Oberon #03: Amiga rulez? Critical View on Computer Culture

Where and whose Amiga rules?

A lyrical critical article regarding the extreme lawlessness that has come upon us.

M.M.A / SPEED CO.'97

No one refuses to participate in contemporary mediocre art will forever be autonomous, an outcast. He is the Harbinger of Change, changes that instill fear in all who go with the flow of fashion. Their power comes from others, not from within. They are false! Woe to them, for the Harbingers of Change have united. The time is now! We cannot be stopped! We are moving, driven by the desires of people.

The battle continues - choose your side.
Death to false metal.

Forever.
Struggle with the world.
"STRUGGLE WITH THE WORLD" 1987 / MANOWAR

So, let me congratulate you, dear readers. We have crossed the threshold of the new year, 1997. Let us look around and see what has happened over the fifteen years of our beloved ZX-SPECTRUM's existence.

And what has happened is this... We live in the age of a great computer revolution! In every 8th family, there is a personal computer, in every 16th family, they know how to work on it, not just play, and in every 256th family, there is a person who understands that the widespread introduction of IBM-compatible machines will not lead to good. If we consider that the average composition of a modern family is 3.141 people, it turns out that only every 804th person asks the question:

"And why IBM?"
Many do not even imagine the possibility of other PC platforms existing. Often in conversations, one can hear: "Do you have a DENDY or a computer?!" Usually, emphasis is placed on the last word, and by computer, it is understood that it specifically means IBM. I will not attempt to explain here the fact that SPECTRUM, as well as, sadly, BK-0010, MIKROSH, APOPEY, RADIO RK86, etc., are also computers and although home, they are nonetheless personal. Let's put two equally powerful opponents in one ring, two products of their time, two representatives of completely different ideologies:

IBM

and

AMIGA

I ask you to read this article to the end, or at least to the middle. There will be much fun and interesting. You will finally learn why IBM and why AMIGA. Who, whom, when and how..... And much, much more.

So, let's start with the fact that most of our readers have never lived under real "communism". By the word "communism," I mean what was happening in our country from 1937 to 1985 of our century. During this historical period, everything and everyone was the same! People read the same books, watched the same movies, wrote similar essays at school, but most frighteningly - thought the same! The few who saw the depth of the situation and tried to explain the madness of the process to those close to them were, at best, exiled and forgotten.

Times have changed, but the essence has not! We continue to live under "communism," only now it is computer-based. It took one uncle from the government in the distant 80s to sign a paper on the widespread IBM-ization of the country, and hundreds and thousands of computers began to be installed in organizations and institutions, factories, and plants. And it would be fine if these pathetic coffins of capitalism were used for accounting operations and mindless playing of TETRIS. Someone decided to declare IBM the standard for home computers.

Even in the decayed West, things are not so bad. Just look at THEIR movies. Yes, yes, it is in the movies that you can see the real state of affairs. And often in the background, you will see not the unfamiliar PENTIUM-166.6, but the simple and kind - MAC.

When you try to talk to a die-hard IBM user about MACs, you will get a response like this: "Yes, of course, it's good, but how much does it cost! I don't have that much money. And besides, where will I get programs for it? Should I buy the branded ones? No, I’d rather download a new version of QUAKE from a friend's BBS and play around. And don’t tell me that the graphics on MAC are better! I'll install a DIAMOND STEALS VIDEO BLASTER and then we'll see who beats whom....."

Or here is the most crushing phrase you can hear from an IBM user about MACs:

"Of course, the graphics on APPLE are better, it was designed to work with video right from the start..."

Ha! So if IBM was originally designed to work as an accounting machine, why push it into the realm of home computers? And it's not necessary to use IBM in every organization, because with the same CAD, any MAC will do a better job, I'm sure of it!

But let's leave both MAC and IBM, and turn our gaze to the small good computer called (COMMODORE) AMIGA.

Here we cannot do without words from the latest album "Mr. Da-Du-Dy":

"Some criticize, others shrug....."

Even if you have never seen a "live" AMIGA, just imagine a computer no larger than an ordinary BK, which connects to any monitor and television and has capabilities comparable to IBM. I deliberately do not specify which AMIGA and which IBM because not everything can be compared at once, but separately. A different DEMO on A600 in terms of dynamics and sound will outperform demos from ASSEMBLY'97, designed no lower than a "professional stump" (PENTIUM Pro).

And doesn't it seem to you that if we simply compare the "hardware" on which PC and AMIGA programs run, we can come to mind-blowing conclusions? One of the first questions even a not very computer-savvy person starts asking is: "How many megahertz and megabytes does your AMIGA have?". And receiving the answer - "7 MHz / 1MB RAM / 20MB hard drive - in the basic version A600" - quickly loses interest in the topic. Indeed, for people who are told day after day that their old "drive" of 1 Gigabyte is already hopelessly small and they urgently need to get a new one for 1.6TB, such figures are hardly convincing. And it doesn't even matter that AMIGA can be expanded, memory increased, a solid "drive" installed, even by PC standards, and so on, and so forth. I'm just curious if anyone has tried to work on an IBM with a similar configuration? Even if you double all the parameters and try to run WINDOWS (no, not the one that "95" or NT, but the simplest and "kindest" WINDOWS 3.11) on the resulting IBM PC 386SX/33/2/40, you'll be guaranteed to be stuck until tomorrow.

And it turns out that memory is not small at all, you just need to appreciate it, rather than scatter it left and right. Moreover, with such memory and compact code of programs on AMIGA, you can easily run a program from a diskette.

Imagine - running WINDOWS from a diskette!?

In the end, a person who buys an IBM today, in 90% of cases, simply forgets about SPECTRUM. But on AMIGA, everything is different. Just look at the abundance of groups on today's ZX scene that have the unchanging phrase in their name - AMIGA/SPECCY GROUP. This includes RUSH, ZERO, RUSSIAN PRESTIGE, and even the notorious CODE BUSTERS. The latter not only work in parallel on two platforms but also use AMIGA's capabilities for the benefit of SPECTRUM (program compression and algorithm development).

And imagine the phrase IBM/SPECTRUM GROUP. Just some unnatural awkwardness! It's like a "slo-noz" or a "pig-lizard." Although despite the absurdity of the ZX and IBM union, I do not deny that much can be taken from the latter. For example, music, sound effects, and graphics. But all of that is also available on AMIGA. Everything and even more!

AMIGA is a way of life and a healthy one at that. By buying an IBM today, you do not think about tomorrow. It is enough for the latest game like WOLF3D to run on this model (specifically WOLF3D as the progenitor of the genre, not DOOM and DOOM-like). But tomorrow will come, and that model for which you paid N (or M) hundreds of "greens" yesterday will simply disappear from the "price lists" due to obsolescence. AMIGA, in particular, is good because it slowly improves and coders have time to stop and think: "Isn't it possible to write a faster and more compact code with the same machine resources?"

And it's always worth thinking! Here we are, on SPECTRUM 128, sitting for 10 years without changes in hardware, and to what "perversions" have we not come up! Just look at what "Uncle Clive" would have done in '86, he would have clung to SPECTRUM with both hands and feet.

Here, for example, is very interesting statistics:

Reprinted from the magazine "ComputerPress 3'90" (once again to the question of "Faultless#4"):

The ten best computers of the last decade (the volume of world sales from 1978-1988 in million units):

1. Commodore C64                   7.280

2. IBM PC.PC/XT                    4.577

3. Apple II. IIC. IIE. IIGS        4

Contents of the publication: Oberon #03

• From the Authors
  The editorial of the third issue of Oberon reflects on its wide distribution across Russia and nearby countries, overcoming production challenges, and its aim to cater to various readers, including gamers, programmers, and hackers.
• How to Write in Oberon - M.M.A
  Guide on submitting articles to Oberon using ZX-WINWORD. Detailed format and process explanations for text, graphics, and music. Insight into editorial practices and preferences.
• Scroll - M.M.A
  A historical overview of the game THE EIDOLON on ZX Spectrum, covering its restoration process and gameplay mechanics, including level challenges and story background.
• Scroll
  Dark Star is a space shooter game where players pilot a ship against a tyrannical alien race. Players customize settings, navigate space, and combat enemy forces on various difficulty levels. Strategic planning and skill are vital for successful gameplay.
• Scroll - M.M.A
  Detailed gameplay mechanics for the game with Mechnotech klp2. Strategy involves disarming reactors and managing droid transformations. Insight into different droid types and weapons available.
• About Everything - M.M.A
  Discussion of reader interactions with the 'Oberon' editorial team, including feedback on previous issues and commentary on game compatibility and magazine content improvements.
• About Everything - M.M.A
  The autobiographical article explores the author's role in Samara's ZX Spectrum scene, detailing his contributions and aspirations. M.M.A positions himself as a leader and innovator in the community. It highlights the importance of local distribution and cultural impact.
• Amiga rulez? - M.M.A
  Critical essay on contemporary computer culture, contrasting IBM and Amiga platforms. Discusses societal impact of IBM standardization and advocates Amiga as a symbol of creativity and individuality. Reflects on the evolution of computer usage and preferences since the ZX Spectrum era.
• What Should 'Boot' Be - Unbeliever
  The article explores the evolution of boot programs for ZX Spectrum, discussing early developments and key innovations over time. It highlights significant breakthroughs in automation and design, including fully assembler-written boots and the introduction of modern features. The text concludes with reflections on ideal boot characteristics from a contemporary user's perspective.
• Letter from Queen Software
  An open letter from Queen Software criticizes ZX-WINWORD's design and Russian keyboard layout, denounces 'Mortal Compot' and the degradation of games, and shares views on demoscene events and computer emulation.
• Review - Unbeliever
  The review provides insights into various 128K exclusive games for the ZX Spectrum, highlighting titles like 'Space Gun', 'World Championship Soccer', and 'Night Breed'. Special attention is given to their graphical prowess and gameplay mechanics. Furthermore, the article addresses the acquisition of Spectrum software via the Internet.
• Review of Assemblers - Maxsoft
  Review of various assemblers for ZX Spectrum, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. Focus on EDAS 3.3, AFS, XAS, ZX-ASM, ALASM, MASM, and TASM 4.1. Each assembler is evaluated on performance, features, and usability.
• Our Answer - M.M.A
  Critical analysis of the electronic journal FAULTLESS, highlighting plagiarism issues and content quality. Discussion on the comparison with OBERON and other journals. Suggestions for improving FAULTLESS are provided.
• Our Response - Alex Noman
  Debate over the compatibility and capabilities of Scorpion and Profi computers with the ZX Spectrum. Critique of programming claims by Chung Software regarding outdated languages and methods. Discussion on operating systems like CP/M and iS-DOS in the context of their utility in modern computing.
• Our Response
  Exploring the varied interpretations of the term 'hacker' in Russian, highlighting distinctions and misconceptions.
• Hardware - Dr.Death
  Connection instructions for AY-3-8910 on Spectrum-compatible machines. Solutions for common audio issues in Russian computers. Advice for improving digital sound compatibility.
• Hardware - Dr.Death
  Discussion on modifying SCORPION ZS 256 for better performance, focusing on timing issues and TURBO mode. Explanation of improvements and potential problems with multicolors. Suggestions for further upgrades.
• Hardware - Poltergeist Corp.
  Analysis of hardware issues with Profi, a ZX Spectrum clone, focusing on INT signal problems causing graphic flickering. A solution is proposed involving a simple hardware modification. The author shares their success and the widespread adoption in Samara.
• Let's Gurm
  A microdrama illustrating the chaotic interaction between computer components during a printing task.
• Let's Feast
  Satirical story depicting an alternate reality where American culture and symbols are humorously twisted by Soviet influences.
• Let's Feast
  The story humorously describes Popov's efforts to help Papuans progress, amid desert struggles, political intrigue, and personal challenges.
• Let's Discuss
  Overview of military jargon known as 'Army Absurdities' collected by students, highlighting unique language and instructions used in military training and communications.
• Let's Feast
  Satirical article describing military humor and fictional military equipment.
• Literacy Campaign - Paul Atrides
  Analysis of hacker misconceptions and societal attitudes, exploring hacker culture's roots and ethical dilemmas.
• Primer - Paul Atrides
  Article discusses the role and activities of Russian hackers in the late 1990s, highlighting notable cases and categorizing different types of hackers. It covers the operations, risks, and impacts of hacking on international and local levels. The text also examines the societal perception of hackers and their portrayal in media.
• Contest - M.M.A
  A contest involving identifying songs from poorly translated lyrics, inspired by a radio segment. Participants guess the song and artist. No specific prize yet, but a free journal issue is promised.
• Contest
  A poetic reflection on personal struggle, misunderstood communication, and the burden of saving the world.
• Contest
  A poetic reflection on isolation and inner dreams, contrasting with harsh reality.
• Contest
  The article presents a poetic tribute to the community, emphasizing themes of unity, immortality, and strength through metal music.
• Advertisement
  Advertisement in Oberon magazine offers free publication and discusses available software, hardware, and stores related to ZX Spectrum.
• Advertisement
  Advertisement of computer repair and upgrades with pricing for various services. Options include drive connection, signal normalization, and memory upgrades. Specific services for different computer models like Pentagon and ATM.