Hacking the Mags

Not everything good and/or technical comes from Commodore Hacking, which is as it should be. (I still think we have the most, though...) Thus, let's spotlight some good and/or technical reading from the other Commodore publications.

If you know of a magazine that you would like to see summarized here, let C=Hacking know about it. These summaries are only limited by Commodore Hacking's inability to purchase subscriptions to all the Commodore publications available. We are very grateful to those publications that send complimentary copies of their publications for review.

COMMODORE CEE

At press time, Issue #5 was in the works, so we'll detail the contents next time. However, see Newsfront for address changes for COMMODORE CEE.

Commodore 128/64 Power User Newsletter (CPU)

A while back, Gosser Games, Ltd., Inc. sent us a sample issue of this publication, which is published exclusively with a Commodore 128 machine, much like the defunct dieHard. For those just getting into the BBS arena, the "Cyberspace Cowboy", R.J. Smulkowski, previously writing this article in dieHard, has moved his column to CPU. The content is light, but useful, and a godsend for new users. Reviews of GeoFAX and "Radio Controlled Flight Simulator" also grace the pages. Printed on regular bond at 7" by 9", the 16 page publication is small but full of potential.

Commodore World

If you remember last time we spoke of Commodore World, we asked the rhetorical question: What's up with those funky graphics? We didn't expect an answer, but editor Doug Cotton called to explain the curious eye-catchers. He also mentioned that assistant editor Jenifer Esile was having trouble creating them now that we made fun of them. We're sorry Jenifer. We want you to continue, since they save us the cost of commercial inkblot cards for our self-psycho-analysis sessions here at Hacking Headquarters. (Just joshing, we can be so mean sometimes.) Speaking of Jenifer, we're not sure when she started, but the last few issues seem more colorful. Sure, content is great, but packaging is everything. We've even caught PC-centric folks perusing our copy. Kudos to CMD for that effect.

Obviously, Commodore World isn't for all, but the content is consistent. Issues 11 and 12 are no exception. In issue 11, Doug tackles high level serial bus routines and includes ML source, Gaelyne Moranec shares some useful WWW pages, and Jim Butterfield explains the nasty NULL character and its implications. Of special interest in this issue is the two page spread on changing device numbers on the pesky 1541 drives. The article is worthy of archival for reference. CMD also takes time to note that the SuperCPU cartridge will contain a 65C816 8/16 bit CPU, not the earlier mentioned 65C02 8-bit CPU.

Issue 12 should be subtitled the "SuperCPU" issue. We think it's great, but it's definitely not subtle. Doug Cotton and Mark Fellows preview the unit while Jim Brain details the CPU inside it. CMD notes that the 10 MHz version has been scrapped, but the 128 version has been added, delaying introduction until April for the 64 version. C=Hacking was hoping to review a prototype unit this issue, but we'll do it next time. Jason Compton and Katherine Nelson describe HTML, the markup language for World Wide Web pages, and Jim Butterfield explains using KERNAL devices 0 (keyboard) and 3 (screen). For those wanting to run a Bulletin Board System, Max Cottrell describes how to ensure success. Of special interest in this issue is a photo of the prototype accelerator. We won't even hint of our opinions on this round of funky graphics....

Driven

Driven #11 waxes somewhat philosophic about the demo scene in 1995. The tone expresses a tinge of disappoinment with the hope that 1996 will be a better year for demos. This issue also ushers in Driven's first crack at covering the PAL scene. As part of the 1995 year-end review, a complete list of releases is given. In the news section, Charles Christianson's blurb on the CMD SuperCPU is reprinted, and King Fisher of Triad discusses the origins of the demo scene in "Cyberpunk".

If you've ever wondered what goes on inside the mind of a demo "scene" programmer, Driven #12 will fill you in. Interviews with Phantom of the group FOE and Zyron of F4CG are included, both telling it as it is. For those wanting to set up or design a BBS system Mitron takes a look at CNET DS2 and details some general guidelines on how the networking code works. Of special note is a review of this issue's Polygonamy sample code.

LOADSTAR

Issue 139 starts off with the announcement that LOADSTAR is taking over the dieHard Spinner disk subscriptions, as reported in C=Hacking #11. File Base 64 from John Serafino will be useful for anyone organizing their disk collection. Fender Tucker claims it is better than DCMR, the supposed standard. Jeff Jones cooks up the "Ultimate INPUT" for people wanting the perfect BASIC INPUT routine. The claims are substantial and Jeff delivers. The included LOADSTAR LETTER #29 contains another article in the Internet series.

As we started Issue 140, we noticed something was different. We couldn't place it at first, but then Jeff alerted us to the change. LOADSTAR now has highlighted words in the text, and the color scheme can be changed and saved. Nice for the eyes. In addition, LS#140 can mark up text using highlights, bold, and underline on printers that support such features. Bob Markland presents a ML module that provides better random numbers, and Fender Tucker challenges ML programmers to write a routine that searches in a memory dictionary for a word. Speed is the key. C=Hacking gets some space, as Issue 11 is reprinted in the 3.5" version. Of particular note to programmers is Don Forsythe's "Hidden Clocks" article that describes in detail the CIA TOD clocks and their bugs, err "features."

It's funny, but the LOADSTAR LETTER #40 that comes with LS #140 is subtitled "Special Commodore Hacking Issue." We were expecting C=Hacking articles, but that shows just how egotistical we can be. Jeff Jones filled the issue with rumors of new products, handy tips, and information about CMD's SuperCPU. Of particular interest is the information about Craig Bruce modifying his Swiftlink to do 115,200 bps.

Right before we went to press, issue 141 showed up in the mailbox. #141 starts off with the changes of operation since LOADSTAR publication was taken over by J & F Publishing. The first is their new address:

LOADSTAR
606 Common Street
Shreveport, LA 71101

Also, they say checks should now be made out to LOADSTAR, not Softdisk.

For all you TUI (Text User Interface) folks, Jeff Jones goes over how to create "buttons" that depress on screen when activated. Source code is provided as well, which is rare for LOADSTAR. Of particular interest to us was Terry Flynn's "Virtual Optics" slideshow. Hard to describe, it displays impossible constructions and 3D illusions. Even C=Hacking gets some space, as issues 3 and 4 are available on the 3.5" disk version. Jim Brain supplies article 4 in the Internet series on LOADSTAR LETTER #31, included with the issue. Of special note is LOADSTAR's new Internet address, given in the LL as loadstar@softdisk.com. See Newsfront for more information.

LOADSTAR 128

We loaded up LS128 #30 for a look-see. Dave's Term, the 128 Telecommunications Program presented in the last 4 issues, seems to be one focus of this issue. Don Graham supplies a keyboard overlay and macros for the terminal program, while David Jensen includes a spell checker. In the issue as well is ZED, the 128 editor of editors from Craig Bruce.

Vision

At press time, Issue #8 was in the works, so we'll detail the contents next time.

Other magazines not covered in this rundown include:

In addition, others exist that C=Hacking is simply not aware of. As soon as we can snag a copy of any of these, or get the foreign language ones in English :-), we will give you the scoop on them.

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