore Club River Rats User Group
Falls Church, VA 22046
POBo*2190 P.O. Box 1036
Kingston. NY 12041 Bath, SC 29816-6610
Washington
Tri-City Commodore User's Group
South Dakota Tri-City Commodore Computer Club
PO Box 12742
Sioux Empire Commodore Club P.O. Box 224
Albany, NY 12212
Richland.WA 99352
1932SouthMcnloAve.
Ohio Sioux Falls, SD 57105-2717 Commodore Users Of Puget Sound
1706 Crest view Drive
Central Ohio C.U.G.
Tennessee Bremerton. WA98312
P.O. Box 28229
Columbus, OH 43228-0229 Memphis Commodore User Club

Commodore Club of Central Ohio PO Box 34095

Memphis, TN 38134
PO Box 292392
Columbus, OH 43229
Commodore Club of Toledo
PO Box 13011 Attention User Groups!
Toledo, OH 43613 Commodore World wants to help users
Basic Bits Commodore Group get In touch with you!
PO Box 81886
Cleveland, OH 44181-0886 Todo this, we need yourhelp. Thousands of Commodore users read Commodore
World every month, and many of them are in need of the services that your group
Eric Bay C.U.G.
can provide. But before they can show up for your meetings, they have to find out
P.O.Box 1461
about you. This is your forum. Commodore World will devote as many pages per
Sandusky, OH 44870
issue as we possibly can to provide this vital source of information. But if we don't
Shelby C.U.G.
hear from you, we won't be able to list your group here. All we need is a little
P.O. Box 512 information about your UserGroup; the name of the group, the name and phone
Shelby, OH 44875
number of a contact person, when and where your group meets, and an address
where users can write to contact you. If you haven't seen your group Hated here,
Oklahoma
send in your information right away. And we'll send users. Send your info to:
Commodore User's Group of Lawton
CWUG Connection
PO Box 3392
c/o Creative Micro Designs, Inc.
awton, OK 73502
P.O. Box €46 ~;:
Bast Longmeadow, MA 01Q28^846

13 Commodore World
Volume 1, Number 1
 Top Tips

A RENOWNED COMMODORE EXPERT SHARES HIS INSIGHTS

For many years, I've helped countless the mightiest Mac, Amiga, or PC is no
numbers ofCommodore users troubleshoot quicker than your C-64/128 at sending or
their Commodore 64/128s over phone, at receiving data at any given baud rate.
computer trade shows, and through on-line 4. DON'T send program or text files
gatherings. I spent most of my seven-year through on-line services without first
tenure at RUN Magazine compiling the compressing them. Get in the habit of
Megiccommii—a series ofreader-and staff- compressing your files before e-mailing or
submitted hints, tips, and techniques transmitting them through the modem. For
designed to make using your Commodore one of the easiest Commodore-compatible
more fun and enjoyable, and extend ils life archiving programs, get VSD Maker v3.0
well into the 21st century. (Vision Self Dissolve Maker), an
Starting with this premier issue of aggressively supported file-archiving
Commodore World, I'd like to continue that system.
exciting tradition. Think of this as YOUR If you download (retrieve) text files from
column, where we seek to publish the very BBSs andnetworks, you'll save considerable
best reader-submitted hints, tips, and time and money with acopy of UNZIP.SFX.
techniques that allowyou togetthe most out support areas and forums for the 64/128. Regardless of the originating platform, this
of your Commodore. Your Commodore offers plenty of self-extracting archive dissolves text files
Never one to mince words, here's my top- potential—many non-plat form-specific created with PKZip 1.10 on your
ten Do's and Don'ts list: forums on CompuServe (the General Motors Commodore. Another Basic program found
of computer networks) keep the needs of in public domain circles, LZHSFX.SFX,
1. DO get in the habit of using your 64/ timeworn computer models in mind. converts .LZH files (files compressed with
128 more. It's no secret; the more you use Consequently, they don't permit file the popular PC/Amiga program LHarc) into
the computer for everyday tasks (printing compression techniques not supported by Commodore-compatible .SFX tiles.
grocery lists, mailing labels, balancing your the Tandy 100 or Model III—computers 5. DO routinely back up all your
checkbook, and so on), the more computer- more elderly than the 64/128! important word processor, database, and
savvy you'll become. Services such as GEnie1 s CALC graphic tiles on floppies. Speaking from
2. DON'T give your vintage Plus/4 or (Computer-Assisted Learning Center) let experience, large capacity devices such as
Vic-20 the heave-ho: Many schools and you attend classes from your Commodore one of CMD's hard drives make it all too
civic organizations gladly accept computer andeven work towards an associate's degree. easy to forget good file maintenance and
equipment. Old hardware, software, disks, If you're interested about the much- archiving practices.
books, and assorted computer reference ballyhooed Information Superhighway, your 6. DON'T shy away from learning to
material that's outdated by your standards modem serves as an on-ramp that takes you program your C-64/128. Books on
may be precious to others. onto the open roads of BIX. Portal, and programming the 64/128 may be out of
3. DO get a modem, telecommunication Delphi, three nets that offer direct access to print, are still widely available. Commodore
software, and a network account. GEnie. both the Internet and its subsystem, Usenet. 64 Assembly Language by W. Douglas
CompuServe, and BIX represent three No single activity perpetuates the life of Mimrer (Computer Science Press, ISBN 0-
mainstream, low-cost net works that provide yourCommodore quite as well. Remember: 88175-040-9) and Programming Ihc

Commodore World 14 April 15, 1994

Commodore64(Compute! Books,ISBNO- 9. DO form or join a Commodore users As many professional computer users
942386-50-7) are two reference guides I group. Direct interaction with well- expand their hardware and software arsenal
highly recommend. With a foundaii on based intentioned, knowledgeable computerists with large chunks of their disposable income,
on Basic programming, you'll be able (o still remains the best method of sharing keep in mind you're experiencing the best
musicr other programming languages information and getting help. that computing has to offer without spending
quickly. 10. DON'T lie quick to abandon your thousands of dollars in software and
7. WO gel a database program. Of all the Commodore 64/128 if you decide toupgrade hardware. So, take that money and invest in
programs I've used over the years, none to a bigger, faster computer. Continue to use something REALLY fun—like dream
ottered more long-iermbenefils. I now keep your Commodore to compliment the new vacations or a personal watcrcraft! CVV
all manner of lists on a database. If I need to machine, perhaps as a dedicated
call a company, contact an author, look up a telecommunications computer for operating Tim Walsh is Senior EJiWo/AmigaWorld,
product, or whatever, the information is a BBS. the world's highest-circulation Commodore-
merely a mouse-click or three away. When Amiga publication.
I need to generate mailing labels, a database
lets me selectively print only those I need.
8. DON'T rely solely on your memory TOP TIPS Needs Your Input!
and disk directories to keep track of files
and programs. Besides making backups on
Each issue we'll print the very best tips we receive from our readers. One of these will also
floppies whenever possible, gel several
be chosen as the top tipof the issue, and the contributor will receive a special bonus from
large-capacity three-ring binders, a paper
Commodore Work!. Send us your tips on using and programming your Commodore 64 or
punch, and make printouts of your disk
128, and you mayjust be the one to get honored as the contributor of Commodore World's
directories, lists, and important text files
Top Tip! Send your tips to: ::
and file them in the Binders. The advantages
arc two-fold: you'll have reference material
CIV Top Tips
at your fingertips and a hardcopy in the
do Creative Micro Designs, Inc.
unlikely event yourcomputer goes down for
P.O. Box 646
the count. Attach important files as e-mail
EastLongmeadov,MA 01028-0646
to your on-line accounts forreally important,
secure (but short-term) backups.

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CWLS34

15 Commodore World
Volume 1, Number 1
 Just For Starters

FOR USERS JUST GETTING STARTED IN COMMODORE COMPUTING

My computer can talk. It talks a lot. "READY" and blinks at you, waiting for
Constantly, as a mailer of Tact. your response. (That little blinking thing is
Oh. I don't mean that it actually says called the "cursor." by the way.) You can
words like "Please pass the salt" or "You think of the cursor as showing you whereon
can't cram that pan into the dishwasher, it's the screen the computer is looking at any
full" or "Why are you eating another snack particular moment; righl after you slart up
just before dinner," although my 128 can your machine it's looking at that blinking
actually talk like that loo, given the right spot, waiting for you to lype in some kind of
software. No, I mean the kind of talking lhat instructions.
every computer does all the time, to itself You see, the Commodore computer
and to iis peripherals, (which is a high- includes a whole raft of commands that you
falutin' word Tor all the gizmos you plug can use, both for the operating system itself
into and use with the computer itself, such and for a separate language called BASIC.
as printers and disk drives). That olhcr language is also built right into
Every computer needs to he able to do this your 64 or 128, giving you all sorts of
kind of talking. After all, a disk drive You might wonder where the DOS disk is powerful options. As a mailer of fact, most
wouldn't be much use if a computer couldn't for your Commodore. After all, I did say of your communication with your computer
get any information from It. (I have several that the 64 and 128 were particularly good at wil! be in the form o!' BASIC commands,
drives in exactly that condition—completely all this talking back and forth, so it must commands which will in turn lalk lo your
mute—and I can assure you that they are have a really cool DOS, right' Nope. No computer and give the orders.
about as useful as a pothole.) So the upshot disk. You see, your Commodore comes with That's really not so different from the
of all this is that any computer needs to talk the language built righl in, ready and waiting kind of "out loud" talking I mentioned a few
al I the lime, and the Commodore 64 and 128 when you flip on the switch. That means it minutes ago. Think about it: when you need
are particularly good at it. isn't really a "DOS" at all, it's an "OS, "just some salt for your french fries, you say
Now the world al large is fond of one an operating system. (There is a DOS for the "Please pass the salt." When we want our
cenain language for all this compulertalking, Commodore, by the way. It's called GEOS, word processor to run on our Commodore,
the one called MS-DOS. Thai's the one used "Graphic Environment Operating Syslem," we say "Please load the program called
by all those IBM compatible computers out and it is superb. But that's another column..,) WORD PROCESSOR and run it." We do
there. There are languages, such as Pro- So what does this built-in operating system this by typing the words when we sec the
DOS for the Apple, but MS-DOS is by far do for the average user like you? Well, it lillle blinking cursor. Then we press the
the most common. The "MS" stands for operates your system, of course, but it does RETURN key to send the request to the
Microsoft, the behemoth company also more than that. It knows enough to actually computer to carry oul. It's really very simple:
guilty of creating Windows, and "DOS" talk to you too. Don't believe it? Check out we type the instructions, the eomputercarries
stands for "disk operating system," so called the message lhat appears when you turn on them out.
because it is loaded from a disk every time your machine. After all the copyright Before we try this, though. 1 had better
you start up your computer after which it information lhat no one ever really reads, clarify something: the computer might be
cheerfully operates your system—talks to the operating system tells you in a nice, great al talking to itself and at taking typed
itself and your peripherals, in other words. friendly way lhat you can get started: it says instructions but it doesn't know how to do

Commodore World 16 April 15, 1994

 computer can talk- I
CC

talks a lot. Constantly, as

a matter or fact."

it in English. That "Please load the compulcr-ese tor tape recorder) to store we need to tell it to look at device number 8.
program" bit won'icut it That was English. information. Big computers at places like Here's how BASIC lets us do that: LOAD
If we try to talk to our computer thai way the Pentagon used big hulking tape drives "WORD PROCESSOR",8. See how nif'.y

it will respond with SYNTAX ERROR, (the kind you sec whirling away in the that works?

which is its very polite and stuffy way of background in old movies) and Commodore BASIC commands often need extra bits
64 computers used little Commodore lape of information to do their joh, just like our
saying that it hasn't a clue as to what we
drives. Oh, someone had invented u floppy LOAD command needed the 8 after it to
mean.

Instead, we'll have to learn to talk in a disk drive, sure, but the price was only a know where to load from. These are called
language the computer does understand. I little less than the price of a compact car, so "parameters," and they are often numbers.
Commodore figured no one wouldevcr want Generally speaking, you separate parameters
mentioned before that your 64 and 128
come with the BASIC language built right one. The version of BASIC they built into from the command and from each other with
their computers, then, assumed lhal everyone commas. Sometimes these parameters give
in, so let's learn how to say "Please load
was using a tape drive. an address, just like the 8 did in our LOAD
the program called WORD PROCESSOR
So far so good. But chances arc you aren' l command.
and run it" in BASIC. That isn't really as
using a tape drive at all. Very few people do Other times, they signal to the computer
tough to do as you might think, since
anymore. Unfortunately a Commodore 64 to do things in a certain way. The LOAD
BASIC actually uses a lot of English words.
or 128 doesn't know that. So when we typed command actually knows two ways of
To load a program, for example, we type
our LOAD "WORD PROCESSOR" loading a program. BASIC assumes one
LOAD. If we just type LOAD and press
sentence a few minutes ago, we were telling way, which is what we just asked for when
the RETURN key, though, the computer
the computer to load from a tape drive. Ifwe we typed LOAD "WORD PROCESSOR1P,8.
will still be baffled, since we never told it
just say LOAD, that's what the 64 and 128 To ask For the other method of loading, we
what to load. So after LOAD we'll type
assume. There is a way around that, of add one more parameter to the end of the
the name of the program we want loaded,
course. We just need to add something to LOAD command, a number 1. The command
in this case WORD PROCESSOR.
what we type to tell the computer to look then looks like this: LOAD "WORD
Computers, however, are very
somewhere else for the program, to tell it to PROCESSOR"^, I.
unimaginative andlitcral in theirthinking
look at our disk drive. We could try this: Some programs need one kind of LOAD
(kind of dumb in other words) and if we
LOAD "WORD PROCESSOR" AND USE command, some need the other kind. The
just type in the name, the computer would
THE DISK DRIVE PLEASE, but as you best way to tell which one you need louse is
assume it was a whole new command. To
might expect, that's the wrong language. to check the documentation that came with
keep things clear for the computer, then,
We need to find out how BASIC lets us say the program you're trying to load. If you
we'll put quotation marks around our
"Use the disk drive please." aren't sure, try it both ways. Don't worry,
program name. When we're done, we've
Fortunately, the people who designed the you won't break anything ifyou choose the
produced a line that says LOAD -WORD
PROCESSOR." 64 and 128 made that part easy. They knew wrong one.

that their computer would need to chat buck The BASIC language built into a
Now before we press RETURN, let me
and forth between various peripherals, so Commodore gives you, the user, the power
digress here for a minute. The Commodore
they gave each peripheral a number. It works to talk to your computer, telling it to do
64 was produced way back in the early
sort of like a street address. If the computer many things, a lot more than just load
80's, at which time it was a revolutionary,
needs to talk to the primer, for example, it programs. There arc ways that yourcomputer
state of the art machine. It had features
addresses what it says to device number 4. talks back to you its well, such as the READY
that noothcr personal computer had and at
The tape drive is number 1. The disk drive is message when it's all set for you to use.
the ridiculously low price of less than a
number 8. (Ifyou have more than one drive, Next month We'll talk some more about
thousand dollars. Back then, when
they're numbered 9, 10, and so on, but for some of the ways you and your computer
Microsoft was barely out of diapers and
now let's stick with number 8). So if we can communicate. CW
IBM thought only businesses would ever
really usecomputers, most computers used want the computer to look for our WORD
a device called a tape drive (which is PROCESSOR program on our disk drive,

17 Commodore World
Volume 1. Number 1
 Which Ones
Ate Right For You?
Printing is, without question, the most With this important fact in mind, we at
important function ofusinga personal computer Commodore Wor/rfhavecompiled the information
for nearly every user. Whether you use your we feel is most important in making a proper
computer for word processing, graphics creation, printer selection for your own specific needs.
database or spreadsheet applications or even And because today's printers are not
programming, you need reliableoutput on paper. 'Commodore-ready', we've naturally supplied
The 'vision' of a paperless society is still just additional information on the interfacing devices
exactly that - a vision, not a reality. and methods available to you.

Commodore World
18 April 15, 1994
 & Interfaces

Which Type is Your Type? The main question on the mind of most Commodore users when
Gone are the days whenyou simply had tochoose between two or more looking for a new printer is compatibility. And the good news is that
dot-matrix printers. Today we have a wide range of printer types to most any 9-or 24-pin printer available today will work with most, if not
choose from, all with their own benefits and shortcomings. Each of Ihe all, of your applications. Part of this will depend somewhat on making
technologies currently employed in modern printers brings with it a sure that you use an interface with an acceptable 1525 emulation for
certain level of quality. In turn, each also has an initial cost and a applications which do not support the Epson FX-80, Epson LQ-850, or
maintenance cost. All of these factors should be weighed when IBM Proprinler X24 emulations available on practically every new
considering a new purchase to avoid any 'surprises' down the road. printer being manufactured today. Some older programs which offer
The descriptions of printer types given in the following paragraphs support for Epson printers only work with Epson MX-80 printers;
will help illustrate the quality and cost factors involved with each. Also, however, these applications can be made to work using theadvice given
take notcofcompatibility issues, since compatibility with your software in the sidebar. "Old Software & New Printers".
is of utmost importance. One area where compatibility will indeed be a problem is with color
printing. Most Commodore applications which have the ability loprint
Dot-Matrix Printers in color only support some very old printer types. Specifically, you
While industry analysts have been saying for years that dot-matrix won't find a modem color printer that emulates the color codes used on
printersales would soon drop off in favor of newer technologies, these the Okidala Okimate series printers, or even the Epson JX-80. GEOS
old workhorses still accounted for 50 percent of printer sales in 1993. users, however, will find that a color driver is available to them for use
It's easy to understand why the decline has been slow; dot-matrix with new 24-pin color printers. This driver, EPSON24PINCOLOR, is
printers are inexpensive to buy and operate, and are well suited for a available on GUnie or can be obtained directly from CMO (currently
wide range of applications. Wide paper or multi-part forms printing the distributor of GIiOS).
will generally dictate the use of these types of printers. As we've mentioned, dot-matrix printers make a good choice. Our
For the Commodore user, dot-matrix printers make the best choice recommendation would be to go with a 24-pin model, with or without
for genera! use. With 9-pin models selling in the $150 to S300 range, color (bearing in mind the limitation mentioned above). Skip fancy
and 24-pinmodc!s going for $200 to$500, you should be able to easily extras like scalable fonts. The printer should have LQ-850 and IBM
find a model that suits both your needs and your wallet. Proprinter X24 emulation modes at the very minimum. You should
With print-head life expectancy of around 100 million characters, a also make sure that AGM can be turned off easily (see the "Old
dot matrix printer will last years for the average user. These printers Software & New Printers" sidebar for details on what this is and why
continue to be bargains long after your purchase, with operating costs you would want to switch it off). Avoid printers which can only be
of under a penny a page. configured using a supplied program (you can bet it isn't supplied in a
Operatingspeedsaretypieallyintherangeof25to250characterspcr Commodore format). Printers that use front panel controls for
second, but you can expect much slower throughput when printing configuration are fine, but bear in mind that it will take some lime to
graphics or using NLQ and Quiet modes. This latter feature found on become familiar with making changes on these models.
some models brings to light an important side-effect of dot-matrix
printing: it's loud. Slight improvements have been made in this area
over the years, but even Quiet modes won't have that much ofan effect Type quality at a glance...
on the overall sound level. Speed, too, has improved only marginally
over past models, even with built-inbuffeting; muchof this isprobably Each printer type offers a level of quality
due to the much wider use of graphical printing in applications. whieh is generally commensurate with its
Speaking of graphical printing, all dot matrix printers today offer cost. As the price you pay for a printer
standard resolutionsupto216by240dots per inch ony-pininodels.and goes up, so too does the quality available
360 by 360 dots per inch on 24-pin models. Most applications on from the printer. The magnified output
Commodore computers will only use older standards of 72 by 80 dots samples shown betow should give you a
per inch, but a few have double- and quadruple-strike drivers; while general idea of the kind of quality you can
some GEOS printer drivers can actually address other resolutions expect with a specific printer type.
directly. Perfect Print for GEOS can make full use of the maximum

p p p p p
resolution of these printers.
Most modern dot-matrix printers also come supplied with a few
fonts. Three to five built-in fonts appears to be what you can expect.
Some models also have scalable fonts, but these are generally not of
much use with programs available for your computer. A Near-Leuer- 9-pfei 2+1*
Quality mode is considered standard as well, and it's unlikely you'll OotMalrln DotlWHFtx law laser

find a modern printer without one.

19 Commodore World
Volume 1, Number 1
 Printers & Interfaces

Ink Jet Printers force the ink out. This approach appears to
Many Improvements have been made in this cause less problems with satellites, giving the
fairly new printer technology in recent years, Epson Stylus 800 a clear advantage over the
and ink jet primers are now an inexpensive competition when it comes to crisp text and
alternative. These printersdclivcroutpul which cleaner looking output.
is a definite improvement over dot-matrix On the whole, ink jet printers are far less
types, and both their output quality and price expensive thiin laser printers in initial outlay;
place them squarely between dot-matrix and the normal price range being from under $300
laser printers. Improved quality and lower up to around $700, However, the average
prices have caused substantial growth in the operatingcostof6centsperpage is double that
ink jet printer market, and experts seem to of laser printers. I'opu I ar low-cost models tend
agree that these kinds of printers will own the to cost even more to operate, with the Cannon
lion's share of the market by 1996. BJ series coming in at S.9 cents per page.
Most ink jei primers use a thermal process, Speed on most models is also slow, falling sheets. Some models even handle large formats;
heating ink stored in a cavity until it expands. into a range from 30 to 100 characters per the Cannon BJ-230, for example, can print on
This expansion eventually causes the ink to be second. However, printing is very quiet as 5tockuptollbyI7inches.Inkjetprintersalso
'sprayed' from the nozzles on the print head. compared with other printing technologies, do a superb job with transparancies. For best
This method tends tocauscsmall stray panicles and inkjeis are the moslencrgy-ctiicient types results, non-porous printing stock should be
of ink, dubbed satellites, to end up in places of printers in common use today. used for all printing.
other than intended. One new contender, the Paper-handling on irikjei printers is limited Printing resolution, built-in fonts, and
Epson Stylus 800, departs from the thermal to single sheets, so they won't make a good emulation modes in ink jel printers all tend to
method. Instead of heating the ink to force choice for multi-part business forms. Most fall into the same guidelines discussed
expansion, the Stylus 800 charges a piezo come supplied with a cut-sheet feed tray, and previously for dot-matrix printers. However,
material cavity, causing it to change shape and many alsohavea manual feed option forsinglc there arc some exceptions. Some models
contain substantially more fonts; oihers (such
as HP's models) have non-standard prim
Old Software & New Printers densities and emulations.
;: Hlew-printers should have no problem simple work-arounds which you carjlry- Some of the reported problems with ink jet
working with many of your old texi- to resolve this problem. printers are that output will easily smear or
basedprintirigapplications.Simpleword If your application has an IBM printer smudge. This condition has been improving,
processors and spreadsheets simply driver selection, place your printer into but youshould be aware that output needs to be
send ASCII or PETASCII codes to the its IBM ProprinterX24emulationmode. handled carefully until it is completely dry.
printer, and since these standards have If your printer is equipped with AGM These printers do not make a good choice for
, not changed, your new printer should (Advanced Graphics Mode), disable mailing labels, since getting the output wet
work well. that feature. Often, this will be enough eouldrcsult in unreadable results. The problem
GEOS users will also find thatthere tocorrect the problem. If it isn't, however, with satellites also becomes somewhat
are printer drivers available for them to try entering the following BASIC lines pronounced when printing graphics, giving
make use of 24-pin printers. The Epson before starting your application: the appearance that some areas havealittletoo
LQ-1500andStarNB-15printerdrivers much ink.
should handle most any 24-pin printer. 0PEN4.4 Our recommendation for ink jet printers
Furtherimprovements maybe realized fHINT#41CHRS(2?);CHflJI6S);CHHJt8) would be to stick with what has been tried and
by:.using Perfect .Print, the printing PRiNT#4,CHR$(27);CHH$(5B); proven. The Cannon BJ series and Epson
application'for "GEOS available from C10SE4 Stylus models have been tried by a number of
CMD, SSI, and other dealers. Commodore users with good success. These
Some graphic-based applications, These lines will help your printer to models offer good emulation of standard dot-
however, may have difficulty printing in work with drivers intended for Epson matrix pri ntcrs, and the emulations are so good
the proper perspective on modern 24- MX-80 printers. It has been report that that e vendot-matrix specific programs such as
pin printers. The effect will be a page this works well with Print Shop and Perfect Prim work on them. Again, let the "Old
that prints longer than normal in the otherearly applicationswith EpsonMX- Software & New Printers" sidebar be your
vertical direction. There are two fairly 80 drivers. guide to obtaining compatibility with old
programs.

Commodore World 20 April 15, 1994

 Printers & Interfaces

Laser Printers
Prices on laser printers have been steadily Laser Printers for Commodore Users
dropping for years now, and 300 dot per inch
A wide selection of laser printers are available today in a wide
modelsurc well within the reach ol'many users
range of prices. Some of these simply are not good choices for
in search of high quality output. In fact, prices
Commodore users, however, due to a lack of certain emulation
have dropped to nearly one-tenth of what they
were fiveorsixycarsago. With prices this low,
modes. Here is a breakdown of currently available models which
and quality levels exceedingotherprinter types,
make good choices for your system. Prices given are retail; street
you should carefully consider whether a laser price may be substantially lower, and isgeneraf ly at least $100 less
printer will fit your application and budget. than shown. GEOS users will require Postscript (PS or PS2), while
Lascrprinters with 300 dot perinch resolution other applications require Epson FX (FX) emulation-
can now be found in the $500 to $ 1000 range. Printer Model Speed Res. Printer Emulations Price
AfarcryfromlhcS6000ourcompanypaidfor PS $1079
Apple LaserWriter Select 310 4 ppm 300 dpi
a similar printer some six years ago. That
Apple LaserWriter, Select 360 10ppm .600 dpi. PCL5,PS2 if-:: -A $B?9
printer, by the way, is still going strong and 600 dpi PCL4.PS2 $2529
Apple LaserWriter Pro 630 8 ppm
churning out decent quality pages on a daily FX,IBM,PCL $895
Brother Laser Printer HL-6 6 ppm 300 dpi
basis. But wait! Not only are the current crop
Brother Laser Printer HL-10h 10 ppm 600 dpi FX,IBM,D6,PCL,PS $1549
of 300dpi lasers available at reasonable prices,
Citizen ProLaser 6000 6 ppm 300 dpi FXJBM.PCL $849
but even their 600 dpi counterparts are now
Epson ActionLaser 1000 6 ppm 300 dpi FX.LQ, PCL.PS1 $799
within easy reach for many serious users.
Epson AcfionLaser 1500 6 ppm 300 dpi FX,LQ,PCL,GL2,PS' $849
Apple, HP, and others have placed 600 dpi
HP LaserJet 4ML 4 ppm 300 dpi PCL,GL,PS $1279
models in the SI500 retail range, and some
shopping around will show that street pricesof HP- LaserJet 4MP:= 4 ppm 600dpl .FX3,IBM2,PCL,GL,PS
HP LaserJet 4M 8 ppm 600 dpi FXMBM*,PCLGL,PS $2399
around SI300 aren't hard to find.
IBM 40391 OR 10 ppm 600 dpi PS.PCL $1599
Laser printers are fairly cheap to operate,
with an average cost of around 3 cents a page. Okidala OL850 8 ppm 300 dpi D6.PCL.PS $1999
Text output is crisp and clear, though graphics QMS 420 Print System 4 ppm 600 dpi PCL,GL,PS,PS2 $1995
will likely suffer somewhat if printed using an Samsung Finale Hi-Res , 8 ppm 1200 dpi .fX,lBHPCL,PCL5%PS $2Q68
emulation mode. This situation with graphics Sharp JX-9400 6:ppm 300 dpi ;FX,IBf$,D6,PCL $599
comes back to our age-old problem: software Star Micronics LS-5EX 5 ppm 300 dpi PCL,PCL5,GL,PS3 $989
which isn't capable of takingfull advantage of Tandy LP410 4 ppm 300 dpi FX,IBM,PCL,PCL5,PS4 $1099
the new hardware. Programs like Perfect Print Tandy LP800 8 ppm 300 dpi FX,IBM,PCL,PCL5,PS* $1499
forGEOSwon'lhelp in thiscasc, cither, due to Tl microWriter 5 ppm 300 dpi PCL.PS $599
the way most laser printer emulation modes Tl microLaser Pro 600 8 ppm 600 dpi PCL,PS,PS2 $1599
operate. Xante Accei-a-Wriier 4000 4 ppm 600 dpi PCL.PS $1795
GEOS users will want to opt for a laser
Nate: All models listed here come with a parallel (Centronics) port
printer with built-in Postscript, a page
'Add $449 aAdd$199 3Add$225 4Add $399.99 plus $399.99 for additional RAM
description language developed by Adobe.
Printers equipped with this interpreter cost a
don'thavc RS-232 ports. To resolve this issue, also possible with this utility if you're brave
little more than printers without it, but it's very
nearly eonsidercdarequircmentforlaserprinter pick up a Skylcs Parallel Primer Cable enough to experiment. Finally. Group M
(GEOCABLE equivalent). This cable now MultiMediahasjust announced acollectionof
use under GEOS. The HP 4L, a 4 page per
minutemodelwithPostscriptcan be purchased comes supplied with a GEOCABLE version Postscript clip art for use with GEOS (see
of the LaserWriter driver when purchased di reel inside front cover of this issue for details).
for around S650 from a number of sources.
iromCMD.ConsicfcrgeUiiigCcillctte Utilities If you only use GEOS part of the time, and
GEOS users will also want to look into some
at the same time, since it provides a patch 10 wish to use a laser printer for both GEOS and
enhancements to allow them to make better
allow GEOPUBUASER to use a GEOCABLE. non-GEOS printing applications, you'll need
use of a laser printer. The LaserWriter 2.1
This handy utilities disk also contains a a printer with both Postscript and an Epson
printer driver supplied with GEOS forusc with
Postscript pre-praccssor lor printing pages in FX-80 or Epson LQ-850 emulation mode.
postscript printers requires anRS-232 interface;
landscape (sideways) mode with If you don't use GEOS at ail, and have no
such interfaces are now very difficult to find,
GEOPUBLASER. Other Postscript tricks are plans to do so in the future, then skip the added
and many of the current crop of laser printers

21 Commodore World
Volume 7, Number 1
 & Interfaces

cost of Postscript and go for a printer with high-quality printing, multiple fonis, and which we're aware of still being made is the
Epson FX-HO emulation. Soothe "Laser Printers numerous other features and options. New MW-350. Since most programs bypass most
For Commodore Users" sidebar for a list of printers are not. however. Commodore-ready: oflhe interface optionslo deal directly with the

usable models. you'll have to purchase a printer interface to interfaced printer, ihe selection of interfaces
use any of these printers on a Commodore isn'las important as it once was when programs
New or Used? system. The flip-side of this shortcoming, only supported printers that could emulate ihe
One of the most important things you should however, is that these printers are completely Commodore 1525 or 1526 printers.
consider when looking for a printer is whether ready to work on other types of computer The Omnitronix Serial Printer Interface is
you want to purchase a new or used printer. systems. This may he important if you decide listed as "Serial Port to RS-232'. This is used
Naturally, a used printer is going lo cost less, to buy another computer type in the fulurc. with prinlers that are equipped wilh a 25-pin
but may also bcshorl-lived. slower, and produce RS-232 serial port instead of a standard
lower-quality output. A used prinler is a good The Art of Interfacing Centronics printer port. These printers arc rare
choice for a second printer on your system; it Interfacing your printer to your Commodore nowadays, as are the interlaces needed to use
canbeused tocheckyouroutput for formatting, mayseemeonfusingwhenyouchooseaprintcr them. Avoid buyinga used printer requiring an
or for printing listings and other applications that isn't specifically Commodore-ready; and RS-232 interface unless you can first locate a
which are not quality-sensitive. there are no new primers that are. If you glance source from which you can obtain the interface.
If your software is strictly for Commodore at the sidebar, "Printer Interfaces at aGlance", The last type shown, 'User Port to
compatible printers, you can get by with a you'll note lhat ihcre arc a few different kinds Centronics'. isaGEOCABLIitypeof interface.
Commodore or Commodore-ready printer. of interfaces shown. The Xetec and Micro This requires special drivers in order to work
While you may have little trouble locating a R & D interfaces area!! listed as 'Serial Porllo properly. A number of such drivers exisl for
used 1525. MPS-8O1.MPS-802, or other past Centronics' types. This is the most common GEOS, and this cable is compatible with a few
models produced by Commodore, we type of printer interface made for hooking up other programs such as Superbase and
recommend avoiding these in favor of a Star non-Commodore printers lo your computer. Superscript. Most other programs do not
NX-lGOOCorStarNX-IOOOC Rainbow. Why? Features vary, but overall performance on support this coble at all. Why get one'.' It has an
Because these latterprintersarecapabicof full interfaces which fall into thiscategoryi.s similar. advantage in speed because it takes parallel
1525 emulation and Epson FX-80 emulation Only the Xctec Super Graphix Gold model data from the computer directly to the parallel
(JX-80 in the case of the Rainbow version). ever broke from this mold, as it had a fast serial port on the printer. All other interface types
This means you get more for your money, and burst capability. There are many othermodels receiveserial data only fromlhe computer, ant!
it opens up new levels of quality for your besides those listed, such as the Xetcc Super have to convert this to parallel data before
printed output. Definitely avoid any other Graphix Gold, the Hotshot and Hotshot Plus sending it to the printer. The increase in speed
Commodore-compatible or Commodore from Omniuxmix, and the Carclco A. B, G, G+ can becspccially beneficial on 24-pin printers.
printers for use with GEOS. GEOS was and G-Wi/. (the latier two are now known as
designed for 80 dpi prinler output, and won't (he Supra-Gand Supra-G-Wi/.). Most of these Conclusion
give you a full page width with are foundonly in the used market now, though Hopefully this article has given you a better
Commodore-type 60 dpi printers. a few of the Supra models are still available. working knowledge of what's available, and
New printers bring you some assurances, Even the Xetcc interfaces are no longer made, what works. As to what is best for you, your
albeit at a higher cost. All new printers come andrelativelyfcwareavailable from any source applications and wallet will have to decide.
with a warranty, and generally offer speedy we're aware of. The only interface of this type CW

Printer Interfaces at a Glance.. ■

Manufacturer Micro R&D Micro R&D Xetec Xetec Omnitronix Skyies

Model : Micrografix MScrografix SuperGraphix Super Graphix Serial Printer Parallel Print
MW-302 MW-350 Junior Senior Interface Cable
Type Serial Port to Serial Port to Serial Port to Serial Port to Serial Port to User Port to
Centronics Centronics Centronics Centronics RS-232 Centronics
Buffer , J*K Optional 10K N/A 8K N/A N/A
Baud Rate N/A N/A N/A N/A' 75-13200 N/A

Commodore World 22 April 15, 1994

 STAY IN TOUCH
M M 0 R El

WORLD
CMD's News Magazine for Commodore 64/128 Users

Stop RUNning around looking for the

latest COMPUTEr news!

WORLD Ita CnmmodnUl Am

Aims U
U*or»
Look to Commodore World for up-to-date information
on Commodore 64 and 128 computing. Commodore
World feature articles give you insight into getting the
most fromyour hardware and software. Regular columns

Printers featuring noted Commodore experts keep you informed

on what is happening in the world of Commodore. Plus,
Our in-depth look into
selecting and using printers industry news straight from the newsmakers themselves,
and printer interfaces telecommunications and BBS news and information,
GEOS tips and tutorials, User Group information,
CMD programming tips, reviews of hardware and software
An introducto:
products, advertisements from current suppliers, and a
makes CM
whole lot more. Commodore World is so packed with
useful information, that you won't want to miss a single
issue, so send for your subscription today!

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Volume 1, Number 1 23 Commodore World

 NEW HOURS: Orders (800) 638-3263 (9-5:30 EST) • TECH SUPPORT (413)525-0023 (1-5 EST)
RAMLink Powor-B.ichcd REU
RAMLnk wlh 0 MB RA.UCan) J188.95 Aerojet „ $ 12.00
RAMUrtt with ! MB RAMCanJ $229.95 AiiDome Rangef S18.00
RAMLJrrt wltfi 4 MB RAMCanJ J349.9S Aiom no $17.00 Increase Speed Up to 1500% while
R«l-Tir»«lodilorF<AMCan]{Oplionai) J20.00 BaUMta $13.00
retaining 100% compatibility
RAM Link Baiwy (i.ii r-ufi (OpHonil) $2*95 Blacklaok Academy $1!.00
P«nllelCibto (RAMLink to HD] 114,99 BkJOdMonay $15.00
Speeds up Loading, Saving, Verifying, Formatting and Reading/
ChwDpt _ 11000 Writing of Program, Sequential, User and Relative files unlike
HD Sltks SCSI Hard Disk Drives
Condct In Vwovun S1B.0O cartridges which only speed up Loading and Saving of PRG files
HOAO, 42 MB (Un««d Supply)
MD-tO, 85 MB (LHHM Supply) $495.00 F-1S Su*s Eagle $1800 Built-in DOS Wedge plus 17 additional features including tile
F-19 Stealth Figtner $20.00 copier, text dump, printer toggle, and redefinable function keys
HD-100, 170 MB (Spscul EdKion) $595.00
HD-200. 245 MB (Sp«Ml Edition) $695.00
K»»ri Van Erm's Pro Soccer $15.00 make using your computer easier and more convenient
Laser Squad SI 3.00
HP-345/M0H000 P93/$9»/|12B6 ROM upgrade Installs easily Into most computers and disk drives.
LaslNmjall 115.00
FD Series 3.5" Floppy Dish Drives
Malnlram. $13.00
Supports C-64, 64C, SX-64. C-128, 128-D. 1541, 15d1C. 1541-
FD-2«»(800K»ndt.flMB)
MamwMadneu 11300
fd-4000 (aooK, i s mb «rw 3.2 mb)
Mantot £ $15.00

FPSerics
FD RMI-Tnu-Clocli Opttm S2Q.00
NevySetl JiO.OO
Boxol 10, h*gh Dwiilty Dttki (1.BMB] $14.95
Red Slorni Rising $18.00
Bo.ot 10, Ef*anc*d DfiMy PitU [32 MB) MO.0O Rir>B» of Medusa $16.00
HUN C128 Funpak $15.00 3.2 and 1.6 MB 3.5" Floppy Drives
RUN C64 Gamepak $15.00 The FO-200O and FD-4000 disk drives utilize
JrflyOOS C64/SX-W Sytfsm W9.BS SieniSwvico _ $18.00 today's latest 3.5 inch disk drive technology.
JrttvOOS C-12»! 2B- D Sy*«m ... M9.95 SkalawDn »13.0O FD-2000's support 800K (1581 style) and 1.6
AdtftWUI Dnv» ROM't $24.95 TneAmuingSo«)»r-M»n $15.00 MB (High Density) formats, while the FD-4000
Ttm Pretldenl li MatingI $10.00 also offers support for the 3.2 MB (Enhanced Density) disk format.
TheTlveeS«>oo»s $10,00 Fast and reliable, they support 1541,1571 and 1581 style partitions,
SID Symphony Stww Cuiridga $39.95
Tie Break Tennis $16.00
Q«oCaWeConipBllbl» Prtnl Cable $20.00 Native Mode partitioning and can actually read and write 1581 disks.
Towl Ectpse $10.00
S.i Cartridge Port EjpanOw $45.00 FD's feature Quilt-in JiffyDOS, SWAP button and optional Real Time
UMmall! 0( V (Please SpeOty] $17.00
MW.350 Primer Interface J60.00 Clock. High capacity, speed and compatibility make the FD right for
Wntdry V _ $24.00
IEEE Fasn1 64 IEEE I-re-Sacs $90.00 every application, including GEOS.
Ouclisher 128 IEEE Imerfacs $120.00
CMD')C-135i CompatlWa SmartMoun S49.95 TuP*rtedS4 $69.00
Mouse Pad $2.95 Tai Perfect 12H $79.00
2«-p*i Epson-comp*l«>l« Printer $190.00 Pockel Wrlter2 (64) {Dlgliil Sol.) $65.00
CM. C-64C Powar Supply (TtepuitM) $39.00 Pocket Wrner 3164 or 126) (Digital Sot.) $70.00
Power-Backed Expandable REU
C-129 Pow* SwW (HapataM*] - $45.00 Pocket Planner 2 or Pockel Fieri— $35.00
SupwScrp 64 or i2B|Preowon) $20.00
The fastest possible form of storage,
1681/1541-11 Poww Supply... $25.00
Commodore compelO* RGB Morwor Call Super Script 64 «128 (Prectiion) $1S.0O RAMLink provides instant access to files
Dt»laM»nager2fr(neworM) $1600 and retains data while your computer is
Suberbese 64 Version 3.01 IPieciskxi) $35.00 turned off. Easy to use and expandable up
CMDUtitiaa $24.95
SuperOase 128 Version 3.01 (Precision) $35.00 to 16 MB, RAMLink utilizes the same powerful operating system
JrHyMON (ML Monitor) $19.95
PowerPkn64{Atecu«) $16.00 found In CMD Hard Drives, Unlike Commodore REU's which are
Big Blus Reader V4.10{SOGWAP) $39.00
SwrHC»leo4Cnm»w)rlu) $16.00 compatible with less than 1% of commercial software. RAMLink
S3B.00
Caopak M (Acacm) $22.00 supports more than B0% of the commercial titles. RAMLink also
Ctdpak 128 (Aoaajs) $25.00 offers built-in JiffyDOS Kernal, SWAP feature, reset button, enable/
CMD'sC-1351 Comp»l«» SmanMouM $49.95 Cti»npak64(AD«gi) $17.00 disable switch, pass-tnru port and RAM port for REU/GEORAM use.
GEOS 64 V2.0 $44.00 Cnartpak 128 (Abacus) $25.00
RAMLink olfers maximum speed, expandability and compatibility
GEOS 128 V2.0 $49.00 RUN ProductrvHy Pak t. II. or 111 (Specify) $15.00 with all types of software and hardware Including GEOS.
9»oCalc64oro«oFil»64 „ .$40.00 HUN Super Stertef PaH 1541 of 1561 $20.00
jeoCalc 12B or gaoFiia 12B $45.00 RUN Worti $20.00
9«P rognunmvr
aeoPubteh _
$45.00
$40.00
HDSefies
B«Chail ....$29.00 BASIC 84 Cormier (Abacus! M7.Q0
Dusk P«* Plui $28.00
BASIC 126 CompeM(AMcu() $2500 SCSI Hard Drive for the C-64/128
FONTPACK S25 00
BMil 64 Compfler (Shylet] $30.00 HD Series Hard Drives are available In
BHUI12B Compile! (SkyHl) $30.00 capacities up to 1 GB, are fully partition able,
Inlomntlo-Kj FONTPACK $25.00
CoBol 64 (Abacus| $17.00 and can emulate 1541, 1571, & 1581 disks
9»oBA5IC $20.00
Fortran 84 (Abaeu*) $17.00 while Native partitions utilize MSDOS-style
BbOibBASIC $20.00
Pascal 64 [Abaou), $17.00 subdirectories. HD's connect easily to the serial bus or parallel via
RUN GEOS Cwnpanion S20.00
RUN GEOS Power P«fc I Of M (Specify) $20.00 RAMLink. Includes built-in JiffyDOS, SWAP feature and RTC. HD's
galsWay/64 or 12B (Specify Venianj $29.95 DistoguB 128 $29.00 offer superior compatibility with most commercial software including
Colletla Utilities (HanoyGeosUlilitiet) - .- $19.95 SpeedTerm (Abacu*| $25.00 BBS, Productivity and GEOS. And with new pricing, HD Series drives
Parted Prim LQ (or GEOS (Laser-likr) output) $49.95 EwHIUnk RS-232 CartrlOoe (Up to 38.4K baud) „.. $39.95 offer the lowest cost per megabyte of any C64/128 storage device.
geoUakeBool (Maksi Boowbta mpms) $12.95 SwItUnk Modem Cable (DB9-DB25) $9.95
B»She« V2.2 [CLI lor GEOS) $24.95 Commode™ 1680 MoOem (300 beud) S1O.O0
Shipping and Handling Charges
.£90.00 BOCA 2400 BiudMoOam $78.00
Use the chin below to m»i:h ygur order suOIOTal wild you* shipping iona
BOCA2400"tSwitlLmk and CUM $11900
BOCA 14.4K Baud Modem SI 99.00
Superbase - Th* BocA $15.00
UPS Hill
AnalomycfttwiMl $12.00 BOCA 14.4KMSwtm.ink ». Cable $229.00 Ordar Subtotal
, :
around * ., HI. PR CvrnU Fcrilgn

C128 Tricks and Tips $15.00 10 01 -119 99 TflCC S1?CO JtJQO ^cc E15C0
C-128 Peeks and Pokei $15 00 Dr. T KCSS4& MIDI Interface S105 00 12OOC-120» saw sism iua I'Ol K0C0
C12B Computer Aided Dsi«;ri $12.00 Dr. T KCS128 & MICH inWrtac* $149.00
HQ0L>lfi9?9 WCG Horn ifiM Mb W UK- 1«»
Commodcr* 64 Tricks and Tips S12.00 Dr. TAIgorOimioCcmpoeet $2000
3 t - 11? DO S3 CO 1' ■ ■ 117 00 JH CO
GraWitt! Boo* f« OieC-64 112.00 Dr T4OPMIDI EcVUb J2000
l!E0COS2»H lioco «7M
Printer Book rot Dw C64 $12.00 Dr. TCZ-R«lerMIOI E*U) $20.00 1 .-.""■: '-' ■■

Ideas lor Use on Your C-84 $12.00 d. T DX-7 MIDI E(WJb $20.00 1 -I',. ■- 116 CO ■ .i tHM 325 00

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CMD
Paymonl and Jollvcryi CMD accepts MC, Visa. Money Orders. COD end Personal
Checks. Personal Checks are haidicr up lo 3 weeks Most iiems are slot*, contact CMD
P.O. Box 646 Info: (413)525-0023 tor current delivery schedules. Returns tor merchandise cred.t only wrtnin 30 days witfi
East Longmeadow, MA 01028 Fax: (413) 525-0147 prior fluihornfllions. All prices and specifications are subject to change wrthoul notjee

Commodore World 24 April 15, 1994

 CMD Releases Revolutionary New Mouse
Hickory-Dickory-Dock, SmartMouse has got a Clock!
For years, Commodore set the standard with ihe 1351 Mouse. Now CMD has set a new standard
with Ihe SmartMouse. Guaranteed 100% 1351 compatible, Ihe SmartMouse does everything the
C-1351 does and morel This highly-intelligent, three button mouse Includes a built-in battery-
backed Real-Time Clock, and a double-click feature for GEOS. Plus. It comes with a complete set
of utilities, including: Auto-exec for setting the GEOS dock, a utility for setting the mouse clock from
GEOS, and BASIC utilities (or setting the clock and displaying time and date on screen. In addition
to new features, the SmariMouse's ergonomic design makes It lighter, smoother and smaller than
its outdated counterpart, So, if your old mouse is losing the rat-race, gat out ot that trap with
SmartMousel

What Makes the SmartMouse the BEST C-64/128 Mouse Ever...

Three buttons means convenience! IF you're a GEOS user, the • SmartMouse utilizes the same advanced mouse technology
left button Is configured as single click, the right as a handy used In today's powerful 486 and Pentium-based PC's, providing
double click and the center button Is the TURBO button. When you with unparalleled accuracy and smoothness of operation.
depressed, It doubles the speed at which the mouse moves . Built-in battery-backed Real-Time Clock automatically sets the
across the screen. Additionally, programmers can assign their GEOS clock, displays time and can be used In your own programs.
own functions to all three of the SmartMouse buttons.
SmartMouse Is supplied with utilities disk and detailed manual
Unlike other third party mice, Ihe CMD SmariMouse uses the explaining the utilities and programming Information.
same custom gatearray chip as the Commodore C-1351 mouse. . Attention Leftlesl You're going love the SmartMouse! With a
This guarantees 100% compatibility with existing software and simple modification outlined In the manual, you can alter the
hardware. SmartMouse for left handed use, (Or for a small fee CMD will
Switches easily into Joystick emulation mode on power-up by customize your mouse fot you).
holding down the right button. • Built-in Configuration RAM allows for future enhancements.

CMD 2+1 Cartridge Port Expander

Previously produced by Skyles Electric Works and recently acquired by CMD, the 2+1 Cartridge Port
Expander provides two vertical and one horizontal expansion ports for the C64 and C128. Each port is
equipped with four individual switches to control the +5, GAME, EXROM and ROML signal lines for utmost
flexibility and compatibility. This tried and true system has been helping Commodore users get the most from
their computers foryears. For extra safety, the 2+1 is fuse protected and provides a convenient reset switch.
The 2+1 is great for using SwiftLink, SID Symphony, Super Snapshot, REU's.GEORAM or almost any other
cartridge that you may have. By using the 2+1, you eliminate wear and tear on your computer's cartridge port
caused by frequent use. Contact CMD for more information regarding compatibility and applications for the
2+1 cartridge.

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CMD Power Packages FD -2000/4000 Specials
Best prices ever! Save up to SI 25 FREE Copy of CMD Utilities
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Abacus Books Buy a 1 MB or 4 MB RAMUnk w/Battary and

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wall give you the Real-Time Clock FREE!

Trick* and Tips for tha C-64 SI 2.00

Ideas for Usq on your C-64 SI 2.00 Hard Drive Special
Printer Book for tha C-64 1,00
FREE Copy of CMD Utilities or JiffyDOS
The Graphics Book for the C-64 SI 2.00
Tricks and Tips for the C-120 SI 5.00 Buy any HD Series Hard Drive and gat a free
C-l 28 Peeks and Pokes S15.00 JHtyDOS Kemal ROM for your computer or a copy
C-128 Computer Aided Design $12.00 of CMD Utilities !

Volume 1, Number! 25 Commodore Work!

QWKRR 128
Off-line QWK Mail Readerfar the C-I28

Ueraon: 4.2
Author. Rod Gasson
Price $20.00 Aiistralan (Shareware Registration Fee)
Available From: Local BBS's, Internet FTP Sites, GEnfe, other networks

It' you're a modem user, then there's a good chance you've heard himself frequents these areas answering support and general questions
of QWK mail packet reader programs. At the least, you should have about his product. While the documentation is very thorough, it's
heard of FIDO net works. If you' re not familiar with either of these, nice to know that support for a program which hails from half-way
or if you're not yet using your Commodore to get 'connected', you're around the world is within easy reach. Solutions to problems posed
missing out on a lot of information about your computer (and a vast by registered users of the program have always been quickly
array of other suhjects) which awaits you on a BBS (Bulletin Board dispatched, and the author ttasoftenprovidcdsimple POKE statement
Service) in your area. And QWKRR I28 is one of the best tools patches for users who wished to modify their own copy slightly. This
available for viewing that Information. Bui before we jump into our is a level of support that's hard to find on a/iy computer pi at form, and
review of QWKRR, let's bring those users who haven't a clue as to the author is lo be highly commended for that.
what we're talking about up to .speed with a little history. QWKRR 128 provides the ability to read standard QWK mail
Information is everywhere. The explosion in electronic messaging packets, has a built-in editor for writing your replies, andean repack (he
through local BBS systems is a revolution that our Commodore replies intoanuploadableQWKreply packet whenyou're done. Italso
machines have played a large role in creating. And while the vast haslheabilttytocreate the reply packet as a standard ZIP archive, which
majority of these systems are operated on MS-DOS computers, the may be required by the system you use for messaging. To unZIP mail
information lo be found on (hem is far from restricted to users of packets you have recieved, you'll have to obtain one of the programs
thosemachines. Thousands of BBS systems are also interlinked via designed specifically for this purpose. I personally use UNZIP64 by
"nelworking' protocols, allowing information to be passed quickly Bill Lueier. which I downloaded from GEnie. Thus far, die only C-128
from one area to another, and linking users with common interests program I know of which handles this function is B VUNZFP by Bruce
together from around the world. FIDO is among the most common Vrieling, which runs under the CS-DOS shell from Parsec, Inc.
of these personal BBS networking protocols. If the system you use to get your mail uses ARC instead of ZIP,
As these systems grew in popularity, it became apparent ihat you'll need a different file from CS-DOS. The documentation with
BBS systems could allow for more callers if more users would read QWKRR explains these options in fair detail, and users in (he
messages and mail off-line. Initially, this involved capturing mail Fidonei Commodore conferences will generally be happy lo help
and message areas of interest to you in a capture buffer, storing it you if you run into problems gelling started. The important thing to
away, then reading it after you had logged off. You could then think noic is that either ZIP or ARC files can be dealt with on the C-128,
about your replies, perhaps even create them with a text editor, log and once you've gotten past thai, QWKRR handles the rest. QPX,
back on and post them. This allowed you to spend less time a utility by Russell Prater is included which helps automate startup.
connected lo a BBS, gave you more time to think about what you Drive configuration for QWKRR is more extensive than with
warned to write; but it was generally far from convenient. Fortunately most programs, partly because QWK mail packets can be extremely
some bright programmers caught on to this, and niiii I protocols like large. The system allows you to assign different locations for the
QWK were invented, with programs for both the BBS system and system files, message data, laglines, and replies. A user drive
user to exchange mail. location can also be defined for other operations, such as import
Now it is possible to simply request that message areas of interest and export of text files. Since QWKRR is CMD device compliant,
to you and your mail be collected into a single file for downloading. these assignments can be made to different partitions or
Compression protocols have also been applied to this scheme to subdirectories as easily as they can be to different disk drives. I
make the packets downloadable in less time. And while these wouldn't recommend this program to any single 1541 drive users,
programs were initially created only on MS-DOS machines, the by ihe way. If you don't have at least two 5.25" drives, or a 1581
concept and the protocols QWKly spread lo oilier computer drive minimum, you'll probably run into trouble dealing with (he
platforms. QWKRR 128 is just such a program, and the only one of combined size of QWKRR and the QWK message packets.
its kind for the C-128's native operating mode. While the number of conferences (message areas) which QWKRR
If you ever visit the Commodore message bases on Fidonet, you' II 128 can handle is limited, this limit is well above the number any
find a large following of QWKRR 128 users there. The author user I can think of would ever need, up to 1140 conferences. While

Commodore World 26 April 15, 1994

some systems may list every single conference available in their slow and a bit clumsy. The new editor is quick and responsive, and
download packets, this function can usually be over-ridden on most has an extensive set of shortcuts for moving around. And because
systems so that only the conferences you request get listed. the editor is so much improved overprevious versions. QWKRR is
A number of commands are available globally throughout the now a joy to use.
program. These commands allow you to send DOS commands to When replying to a message, you can easily excerpt a quote from
your drives, view directories, or move to the Options Menu where the original post into your response using the quote mode of the
you can configure colors and olher program options. editor. This is the only area where I have a complaint about
Once you move into the main program itself, the versatility is nearly QWKRR, and it's a small one. Quoted lines often appear short, and
overwhelming. Fortunately, a fair amount of simplicity has been I've never cared for how this looks. I'll often re-edit the quoted text
maintained to avoid confusion. Conferences can be dealt with by hand to make the lines more to my own liking. I can understand
individually, or combined as a whole. You may either jump right into why this was done, though, based on the way the quote mode
reading your messages and mail, or simply browse the message operates. Most users probably wouldn't even notice this, and it
headers. If you choose to do ihe latter, you can read selectively by shouldn't be considered a Haw.
choosing messages whose headers (subjects) interest you. From Ihe The editor also provides for flexibility in adding taglincs, which
main selections youcanalsoopttodircctly enter;! post for aconference, are generally humorous quotations at the end of a message. These
or you can edit messages or replies you've already created. are broken away from the main text of the message by a tearline,
I find the ability to browse through the headers to be one of the characters which indicate that the main body of the message has
best additions lo this new version of QWKRR. In addition, there is ended. Options abound here, too, with the ability to set different
an option called the 'twil list', which lets you define the names of tearline characters, and use different tagline library files.
certain individuals whose messages you may be particularly This covers most of the main functions of the program, but to
interested in. By doing so, then browsing through the headers, these cover every aspect would require more room than trie scope of this
names can be made to appear in u different color than the rest. review would allow. Suffice it to say that QWKRR does a beiierjob
Message retrieval and reading is itself extremely versatile with of handling QWK packets than many programs I've used on other
QWKRR. Retrieval can be forwards or back, or you can jump directly computer platforms. It's versatility and speed speak well for both
to any message by simply entering the message number. You can view the author, and the capabilities of the C-l 28. And it bears repeating
the current message over again easily, or with a single keystroke jump thai if you don't presently have a need for such a program, you'd
into the editor to form a reply to the current message. do well to create that need by getting connected to a Fidonet hoard
The editor, where your replies or new messages are created, is in that carries the Commodore conferences. CW
my opinion the heart of QWKRR. In older versions, the editor was

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27 Commodore World
Volume 1, Number 1
 Graphic Interpretation

MOR.PHING UNDER, GEOS WITH MAURICE RANDALLS GEOMORPH

It's pretty much impossible lo keep up wiih from one basic drawing. In other words, this
everything, and it's certainly impossible to marvelous program was intended for computer
afford it all. artists who don't want todraw twenty different
Things have been changing a lot lately here trees; with geoMorph they can create just one
on my 128 too. It all started with a disk I found and morph it into a whole forest of similar but
in my mailbox a few weeks ago, sent to me by slightly different trees. GeoMorph contained
Maurice Randall. Now Maurice, who lives no commands to run the resulting images in
about an hour and a half away from me but any kind of animation.
whom I've never met, is one of those people What a bummer! After all, according to the
who keepmyfai thin theCommodorecomputcr documentation this program would certainly
alive. He has a firm grip on the vision of just be able lo create a full range of images to
what wonders the 64/128 can do and jus! how convert one picture into another, albeit with a
much potential there still is in this chunky slab lot of time and mouse clicks. There had to be
of beige plastic. The disk he sent me contained a way lo make these images move on the
three GEOS files: a photo scrap, a screen! After all, Maurice himself had used
documentation file, and an application. The this process to create that nifty title screen. I
application was called "gcoMorph." COlumn screen (128-mode is fine, by the way, wasn't going to give up this easily!
That's morph. as in morphing, as in those but the program only runs in 40 columns) was The documentation informed me that the
cool effects when ihe had Terminator or Odo a workspace thesize and shape of the geoPaint images created by gcoMorph could be copied
on Deep Space Nine seem lo melt from one draw window, the usual strip of drop-down orcut from Ihe work area as photo scraps, and
thing into another. Morphing is suite of ihe art menus across the top, and three icons on the I knew there were ways toanimate such things.
in the realm of computer graphics, the kind of left. Then, much to my delight, morphing I dug around in my disk drawer and found a
thing that top-flight computer graphics gurus appeared, right before my eyes. The word copy of Album Animator, asmall but powerful
do with state of the ait. fancy-dancy, ultra- "geoMorph" blurred,swirled, and thenchanged program that will "page Hip" through a photo
expensive computers. In other words, it's one into Maurice's name. Theeffect was wonderful, album, rather like one of those flip books that
of those changes I was talking about in the like water flowing, from one image into the my daughter always wants to buy at the Disney
beginning of this column, the kind of thing I other. I was pumped. Store. A!l I needed to do was to create my
can't afford, thank you. Well, afterclickingon each icon two or three morphing images, sock them away in a photo
But hey! This diskpromised morphing right limes with littleeffectandaftcrselectingon the album in order, then use Album Animator to
here in GEOS on my good old 128. This I had dropdown menus anything I couldn't identify, make the whole thing come to life.
lo see for myself. I double clicked on the icon, I admitted that I was clueless and opened the So I fired up geoPaint, created two strange
ready to create a graphics miracle. Of course, documentation file. After a few minutes, I looking faces that looked nothing like each
1 skipped the docs flic, since I never read started to get the picture (no pun intended). At other, then imported them into geoMorph
documentation until after I have clearly the same lime 1 got a good healthy dose of (which was a piece of cake now that I had read
demonstrated my inability to figure the darn reality. GeoMorph was not really intended to the instructions). I discovered 1 could actually
thing out for myself, which usually takes five create the kinds of cool morphing I was set a variety of controls to affect how the
or six minutes and at least one system crash. imagining; rather, it was designed to allow images are modified, and I messed around
The first thing that came up on my 40- geoPaint users to create a variety of images until I had struck a nice balance between

Commodore World 28 April 15, 1994

 "The effect was wonderful, like
water flowing, from one image into
the other. i was pumped."

fanatically subtle detail and reasonable speed. using, and just stopped it every seven or eight hours I spent on it, just imagine what all you
Then I started morphing, one frame at a time. frames to copy one over to the photo album. graphics wizards ouf there could accomplish!
After I had created six or seven of these I When I was done. I had eighteen frames which I sure hope that a lol of photo albums show up
reached two important conclusions, first lhat I showed one of my goofy faces melting onGEnieforlherestofustorunonourAlbum
needed a faster way to store the frames in my wonderfully into the other. This was cool. Animators. I have a feeling that, with a true
photo album and second thai even after my fine The next step was to run Album Animator, artist at the helm, this program could create
tuning of the conlrols this process would take and let me tell you the results were great! miracles! The file is available for download
a heck of a lot of frames to make the switch. Okay, it wasn't exactly Odo-quality, but one from GEnie (file GEOMORPH.SFX library
For my first problem I went back lo my disk face melted very neatly into the other, just like 1), as is Album Animator (file
drawer and found my Collelte Utilities disk from I h;id hoped. I callcdmy wifeover to see it, then ALBUM ANIMATE.CVT in library 1). Album
CMC There I found AutoAlbumAdd, a desk tried to exit the program. That's when I Animator is also available on Q-Link (search
accessory which automatically slips thecurrent encountered a little problem: the program for filename "album animator" uploaded by
photo scrap into the first slot in the first photo AlbumAnimator wouldn't recognize the "DEN S"J. Maurice promises a full-featured
album it finds on the disk. Now every time I RESTORE key when I pressed it. whichmeant version of geoMorph as part of his publishing
copied a frame into a scrap, I could just select I was stuck with no way to exit the program. I program "Finally" which will hopefully be
AutoAlbumAdd from the geos menu and the figured the problem was that I was running the released sometime this year. This version will
image would beput neatly inplace. The second programona 128, sol rc-boolcd with u64 boot include animation routines and support for 80
problem was solvcdjust as easily.I set geoMorph disk. This time everything worked just fine. column mode. Don't wait, though! Download
to work churning out images, each one taking Now this is one program 1 hope catches on. that file and start morphing! CW
around eight seconds with the settings I was Iflcouldcreatcsuchagreateffeciwiththefew

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Volume 1, Number 1 29 Commodore World

 geoProgrammist
By, Maurice

GET PREPARED TO ENTER THE WORLD OF GEOS PROGRAMMING

Programming in GEOS is an experience than this for creating your source code. Since
thai anybody with a little knowledge of machine GeoWrite displays it's documents a page at a
language can learn. What is nice aboui ii is that time, you are able to stay better organized by
GEOS lakes care of much of ihc work lor us. putting each routine on a separate page. It is
Anil the GEOPROGRAMMER package just easier to find a routine this way, which is
carries on with ihis idea of making our life important when debugging time rolls around.
easier. Nevertheless, il will gel you if you are GeoWrite's ability lo cut and paste wilh (he
not familiar with some of it's little quirks. mouse is far superior to anything else on our
Avoid these and you will get hooked on computers. And it's search and replace function
programming I ike you neve r thought possible. is exceptional. You will use that very often. I
I'm not going to try to teach machine language use it all the time.
programming itself. That is a subject thai can Whatever you do, stay organized. Andby all
be taken up by another column. I will assume means, back up your work. Especially if you
thai you already know ihe basics of ML are working fromaramdisk that is not battery-
programming and so we will jusi get right backed. Once you have written enough source
down to business with GEOS. If you are just code to generate a usable program, go ahead
learning ML, hang on to these issues and just almosleveryimponantmemory location. You and assemble it, link ii, and then test it to see
readthis column whenyouarereadytoproceed, will use ihcse labels and symbols throughout what happens. I fyou have two compu ter setups,
Meanwhile, if you haven'i already done so, your programming, in addition to your own it is handy to do your creating on one and
purchase a copy of GEOPROGRAMMER, labels and symbols thai you create as you write lesti ngon the other. You are sure to have plenty
forthis is the only assembler package that lean your source code. of crashes. Your test unit can be re-booting
recommend for anyone wishing to do any One of the most important aspects of GEOS while you are studying what went wrong on
serious programming under GEOS. programming is to use your head. Be creative your development unit. As time goes on,I will
ThcadvanlagetousingGEOPROGRAMMER and ingenious. You have the tools and the getinto the subject of debugging. You'll more
is thai il was written to understand the GEOS system to work with. All thai is required is for than likely spend more time debugging your
syslem. Il is a very powerful and easy to use you to think and use common sense. Think of work than you will creating the source code.
cnvinmmeni.li will naturally create your files a project to work on. Perhaps there is an If you like machine language programming,
inthe required GEOS formatwithout any extra Application or Desk Accessory lhatyou would you will like using GEOASSEMBLER and
work on your pan. One of the biggest pluses is like to see that nobody has ever created. Well, GEOLINKER. GEOSASSEMBLER is used
thai it can assemble a photo scrap right into go ahead and work on it. But make it the best lo assemble your source code files into a code
your code. This is important since GEOS is a you can and put some thought into it. Make it that is relocatable. Your source code won't
graphical environment, and being able to easy to use, and make il useful. Your program have any reference to where this code should
include graphics in your applications can add should become apariof someone's collection, reside. You can assemble several separate files
a nice touch thai otherwise would require a and it should find itself on that person's most and then use GEOLINKER lo link each of the
great deal ot work with any other assembler. used disks. There are a lot of ideas out there resulting relocatable files into what is the final
Ai least 95 percent of your work can bo done that have not been tried yet. result,yourapplication,deskaccessory,printcr
without even having to know specific memory GeoWrite will be your source code editor driver, or whatever you can imagine. When
locations also. There is a label or symbol for and believe it or not, there is no better editor you use GEOLINKER, you will establish the

Commodore World April 15, 1994

starling location lor your code and il will take care of the rest for you.
GEOLINKER will read a special OeoWrite file that you willcrcate. In
Ihis file, you will list all of the Hies you wish to have linked together.
8 BIT
They will then be linked in the order as they are listed. The beauty of P.O. BOX 542
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TO COMMODORE WORLD MAGAZINE I
The main thing 1 must stress with programming in GEOS. is to be C: Music Set
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do and what not to do. See vou next time. CW

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Volume 1, Number 1 31 Commodore World

 Board games remain very popular in the United States. Some are First we need lo outline our new program BIG GUNS. We begin
quite complex and require several hours to complete. War games by listing only the main logic behind the process we wish to
lend to be the most time consuming of the board games, since they perform. We will figure out the rest later. The outline will hcip us
often require a lengthy set of steps before each move can be in our next two steps.
completed. If we were to write a small BASIC program for a game
to do some of these steps automatically, the game could be played Simple Outline:
much faster (which would enhance the overall gameplay).
In this column we will create a BASIC program to do the TOP Get # of guns to fire (of the same size)
calculations for our fictional war game BIG GUNS. In the process Get distance to target
you will learn some important programmingconccptslhat will help Calculate number of hits
you grow as a Commodore programmer! Let's take a look at the IF any hits
game BIG GUNS. Get the size of the guns
Calculate the damage to target

Firing Process: ENDJF

1. Select gun you wish to fire IF user wishes to try again GOTO TOP
2. Get distance to target ELSE end of program
3. Roll one ten-sided die
4. Check Firing Chart for a hit The only real difference between our outline and the Firing
5. Calculate damage to target using Damage Chart Process above is that our outline (new firing process) can handle
6. Move on to the next gun - Go to step (1) more than one gun at a time.

Firing Chart: Now that we have the general structure to our program, the next
Distance (yards) Hit step is to consider how we are going to represent the Firing Chart
0-499 1 -9 and the Damage Chart in BASIC. Usually the besl way to represent
500-1499 1 -7 such charts is to use an array. For our Firing Chart we need a two-
1500-1999 1 -5 dimensional array. Since there are five distance ranges we will need
2000 - 2499 1 -3 five sets of numbers in our new array. The first number in each set
2500 - 3000 1 -1 will be the maximumdistance for this range and the second number
will be the maximum die roll that will score a hit for this range. We
Damage Chart: will call this array FC for Firing Chart.
Gun Size Damage (points)
1" 5 Array FC<1) FC(2)
2" 10 (D 499 9
3" 20 (2) 1499 7
5" 50 (3) 1999 5
7" 80 (4) 2499 3
9" 120 (5) 3000 1

In BIG GUNS it is not unusual for a ship to have two guns or more NOTE: We do not need the minimumdislance for each range since
on one turret. On the bigger ships there could be dozens of turrets. we can figure it out from the previous range AND we do not need
Imagine having to go through the above process for every single the lowest die roll for each range since we know they arc all one.
gun on all of those turrets. NO WAY! All you care about is how
much damage you inflicted on the target. Why not have your To refer to thedie roll necessary for hitting a ship at (2000) yards
Commodore do all of the tedious work so you can concentrate on we would look at FC(4,2) which is a three. This tells us that we must
sinking ships? roll a three or lower to score a hit.
Like the Firing Chart we need an array for the Damage Chart. In
We'll build BIG GUNS in three steps: the Damage Chart there are six different gun sizes; so we will need
1. Outline main logic an array with six sets of numbers. The first number in each set will
2. Design data structures be the gun size and the second will be its damage. We will call this
3. Create the program array DC for Damage Chart.

Commodore World 32 April 15. 1994

 Array DC(1) DC(2)
220 FOR 1=1 TO SF
(D 1 5
225 : READPC(i',i))
(2) 2 10 230 NEXT I
(3) 3 20 235SD=6:DIMDC(SD,2)
240 FOR 1 = 1 TO ED
(4) 5 50
245 : READDC(I,1) ,DC{I,2)
(5) 7 80
250 NEXT I
(6) 9 120 255 REM-
260 REM CHART nATA
If we wanted to know howmuchdamage a threeinch shell would 265 REM-
270DATA 499,9,1499,7,1999", 5,2499; 3 "
inflict, we would look at DC(3,2) which is twenty points ofdamagc.
275 DATA300(2,1
280 DATA 1,5,2,10,3,20,5,50,7,80,9,120
Now that we have our outline and our data structures designed, 300 REM
we arc ready to write our program. Try to understand how each 305 REM GET # OF GUNS AND DISTANCE
310 REM ■
section of the program works before moving onto the next seclion.
315 PRINT
320 INPUT" # OF GUNS TO BE FIRED" :NG
Lines 100-199 325 INPUT-DISTANCE TO TARGET':DI
• Name the program so that we can figure it out later without the 330 REM-
documentation 335 REM CHECK DISTANCE
340 REM-
■ Make screen easier to read by poking new colors lo the screen
345 IFDI>=0ANDDI< = 3000THEN360
Lines 200-299
350 : PRINT-DISTANCE OUT OF RANGE"
• Setup our Firing and Damage Chans using two-dimensional 355 : GOTO 325
arrays where; 360REM-
SF: Size of Firing Chart 365 REM GET HIGHEST ROLL ■ - ... -;
370 REM-
FC: 2D Array of the Firing Chart 375 FOR 1=1 TO SF
SD: Size of Damage Chan 380 s IFDK=FCa,l) THEN390
DC:2D Array oi'the Damage Chart 385 NEXT 1

• Be careful to align the READ routines with the data order we 390HR=FC(I,2)
400 REM
used in our DATA statements
405 REM CALCULATE # OF HITS
Lines 300-399 410 REM : ; ■ ■--
• GetNumberofGuns: NG 415NH=0
■ Get Distance to the target: DI 420 FOR 1 = 1 TO NG :
425 : RO=INT(10*RND(0))-t-l
• Make sure distance is not out of range
430 ! IFRO<=HRTHENNH=NH+1
• Find the Highest Roll for each hit: HR 435 NEXT I
Lines 400-499 440 REM-
• Calculate the number of hits after all guns have been fired 445 REM CHECK FOR ANY HITS
450 HEM-
where:
455 IF NH<>0 THEN 470 .
NH: Number of Hits
460 : PRINT'NOHTTS"
RO: result value of current die ROM 465 r GOTO 600
• It' no hits skip ahead lo try again 470 PRINT"* OF HITS-NH
Lines 500-599
505 REM CALCULATE DAMAGE
• Get the Gun Si/.e: GS
510 REM
• Make sure it is a legal gun size 515 REM-
• Calculate the DAmage: DA 520 REM GET/CHECK THE GUN SIZE
Lines 600-699 525 REM-
530 INPUT-ENTER THE GUN SIZE* ;GS
• Check if user wants to try again
535 FOR 1=1 TO SD
540 : IFGS=DC(I,1) THEN 560
BIG OONS program listing 545 NEXT I
550 PRINT- ILLEGAL GUN SIZE'
100 REM 555 GOTO 530
10S REM BASIC INSTINCTS W/GENE BARKER 560 REM-
110 REM 565 REM NOW ADD UP DAMAGE
115 REM (C) 1994 COMMODORE WORLD 570REM-
120 REM MAGAZINE 575DA=DC(I,2)*NH f:"
125 REM 580 PRINT-DAMAGE-DA
130 REM- 600 REM
135 REM MAKE SCREEN EASIER TO READ 605 REM CHECK FOR A TRY AGAIN
140 REM- 610 REM
145 POKE53280,11:FOKE53281,0 615 PRINT
150 PRINT- {SHFT CLR) fCMDR 7 }BIG GUNS!" 620 PRINT-TRY AGAIN (Y/N) ?" "
200 REM 625 GET XS :. -■.
205 REM INITIALIZE FIRING/DAMAGE CHARTS 630 IF XS="Y" THEN 303 "
210 REM 635 IFX$o'N" THEN625
215SF=5rDIMFC(SF\2) 640 END ,

Volume 1, Number 1 33 Commodore World

 IFFTHENM=ABS(PEEK(215)>127)
One of the great assets that Commodore programmers often
overlook is [he ability to create programs thai work on both the 64
and 128 in their own native operating mode. Keeping in mind that Okay, now we know the screen width, so we can make some
adjustments. Assumingat this point that we havea 128 in 128 mode
you should always avoid doing anything that can cause unforeseen
compatibility problems, this becomes afairly simple task. After all. using an 80 column screen, we're going to want to adjust things so
Commodore has seen fit to create common jump tables for their 8- that our output will look similar to what we would see on a 40
bit machines, as well as kcepingBASIC7.0backwards-compatiblc column screen; unless we want to write completely separate routines
with BASIC 2.0. These combine to make creating programs that for screen layout, in which case we may as well write separate
work on both machines relatively easy. Please noic that someoflhe programs altogether. Since this article is about making universal
BASIC commands used in this article will require entry on a 128 in programs, we'll assume ihal a simulated 40 column screen will do.
128 mode.
There arc two ways we could go about this. We can cenlcr a 40
One of the first steps towards making aprogram work on both the column window on an 80 column screen, or we could muck about
64 and 128 is determining which computer the program is running with the VDC to make the screen appear just as it would in 40
on. One simple peck can accomplish this: columns. There's actually a third choice, which is to tell the user to
switch to 40 column mode, but if we avoid that we can take
F=PEEK(65533)
advantage of the 128's 2 MHzmode. Since playing around with the
VDC to simulate 40 columns could probably take an article all by
This will return a 252 on a 64 and on a 128 in 64 mode, or a 255 itself, let's settle for centering a 40 column window on the 80
column screenfor now. And while we're at it, let's get the processor
on a 128 in 128 mode; thus the variable F will be set accordingly.
To make the variable F easier to work with, we can modify this running in 2 MHz mode:
check slightly using the ABS function. So let's tlo it this way:
IFMTHENFAST:WINDOW20,0,59,24,1
F=ABS(PEEK(65533)=255)
Okay, all bases are now covered to allow us to write a program
The ABS function allows us to make Fequal to cither 0 or 1, based that works on the 64 or 128, giving similar screen output. To stari
on whether the statements enclosed in parenthesis after the ABS are our program, we can combine all of this into the starting line of the
Irue or not. Thus, if location 65533 holds a value of 255 (as it will program, thus:
on a 128), F becomes l.If some other value is found. F becomes!).
With F holding either a 1 or a 0, we can easily test and use it to 10 PRINTCHRSU27) ; : F=ABS (PEEK(65533 ) =255) :M=

determine program flow with IF and ON functions. 0:IFFTHENM=ABS(PEEK(215)>127):IFMTHENFAST:WI

So now that we can determine if we have a 64 or a 128, what cio NDOW20,0,59,24
we do with this knowledge? Well, if code is to remain truly
common, we're going to have to determine how big the screen is, Since this is the beginning of a program, I threw the
and adapt for it. Naturally the screen is 40 columns wide if we're PRINTCHR$ (127) at the front to clear the screen. I also added an
running on a 64 (or a 128 in 64 mode). But a 12H in 128 mode could M=0 before moving into 128-specific code, so that M would be
have a screen width of either 40 or 80 columns. A quick check of defined and cleared in case the program were run on a 64 (or a 128
the 128's zero page variables shows that location 215 can tell us in 64 mode). The clear option (, 1) at the end of the WINDOW
what screen mode we're in. The 128 actually uses the high bit in this statement is optional, and not really necessary since the entire
byte as a flag for 40/80 columns, so a correct test of this location screen has just been cleared at the start of the line, so I left that out.
should assume that any value above 127 means that the machine is Now that the preliminary setup is out of the way, we can should
in 80 columns, and any value from 0 through 127 means 40 discuss other techniques involved in keepingcode workable in both 64
columns. That's easy enough to code, and there are several ways to and !28 modes. Here arc some suggestions to ponder when writing
do it. One way would be: common code:

M=ABS(PEEK(215)>127J 1. Use BASIC 2.0 commands only, except when a BASIC 7.0
command is required to make a 128 perform a task that must
Now the variable M will be set to 0 for 40 columns, and I for 80 be done differently on a 128. In such cases, be sure to use an
columns. But wait! We'11 have to make sure that we're dealing with 'IFFTHEN' before the BASIC 7.0command.
a 128 in 128 mode before making this check. Thus:

Commodore World April15, 1994

 2. Verify memory location usage before using any PEEK or
POKE commands. While many system variables use the same
locations on both (he 64 and 128, many others do not.

3. Use the BASIC 7.0 BANK statement when using PEEK, POKE
and SYS commands to assure that the correct bank of memory
is configured. Don't forget to precede the BANK statement
with an 'IFFthen'. for the
Commodore 64/128+1541
4. Look before you leap. SYS locations will be different for user-
written machine language routines on 64's and 128's. If you FREE Shipping and Handling
plan to use some custom ML, creale an offset variable which in the U.S.A.
can be added lo any SYS command. While there are different S/H in Canada $5 and S10 for all others.
ways of getting your ML in place, making a single program file - American Currency Only -
with all code resident is simpler for users to deal with. Make
your ML relocatable, and tack it on to the end of your BASIC
code. If your program is mostly ML, then make the first portion
a relocatable routine that can move the remaining code to
common location in either a 64 or 128. P.D. and Shareware Double-sided Disk.
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I'll let you think about these suggestions unii! next issue, where I'll * GAMES * UTILITIES * DATA FILES * MORE.'
showyou how to implemcnl them all - with special attention hcingp;iid
to itcm4, since many advanced programmers will want to mix ML and
BASIC for quick development of efficient programs. CW
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Volume 1, Number 1 35 Commodore World

 Peripheral Vision
By Mafth tyeliowd.

AN OVERVIEW OF THE DOS THAT POWERS CMD DEVICES

CMD DOS (Disk Operating System) is the locations and commands are emulated onall
control program built into CMD's HD, FD, CMD devices, and a special extended
and RAMLink which is responsible for "Native' Job Queue is also provided. Fast
controlling all operations related to these serial 'Burst' commands arc supported on
devices. The DOS interprets commands from the HD and FD.
the computer and responds by performing Commands arc sem n> CMD devices in
[he requested operation (load, save, format, the usual manner (over ihc Command
etc.). The DOS breathes life into CMD Channel; Secondary Address 15). The Error
devices; without it, our equipment woulddo Channel is also accessed in the same manner
little more than take up space on your as with other Commodore diskdrives. Files
computer desk. Of course, this is also true are opened and closed and file data is
for Commodore disk drives (such as the accessed through the normal BASIC
1541,1571 and 1581) which, like CMD HD commands or Kernal routines. The directory
and I'D drives, arc "intelligent" and contain structure of CMD devices is the same as
an on-board microcomputer which by nature Commodore disk drives and directories can
requires a control program (DOS) to be viewed by using the standard commands.
function. RAMLink, instead of having its and use if just like your other Commodore Commodore wild card and pattern matching
own microprocessor, uses the C-64 or C-12H disk drives. Even RAMLink, which plugs syntax is supported as well.
microprocessor to perform its functions and directly into the computer's Cartridge Port, The close adherence to Commodore DOS
in that respect can also be regarded as an appears as a disk drive, even though standards makes CMD devices compatible
intelligent device. programs and files are being accessed from with nearly all C-64/128 software and
The FD and RAMLink (like Commodore a solid-state RAM disk. eliminates the need for program
disk drives) have their DOS programmed All CMD devices support PRC, SEQ, modifications. In addition, GEOS
onto a ROM (Read-Only-Memory) chip. REL and USR files along with all file- compatibility is provided through special
The HD has its DOS stored in a hidden area related commands, including Load, Save, Configure files supplied with the devices or
(partition) on the hard drive and is Verify, Open, Close, Scratch, Rename, through CMD's gateWay desktop.
downloaded to RAM each time the drive is Copy, and Record Position. Direct Access
powered-up. files are supported along with the Block- Partitions
Allocate, Block-Free, Block-Read, Block- Because of the large capacity of CMD
Compatibility Write, Buffer-Pointer and Block-Execute devices, CMD DOS provides a means of
The core of CMD DOS provides an commands. The 'User' commands are also organizing the storage area into manageable
emulation of Commodore DOS 1541, 1571 provided: U0. Ul (block read), U2 (block sections. On the FD and RAMLink you can
and 1581 commands. This enables CMD write), U3-U8 (jump), UI (warm reset) and divide the overall storage space into as many
devices to act and respond like Commodore UJ (cold reset). Memory access commands as 31 segments (partitions), while on the
disk drives, which provides the user with a are also included (Memory-Read, Memory- HD, as many as 254 partitions can be created.
familiar command structure along with ;i Wriie, and Memory-Execute), along with Partitioning a CMD device is similar to
high degree of software compatibility. In support for Utility Loader and Autobool dividing a large disk into a number of smaller
other words, you can plug in a CMD device Loader files. 1541,1571 and 1581 Job Queue disks and is accomplished through the use

Commodore World 36 April 15, 1994

 of a menu-driven utility program included with Bach device. Each 'nesting'. There is no actual limit to the number of subdirectories
partition is referred to by number, has its own directory, and is located in apartition, noris there any limit to how deep subdirectories
treated as if it were a separate disk. This makes partitions ideal for may be nested.
keeping different programs and their related data files separate CMD DOS includes a series of commands to facilitate the use of
from one another. The currently selected partition can be changed Native Mode subdirectories, and arc similar to their MS-DOS
by using the CMD DOS 'CP' (Change Partition) command. When counterparts. 'MD' (Make Directory) creates a new subdirectory;
aparlition is currently selected, the files within the partition can be 'CD' (Change Directory) changes the currently selected
accessed by specifying Drive 0 (or no drive); for example: subdirectory; and'RD' (Remove Directory) deletes a subdirectory.
In addition, Native Mode subdirectories introduce (he concept of
LOAD"0:PROGRAM" "paths' to the Commodore user. CMD DOS paths are similar to
LOAD":PROGRAM" MS-DOS paths, with the subdirectory names set between slashes (/
LOAD"PROGRAM" )in the filename. Forcxamplc, to load a file in a subdirectory nested
two deep, the following command could be used:
Files can also be accessed in any partition at any time by including
the pariition number in the filename, as in this example: LOADV/SUB 1/SUB 2/:PROGRAM"

L0AD"12:PROGRAM" Additional Features

Because the designers at CMD are also users of the Commodore 64
CMD Emulation Mode Partitions and 128, a lot of extra features have been packed into each of the
These partitions emulate the track and sector and directory/BAM CMD hardware devices. These features lend to the devices'
layout of 1541, 1571 and 1581 disks exactly. The main reason for performance, case of use, or are often just plain handy forgetting
the existence of Emulation Mode partition is software compatibility the most from your hardware. The following paragraphs describe
(some programs expect the directory and BAM to be at specific a few of these.
track and sector locations). A good example is the standard GEOS
desktop, which will work on the HD and FD only through the use Built-in JiffyDOS
of 1581 Emulation Mode partitions. JiffyDOS is CMD's disk drive speed enhancement system.
Normally, it is installed as a ROM chip upgrade in your C-64/128
CMD Native Mode Partitions and each disk drive that you wish to speed up. Purchasing a
CMD Native Mode partitions are the most flexible and powerful RAMLink, HD or FD, however, automatically gives you one-half
type of partition. Native Mode partitions can be as small as 256 of a JiffyDOS system. With RAMLink, the JiffyDOS computer
blocks (64K) or as large as 16 Megabytes and are defined in 256 (Kernal) ROM is built into CMD DOS, giving you the full benefit
block increments. Native Mode partitions are idea! because you of JiffyDOS without having to disassemble your computer to
can tailor the size of the pariition to (he exact needs of a program install the JiffyDOS ROM. The HD and FD have the JiffyDOS
and its files without wasting space or running out of room. Most drive code built into their version of CMD DOS, which means that
programs can run from within Native Mode partitions; a notable they perform up to 15 times faster than Commodore drives when
example is CMD's gatcWay desktop for GEOS. Native Mode attached to a JiffyDOS-equipped computer. The HD and FD are
partitions can also contain CMD's MS-DOS style subdirectories. also compatible with non-JiffyDOS computers.

CMD Direct Access Partitions Real-Time Clock Support

This type of partition is available on RAMLink and is used CMD DOS includes support for the standard or optional Real-Time
primarily with GEOS and gatcWay. A Direct Access partition Clock (RTC) modules available on the HD, FD and RAMLink. If
allows you to set aside a specified portion of RAM for use by an RTC module is present in a CMD device, CMD DOS will
programs that require an REU-style RAM buffer area. A Direct automatically time and date stamp all files when they are created or
Access partition is not accessible to the user oulside of theprograms modified. The time and date is written to the file's directory entry
that use the Direct Access RAM buffer, in order to avoidcorruption in a GEOS-compatible format. CMD DOS also allows you to view
of data stored there by the program. directory listings that include the time and date stamp, and provides
parameters forselcctive directory listings according to whether the
Native Mode Subdirectories file was created or modified within a specific timeframc. This
CMD DOS Native Mode subdirectories are similar in structure to feature makes it easy to backup only those files which have been
the subdirectories used onMS-DOS computers. When a subdirectory modified since the last backup was made.
is created on a CMD Device, a DIR type file (filetype 6) is created
and added to the current directory. Subdirectories share all of the GEOS Support
available space within a partition. In other words, if there are 12000 All CMD devices fully support GEOS. The HD and RAMLink
blocks free inapartition, all subdirectories within that partition will include special versions of CONFIGURE designed to work along
show 12000 available free blocks. If a 37 block file is saved in any with CMD DOS to provide full GEOS functionality and optimum
subdirectory within the partition, all subdirectories within that performance, while the FD is automatically recognized as a 1581
partition will indicate 37 fewer blocks. byGEOS. 1581 Partitions are supported under the standard GEOS
Subdirectories may be created in the 'root' directory (the first or desktop on all CMD devices. On RAMLink, 1541 and 1571 REU-
main directory in that partition) or within another subdirectory. style R AMdisks are also supported along with full REU emulation.
Placing a subdirectory within another subdirectory is called Under gateWay, CMD's replacement desktop for GEOS, Native

Volume 1, Number 1 37 Commodore World

Mode partitions and MS-DOS style subdirectories are alsosupported
on all CMD devices along with variable-size RAMdisks of up to 2
Megabytes on RAMLink. CMD Device
SWAP Feature
The SWAP feature, found on all CMD devices, has proven to be a Special Commands
highly valuable and convenient function of CMD DOS. liach CMD
device has a front panel SWAP switch that allows you to instantly
CPn SelBd partition n as current partition
change its device number to 8 or 9, and at the same time, swap the
Cfeate Native Mode subdirectory
CMD's device number with that of any existing device numbered change current Naliva Mode subdirectory
8 or 9. SWAP is most useful when a program can only be loaded RD: dirname Remove (delete) Native Mode subdirectory
from device 8 or 9. If your CMD device is normally scl to another Directory that Includes time and date stamp
device number (12 for example), you can still easily load these S=P Directory of all partitions on the CMD device

programs by using the SWAP function. The SWAP function can L:filename Lock/Unlock a fito
Rename partition
also be useful even if a copy-protected program cannot be loaded
R-Hijieadernarae Rename directory header
from a CMD device. In such a case, you would first load the Write protect a disk (HD and FD only)
W-l
offending program from your 1541 or 1571 (device 8) and then Undo a previous W-1 command
■.W~0*;;;. —
SWAP Ihe CMD device to device 8 after the program loads. This 'S-8'" SWAP to device number 6
allows you to store the data files written by the program on your S-9 SWAP to device number 9
CMD device. SWAP can also be used even if you do not already S-D SWAP to default device number
Get diskchange status (FD only)
have a device 8 or 9 on the serial bus. In addition, CMD DOS also G-D
Get partition Information (type, size, etc.)
includes a series of software SWAP commands which can be sent
T-RA Read RTC time and date In ASCII formal
from within programs to perform the device number swapping.
Write RTC time and date in ASCII format
T-RTJ Head RTC time and date in decimal format
Special Commands • t-WB+CHR$(date/time) Write RTC time and date in decimal format
As mentioned previously. CMD DOS emulates all Commodore T-RB Raad RTC time and dale In BCD format
DOS commands and also includes a set of enhanced commands that T-WB+CHRS (date/time) Write RTC time and date in BCD format
Send SCSI command (HD only)
provide a means of accessing the extensive storage capacity and
advanced hardware features of CMD devices. See ihe sidebar fora
brief overview of these commands.

Device Numbers
RAMLink and the HD can be set to any device number from 8-30 Q: What do all of these drives
by running a utility program provided with these devices. CMD have in common?
DOS saves this device numher selling in the system partition, anil A: They all perform at their best
remembers it each lime ihe computer or drive is powered-up or
with The Compression Kit. r~~frr=J
reset. The FD can be set to any device number from 8-15 by means
of a rear-panel DIP switch. The Compression Kit
Backup System
RAM Link Autofile
A noteworthy feature of CMD DOS in RAMLink is its ability to 7 HOT Must Have Utilities
automatically load and run a BASIC or machine-language program * RleiTIBSter: Cocy. move, dalete. nnrj replace lilos
from any device whenever the computer is powered up or reset. w.th on so. (The in housu lave Me )

This feature, called the 'Autofile', can be used on aC-64 as well as native par-lions (Single or dual airves.) ■.'.ok;
a C-128 in bolh 64 and 128 modes. A utility program supplied wiih v Archiver: The consumate tile backup utility.
RAMLink allows you to easily enable or disable ihe Autofile {It's aocowfiriul and easy la use. it'll make you scream!)
/ 1541 Disk Boa: Squeeze Ihoss 1541 5.S5* SS;DD
function as well as define the program parameters (device number, Disks into convenient backup liies (Backup imdsb disks.)
program name, type, SYS address, etc.). •/ 1571 Disk Boa: Souwavom 1571 5.25'DS DDD,sksc,_,DRAWr;.k
(nlo convenient backup Mas (Trim moans twin sides (oiks.)
1561 Disk Boa; Souee;o ihose big 1581 3.5' DSTCD
RAMLink Parallel Port Gisks into eanvenienl backup fites.
RAMLink includes an 8-bit parallel port which can be connected / CMD_Native_Bp.i:_3^ j your i r.'.i) n.«h-i. p.hi inn-.
wnn contiCence {Safeguard your valuable Cata )
to the parallel port on CMD HD hard drives. Using the parallel port CMD RAMDma
All utilities include a full featured 3 stage verify.
can provide a 4x increase in data transfer speed hetween the -

Menu driven - No cryptic command codes, 5FFIDO9 ■

computer and HD (loading, saving, etc.). CMD DOS in RAMLink Includes a full sized custom 3 ring binder with a 50+
senses whether the HD is connected via ihe parallel cable and will page, easy to understand User's Manual.
"Now shipping v1.1O" con oc
automatically divert serial data transfers to the parallel cable. A Please enclose checker money Ortiarlc.' OOC?.j£J
software command is also provided with RAMLink thai allows ihe "Now includes BBS utilities,
parallel port to be enabled or disabled. CVV Mad Man Software the Decomper and Dissoluer!"
1400 East College Drive
U.S. Mail I P.O. Box S5=0D
Cheyenne, Wy.82Q07
Canada 55.00 Foreign S10.00
(307) 632-1178 information

Commodore World 38 April 15, 1994

 Desterm Changes Hands On-line Services Look To Cable
Destcrm. the popular Shareware telecommunications program for the Several on-line service providers, including CompuServe, Prodigy,
Commodore 128, has recently been laken over by Steve Cuthhcn. and America Online, are looking into the prospect of Hipping the
Steve has released version 2.01, which has been in beta testing forquite resources ofexisting cable television networks. Both CompuServe and
some time. The new version is generally being used by those in need Prodigy have already begun its! marketing using the HomeWorks
of RAMLink compatibility (something which did not exist in version modem produced by Zenith. The HomcWorks modem connects directly
2.0). The new owner reports that he will be working on farther to your television cable system, and provides a throughput of 500 K
improvements to the program. Shareware fees for all Desterm versions baud, far exceeding the speeds ofcurrent standard telephonic modems.
should now be sent to: Costofthcsc modcmsispresenlly very high, at around$500, but should
drop substantially once such services becomes widespread. America
Sieve Cuthbert- Online isslaled to begin lest marketing their service later this year using
Box 196 aeompctingcablemodcmproducedby Intel and General Instruments.
Radway, Alberta Canada T0A-2VO
New Serial Interface Specification
The author may also be contacted for suggestions or support through Texas Instruments and Apple have been jointly working on a new serial
the following on-line addresses: port specification duhbed the P1394 by TI. Apple, with its usual
panache, has given the port an alternate name of 'HreWire'. The new
INTERNET: steve_cuthbcrl@cucherc.graysage.cdmonton.ab.ca port boasts a raw transfer rate ofUp to 12.5 MB per second, and allows
FIDO: Steve Cuthbert (1:342;24) multiple devices to be attached and used through a single port. TI sees
it as a universal T/O port, and hopes to see it implemented in a manner
You may FREQ the new version from 1:342/24 using the name that will eliminate IDE, SCSI, parallel and serial ports on future
DESTERM, ordownload it directly from the Desterm Support Bulletin computing devices. The specification is up for ratification by the IEEE
Board at 1-403^97-7816. Other BBS's supporting Commodore users standards committee, and has backing from several major vendors.
may also have the new version available.
America Online Fiddles While Q-Link Burns
Zmodom Has Arrived
Amerim Online, Inc., operator ofonline services America Online and
Commodore users have long desired the ease of downloading with Quantum Link, recently announced restrictions in services to it's
ZMODEM, a file transfer protocol popular on many other computer America Online subscribers.Ci ting unprecedented growth asthe cause
platforms. Brian Bell, author of OMNI 128 BBS has recently added for recent slowdowns in system response lime, the company has begun
ZMODEM download capabilities to the list of protocols supported by to limil the number of users which can be online during prime usage
his program. Bell indicates that the current version employed by his hours. This move is intended as a short-term solution, and will remain
system is not thecomplete protocol, but does offer mostof the features. in effect until additional equipment can be installed.
Users who wish to use ZMODEM for downloading will have to check AOL's Quantum Link service for Commodore 64 users, continues
into Novaterm for the C-64. Desterm for the 128 may also include the to see declines in both services provided, as well as in membership.
protocol in future upgrades. Brian Bell may be contacted through his Users apparently have been making a mass exodus recently, claiming
Bulletin Board, OMNI World, at (206) 536-9717. displeasure at AOL's handling of system problems that hiive kept new
uploads from being added to the software libraries forwell overaycar.
Novaterm S.5 Released The system bug responsible for this action is apparently making files
Nick Rossi, author of the shareware terminal program Novaterm, has ulrcady in the libraries inaccessible, with reports coming from the
recently released version9.5. The new version includes bug fixes from system to indicate that requested Mies can no longer be located for
the previous version, addsaZMODEM download protocol, plus CTS/ download. In recent weeks, AOL has removed the GEOS Arena and
RTS support to improve performance with high-speed modems. Updates shutdown ClubCaribe. Additional problems arc now reported with the
are available on GEnie and other services, or directly from the author. conference rooms located throughout the areas no longer working
properly, causing any user who enters one to be stuck with a loeked-up
Quick Changes system. Subscribers areclaimingihatcomplaintsto AOL are being met
QWKRR128. aCommodore 128off-line QWK mail packet reader by mostly by silence, though responses earlier in the year from company
Rod Gasson, has been updated to version 4.2. Many improvements rcpreseniatives indicated thai ihcy | AOL] wereaware of the problems,
have been made to the reply editor and other program operations, and but thai solutions would be more expensive to implement than deemed
a number of new features have been added. QWKRR is a shareware possible by the remaining number of subscribers.
program, and can be found on many networks and local BBS systems.

Volume 1, Number 1 39 Commodore World

 BBS SPOTLIGHT
■

What kind of modems and baud rates are supported?

BBS Spotlight will bring Commodore World readers Color 64 supports all Hayes compatible modems, including modems
Information about BBS programs and networks In each in excess of 2400 bps, using CMD's "Swiftlink" U ART cartridge.
Issue, tn this, our first installment, we'll take a took at For standard RS-232 interfaces, 300-2400 bps is supported. When
Color 64 BBS software and networking. Fred Ogle, co- using Swiftlink, 300-38400 bps is supported.
owner of Color 64, has provided us with the information For those people who have a Turbo-Master 4.09 MHz CPU for
contained in this issue's article. their C-64, it is supported as well, both with and without Swiftlink.

Whet kind of drive support does it have? And what would

Could you give us a briefhistory ofthe COLOR 64 BBS software? constitute a minimum system?
Color 64 BBS was written by Greg Pfouniz in 1984, and modified Color 64 BBS supports all drives. Xetcc Lt. Kernal, InConTrol
over the years. Originally the program consisted of two basic DataChicf andMiniChief, CBM models, RamLink, and of course
overlays - one ran all day long, and the other that handled the the CMD-HD & FD drives.
midnight maintenance roulines. Over [he years Color 64 has You could run a bare-bones system on 2 1541 floppy drives - Of
evolved into a system that uses six basic overlays or more, depending course, a means ofloading an overlay fast is needed, such as a ram
on the features you wish (o offer. expander, fastload cartridge, or opUmumly, Jiffy DOS.

What version number is COLOR 64 up to now? Does COLOR 64 support any special drivefeatures, such as 1581
Effective 04/15/1994 we are shipping Color 64 V8.0. partitioning?
Color 64 supports 1581, CMD-1581, and CMD-NATIVE mode
partitions, and will read the lime right off of your CMD-HD/FD/
htt expensive?
The price for Color 64 BBS V8.0 is $65.00, phis $3.00 for first- RamLink. Files and messages are date/time stamped as well.
class delivery.
Which kind of terminal emulations can callers use to access a

What exactly do you get for that price? COLOR 64 board?

The package you get with Color 64 V8 is a four-disk sel, which Color 64 V8 supports C/G, ASCII, and ANSI graphics in 15 colors.
includes all the files needed to run the BBS, including Color 64
Network, as well as a stand-alone editor, etc. There arc also some What can you tell us about the message bases?
games supplied, like Stock Market, Umpire Tl Deluxe, Grungy Currently there is a maximum of 18 message bases and 232 total
public messages allowed, but there iscomplete message threading.
Towers, BWFWresiling, and some OthOTS as well! Game arc stored
in sel f-cxlracling(sfx) archives wilh complete installation docs, so I suspect there will be an overhaul of the messaging system in the
thefourdiskset is chock full of goodies! future - there are many goodies to be added. Public posts/replies are
stored as single sequential files.
Are there any extra goodies someone would want to get as well?
Color 64 BBS offers THOUSANDS of support files on our support How about the upload and download areas ?
BBS, and at no cost to the sysop other than (he price of the call. There Color 64 BBS allows from 1-99 U/D areas. File descriptions are
is also a wide networkof support forCnlnr 64 BBS on the support BBS, kept as separate Tiles, and keep track of the uploadcr and the time
Color 64 Network, and on GEnie. I also offer direct support for Color the file was uploaded. Up to 999 files per U/D area is permitted.
64 BBS every Monday night in GEnie's Commodore Flagship (Page Punier, Multi-Punter, Xmodcm-CRC, and Xmodem -Checksum
625;2, Room #9) from 10 PM -1 AM EST. This is very reasonable at are available. We are currently working on Xmodem I k & Ymodem
GEnie's standard connect rate ($3 per hour). batch as well.

40 April 15, 1994

Commodore World
You mentioned a network module. How Does the program come with complete A lot of BBS operators like to modify their
does that work? documentation? BBS software to do special things, or make
Color 64 Network is bolh easy to run and ThedocumcntationforColor64VSisinan it look different than other systems. Is this
use. There is even a billing system for sysops 8.5 X 11 binder, and totals over 150 pages. something they can do with Color 64?
who wish (0 charge - a charge for the first Everylhing from setting the BBS up to a Color 64 BBS V8 is a hybrid of ML and
1,000 bytes, and a charge for each 100 bytes complete list of variables, commands, BASIC. The exlcnsivc use of these ML
[hereafter. Disabling the billing feature is as subroutines, etc. is covered. I'd like m think commands from basic assures that the BBS
easy as ignoring it. we left no stone unturned :) runs very fast, even though the system runs
There are also other features that are easily
in basic - uneompilcd basic. Thai means you
added, like "Echo-Net", which will allow Provided the documentation doesn't won't have to compile programs after
messages in the public message bases to be enlighten someone enough, how would one modifying them! CW
echoed back to the node from which they go about getting more direct support?
came. This often leads to lively banter I can be e-mailed on the Internet, GEnic, or Color 64 BBS is available from:
between diverse users on differing systems. via Color 64 Network. I provide a 24 hour
There is also a feature in Color 64 V8 support BBS, and file support can be had Fred Ogle
Network that allows the sysop to send or there, or on GEnie. I can also be reached via P.O. Box 35427
receive *any* prg or seq file. We have my Post Office box. Dundalk.MD 21222-7427
tested this feature many limes with files in
excess of 1,000 blocks.

Partial Listing of Color64 BBS Sys items

System Name Sysop Location BBS Number
Sonic Temple (Color BBS HQ, Fred Ogle Dundalk MD USA {410)285-0428
Sports Zone Mike Sapeta Baltimore MD USA (410)285-4312
Train Works Brett Sedore Barrie OT Canada (705)734-2916
Heartland Connection Ron Stoll Americus KS USA (316)343-9335
Loveboat James Frazier St. Louis MO USA (314)481-5846
Silicon Empire Robert Sargeant Washington DC USA (301)564-9332
AMMEJr Michael Bryant Lacy WA USA {206)491-4125
Thee Flea's Pit Tom Hughes Seattle WA USA {206)763-4218
Starboard 64 Brian Sherven Reno NV USA (702)322-6009
W. Texas Tumbleweed Robert Covington LubbockTXUSA (806)748-1009
Wings Darin Pfaif McClellan AFB CA USA (916)987-1076
Sunlight BBS Bill Creveltng Sun Valley NV USA (702)673-2927
Copen's Castle 1 Darren Liberton Tyler TX USA (903)534-1971
Chatter Box BBS James Ellis Indianapolis IN USA (317)899-1942
The Library Brenda Myhre Tacoma WA USA {206)565-0690
Mecano BBS Francois Jolicoeur St. Leornard PQ Canada {514)955-5372
Realms of Horror Jim Mazurek Chicago IL USA (312)286-6123
The Outhouse Brian Lauzon Winnipeg PM Canada (204)261-3614
Seek & Destroy Tim Monroe Bristol VA USA (703)669-1244
Black Cat BBS Ear! Rutledge Tampa FL USA (813)985-6214
Subterranean Network Paul Bergeron Bristol CT USA (203)589-3273
Beaky BBS Wayne & Dave Singley Cohoes NY USA (518)783-1631
North Pole Bob Tortorelli DarlenlLUSA {708)986-1295
Deja Vu BBS Tony Bossaller St. Louis MO USA {314)894-9271
Prototype BBS Eric Villeneuve Longueuil PQ Canada (514)651-9746
Outback 128 BBS Jim Jacobs Forest Park IL USA {708)366-0882
Elves Den Jim Ostrander Little Falls MN USA {612)632-6339
Uncle Bob's Cabin Bob Schaffer Allentown PA USA (610)433-7880
Aladdin's Lamp Ernest Tipton KempnerTXUSA :: (817)547-6865
The Graveyard Scott Ogle Austin TX USA (512)445-0301
Better Mouse Trap Ray Balasa Lynnwood WA USA (206)775-8067
Twilight Zone II Tim Allen Mesa AZ USA (602)827-2706
Viper's Pit, Michael LeComte Aurora CO USA (303)343-9964
Desert Oasjs Richard Cunningham Phoenix AZ USA {602)246-7195
IT BBS , Anthony Sitko London OT Canada {519)657-2287
Twilight Zone Jeanne Mabry Pasadena CA USA {818)351-9474

Volume 1, Numben 41 Commodore World

 Over The Edge

RAINING ON THE PENTIUM PARADE

it's a marketers dream. It's another means by

Pentium. You' vc heard Ihc term. If not, you've
which Intel and oilier large manufacturers
perhaps been hiding out in some third-world
have managed to get MS-DOS users to part
country. Pentium.The Intel processor that was
with morcof their hardcamed money. As long
going to change the computing world as we
as we are on the subject of PC's, let's lake a
know It It's been in all the industry magazines,
look at the advantages and disadvantages of
user magazines, newspapers, national news,
trading in your Irusty Commodore for a new
even in network TV ads. Pentium. Now we
have it. So what do we do with it? PC.
Let'sbegin with ihc argumentsofrequently
WeneedPentiumforfaster network servers.
used by PC owners and those of us who try to
Ask anyone who knows anything. Nevermind
the fact ihat Compaq and Novell had 1,(XX) justify the investment. PC's are cheap! Right?
PC's running under NetWare 4.0 on a single You can buy a 486 for around SI,000 right?
66 MHz 486DX2 server at the 1993 Intcrop Right! Now, there must be a reason why some

trade show, and wiih all ihesc workstations 486's cost as little as $1,000 and some cost
SERIAL. So we hook up a 128 to that 1541. upwardsof$3,000.Usuallythccheapersystems
combined they only managed touse42percent
of the server processing capacity? Hmmm, Still slow. Ah, the 1541 is slow serial, so we are made from cheap and poorly matched
maybe we don't really need Pentium servers. need aFASTSERIALdrive. Hookup a 1571. components and are pretty well strippeddown.
Workstations! We obviously need Pentium Much better. For example: You might find a 486SX with a

workstations. Why? It will make us more But is there still room for improvement? Of 33 MH/. processor which has a 32-bit bus just
course. Try a 1581, CMD FD or CMD HD. like the $2,000 machine. But here's where
productive. It's fast.
Okay, let'sconsidcrthis. Most workstations AddJiffyDOS tolhe computer. Nice. Fast. But ihey get you; instead of using 32-bit VESA
are used fordatabase applications, and receive is there still room For improvement? Sure. We Local Bus cards lo match the processor bus,
their data from a server. Ever run such a need parallel hookup, not serial. Okay, we add they use 8-bit cards. Now what do you think
workstation? Ever notice when it's slow? It's a RAMLink to interface lo the CMD HD. Ah! happens? You gel 32 bits of screaming fast
slow when itis storing ilaia to orreceivingdata Better. But the HD isn't instantaneous. How data flying out of the processor thai slows
from the server. Hmmm... ifourservers are not about some RAM? Ah, now we're there. down to the dead craw! of an early 80's PC
overtaxed, and our workstations arc only slow Parallel I/O with nearly instantaneous access when it hits the 8-bit bus on the I/O, video, or
whcnaccessingthcserver.whatisthcproblem? to peripheral storage. drive controller cards. The result: a dog of a
I/O. Input/Outpui. The physical network What's the point? The point, my friends, is machine! So I guess you gel what you pay for!
connections themselves. This is where the that the business world once again needs to OK, you' ve decided to go with a middle of
industry lags. We don't need Pentium. Or lake a lesson from its forgotlen roots: the S-bit the road 486 for about S1.600. Now, let's add
Alpha. Or PowerPC. We need better and faster community. They need parallel access a few software titles lomake this sleepinggiant
I/O. networking and I/O that operates at processor actually do something. The following list was
ThisissomethingCommodoreS-bitowncrs speed. Until that happens, no Pentium, doublc- compiled from ads in the April '94 issue of
can identify with, Equate this with using a clock Pentium, triple-clock 486DX4 or any Computer Shopper and will give you an idea
Commodore 64 and 154!. Slow, because the other high-speed processor is going to affect of costs associated with building a complete
Commodore serialbusisslow. Just likecurrent the data bottleneck thai exists. system using reasonably priced equipment.
network protocols. Bui the 128 has FAST So wha's the big deal about Pentium? Well,

Commodore World 42 April 15, 1994

 486DX33 (8MB/245 HD/Windows/DOS) $ ] ,600.00 T D«"r\+ -'the MOST FOWER for the BUCK'
24 Pin Printer $200.00 -L I I..
■ ■ponrUiml only AUHSA Bwntn Hmh tn/oywtunOI now-
- 'puiht* tot C-113 la Mm EDGE of ttim ormpfiici tnytlept1
Microsoft Word (Word Processor) $289.00 /= Interlace! 640x400 pixels ONS CREEN!
RUN

Microsoft Excel (Spread Sheet) S300.00 1=

DOUBLE ihe resolution of any other gruphici uAwBrel
Unique Inuriact color bhrtding uhJ cuy-to-ute Pilate illow
Fox Pro (database) $300.00 THOUSANDS of APPARENT COLORS!
Quark Express (Desktop Publishing) $550.00 Many [hiwrErul {wit md fcilkirca whith CANNOT Ht DUPIJCATED by uiy dUih tonwueF
The mini daf (ling mil lophiincaltd gmphlci cuol fm lit CI3BI
Miscellaneous Games (3 games) $150.00 Supports 24 pin, COLOR, S LASER Printers, A RAM Expansion!
Shipping charges SI 00.00 KOFF 'pf><"VZ'ix"*?Now-AlQij; Powerful Paint 1.5 39.95
Total System Cost $3,489.00 - ***•"« um.a.f U-t^—^^^-^--v^ I Port U 29.9S
Import GIF, Amiga IFT, & MAC tils SAVF'
iibBLSTl3Sblii[Nhh(l *£
uIGD-'inugtwrcaledoaPC'l. Macs, Amiga), evra SATELLTTES- LJvini E*n»r. Lid
Now, I call thatabargainforabasicsystcm.don'tyou? If you haven't iwiJIyouonBBS'jcvciywbcic. CtBlomixt [he IFF £ GIF rmvinunpaleices
Impan CKOS, BuicB, Doodle, Kn.il j, & Prim Sbap
DcptCI

icen sitting so far, I suggest that you sit down for the rest of this article Improit on youi btii rroni <st«i jlropMiti CuHoni Doodle A Gets pilcnn Hpli. MNS5W8-B7H

Kiport 11'uinl lo<:il; -.h...-cmillnhjj jour Illcudol

wcausc the light is about to shine. The cost associated with upgrading (JFon 1.2(i*mh: unrradc foijjvL 110 wilh rflum of your 1 ?ditt)
7 I P*Hri3SI corrfmm
r'our existing Commodore system would be as follows: PncMr«U.B*CI»cliormor»l(oii)*oriV.HNiM wlillWui.L.1., A::nw 2 « wun« lof cwliv.ry

CMD HD-40 w/RAMLink 1 MB and RTC $625.00 Harvey and Associates

JiffyDOS(1571D) $24.95
24 pin Printer $200.00
Printer Interface $45.00 NEW - 128D Commodore Computers
Mouse $49.00 with Keyboard $ 195.00
GEOS (Write/Paint) $44.00
with Keyboard & Manual $205.00
GcoCalc64 $40.00
with Keyboard, Manual and 8/9 Switch $215.00
GeoFMefr) $40.00
with Keyboard, Man., 8/9 and JiffyDOS $265.00
GeoPublish $45.00
Keyboard Extension Cable $9.95
Miscellaneous Games (3 games) $30.00
27 Double sided Stereo SID disks $33.00
Shipping Charges $20.00
Total System Upgrade $1,162.95
14 Double sided GEOS Picture Disks $17.00
17 Double sided C64 Art and Demo Disks $21.00
OK, we've managed to rack up a bill for a little over a thousand 1409 Mill Slreet Laramie, Wyoming 82070
dollars. By looking at our list youcan see that most people already own
most of their software, a few might need to upgrade their printer and
everyoneowns far more than (hrecgames. So fora few hundred dollars, USED SOFTWARE
you can push your C-64 or C-128 to the limits without having to fork
out more than three thousand dollars to "Upgrade" to a 486. We buy, sell, and trade used original software. Lowest
AreccntarticleinoncofthcmajorPCpublicationsestimatedihatthe prices for C64, C128, Amiga, and IBM. Mention this ad
typical MS-DOS user will have tospendan average of $2,500.00 every and your computer type for a free list. Call our BBS for a
two years to keep their syslcm current! That alone makes me want to complete list within minutes. _ ,
Call or write:
run out and buy a new PC... how about you?
The focus of this column is... well, there is no focus. If something
BBS:
8N1 300-24.4k
Centsible
really bugs me I'll write about it. And if I get an articulate letter from
an outside source, I might publish it. So if something really bugs you,
616-429-7211 Software
and you can provide me with a reasonably well written letter, I might P.O. Box 930
just give you center stage. Subjects can range from serious issues to St. Joseph, Ml 49085
Ask for a list via Internet:
satirical rambling about any computer related topics. So take a few CENTSIBLE@DELPHI.COM Phone: 616-428-9096
minutes and let us hear your thoughts!

Also available for His COMMODORE 64:

ISLAND OF THE DRAGONS

SODAK ELECTRONICS INC. THE WINGS OF CIKCE

ADAYINTIIELIFIiOFA
Nintendo® and Seg«0O Repair and Paris PREHISTORIC MAN
Authorized Commodore Qualified Service Center S19.9S Eaeli - Send fur free brochure.
Computer Monitor and Printer Repair -All Types
Flat Rato on Most Repairs
ESCAPE ROUTE
Nlntondc-V and StgiS mra Rcgislcrad
TrKfamtriti of NkMtndo o( Arwlc* The Adventures of
tntf 5*ga o< Air—nc* r*tp*div*ry.
Eric Hawthorne, P.I.
Jim Muir 800-201-3004 Lamar Nanca C-64 or C-128 In 64 MODE
RR2BOK52 603 S, Mabla ACTION/STHATEGY/BOARD GAME
Hartford, SD 57033 Sioux Falls, SO 57103 Catch the Inlamous iCELADY balore she crosses Ihs tonlsrl
(605) 361-0632 (605) 33S-3004 Fun lor all agesl
$19.95 Check or Money Order
CnEATlVE PIXELS LTD.
PO Box 592, Library , PA 15129

Volume 1, Number 1 43 Commodore World

 In the next issue of

INDEX
COMMODORE

8-Bit
CEE-64 Alive!
Centsible Software
31
27
......43
WORLD
Color64 27
Commodore World ■ 23
Computer Bargain Store 44

The Internet
Creative Micro Designs 24, 25
Creative Pixels 43
dieHard Inside Back Cover
FGM Connection ....31 Will our favorite 8-bit machines become
Group M MultiMedia. Inside Front Cover roadklll on the Information Superhighway?
Harvey & Associates 43 Find out why we don't think so!
Living Proof —■ 43
Loadstar 15, 29
Mad Man Software
Micro Storm
38
35
SCSI Magic
Phoenix Network 5 Teach your hard drive new tricks when we
R & K Microtronics 35 present a tutorial on using SCSI commands
Sodak Electronics 43 with CMD hard drives.
Software Hut 7
Software Support International 3
SOGWAP
Tycom
35
.....31 Hard tips
When your C-64 or C-128 starts acting
strange, there may just be a simple solution.
Commodore World We'll take a look at what you can do yourself.
Classified Advertising

at : COSt ofSlO.OOpcr issue. Your advertisement may contain up

to 150 diameters {including spaces). Send your advertisement
/ Paint & I Port
wilh payment in: CW Classified Advertising, do Creative Micro These two powerful graphics programs lor
Designs. Inc., P.O. Box 646, EastLongmeadowM A 01028-0646.
the C-128 get a closer look IN REVIEW.

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• MC, Visa, Amex, Disc, Money Orders and COD cash (add $4) •
machine language, game programming)
Computer Bargain Store 3366 S. 2300 E., Salt Lake City, UT 84109 news, and a whole lot morel ; j ,;
or Call (801) 466-8084 (4-7 PM MST)

Commodore World 44 April 15, 1994

 dieHard the Flyer for commodore 8biiters

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