M.M.A/SPEED CO.'97
MY RESPONSE TO PEACE USER
The new ENLIGHT, AMIGA in the dark, SPECTRUM forever eternal .... And everything that is happening in the country right now is also part of the UNIVERSE!
ALYONUSHKI INCORPORATED (from the unsung!)
Dear Peace User! I cannot leave your question about my personality unanswered, as the globality of this problem is greater than it seems. So, below, you and all Samara (I emphasize the regional significance - I am not aiming for the scale of the country yet) users of SPECTRUM will learn who M.M.A is and why he calls himself the Leader of All Samara Hackers.
Overall, this will resemble an autobiography with elements of suggestion, but I think you will be able to read it to the end and comprehend it as a whole. The same I wish for all others interested in my personality.
Somewhere at the end of summer 1978, when the holidays were already over and classes in educational institutions had not yet begun, the Leader himself was born - the Great and Terrible M.M.A.
His appearance was accompanied by eruptions and eclipses of the Sun, Moon, and Oberon. Many had their marbles fall out of their heads, while others did not notice M.M.A's arrival at all, as they were busy celebrating the Day of Soviet Cinema.
Not two years passed before Clive Sinclair invented the first computer from the "line" ZX...
Meanwhile, M.M.A grew and multiplied. By the early 90s of our century, the masses began to realize the ZX-REVOLUTION (not to be confused with the rEVOlution), and in Samara, then still Kuibyshev, the first points for distributing both computers and software began to appear. One of these centers was, strangely enough, the Central Bus Station. Living not far from this place, M.M.A simply could not avoid computer culturalization.
By mid-92, he acquired a "SYNTHES-2," and a year later - a "PENTAGON-128." Another six months later, a significant event occurred: a person was found who could insert the floppy drive cable into the connector with sufficient force, and the drive was able to start performing its direct duties.
Having visited Moscow in the summer of 94, M.M.A brought back the only disk, purchased strangely enough, from SOFTSTAR. Everything was going as it should until six months later, M.M.A accidentally walked into a store called "SERVICE," known at that time as a major point on the SPECTRUM map of Samara. In this store, the seller was persistently pushing customers about absolutely new games only for 128KB while trying to sell that very disk from Moscow. Even then, the thought of a strange system of software supply to his hometown crept into M.M.A's mind.
Soon this store closed, and programs had to be sourced somewhere.... Thus, M.M.A met the underground trading mogul - VASILIEV YURI. But soon it turned out that he was not the primary source for supplying new programs either.
Thus, the cold summer of 1995 arrived....
That summer, M.M.A, as usual, went to Moscow, but this time with a firm decision to bring back as many disks with new games, demos, and systems as possible. M.M.A brought with him the first disk SOFT FROM SAMARA vol.1, which contained programs from our local programmers. Thus began the revival of SPECTRUM in SAMARA and SAMARA's emergence on the global SPECTRUM stage!
To this day, I (M.M.A) am the sole bearer of everything new and progressive in our city. Only I have absolutely fresh programs from all corners of the country, only I know where, what, and at what price, only I can organize any programming process, and then take care of the distribution of the obtained program. If I leave SPECTRUM tomorrow, then the day after, all you dear Samaritans, SPECCY users, will find yourselves not behind your familiar screen of 192*256, but behind some tacky 640*480 or worse, you will switch to DENDY. My departure from SPECTRUM will lead to a complete collapse of all connections with other cities. New programs will not arrive in the city, and our Samara software products will not see the light of day.
Moreover, I am one of the few who knows what and how to write, which programs are needed and which are not, etc.
For example, the group STARS OF KELADAN, with whom I entered into a criminal conspiracy not long ago, consists of wonderful, gifted programmers who want to write software for their beloved SPECTRUM. But essentially, they, being able to program, could not benefit the country, as the entire style of thinking, all the principles they laid into their programs were incorrect and did not fit the current moment.
Having seen the first issue of OBERON, and then participating in its hacking, I realized that if I support these guys right now, help with music, graphics, supply ideas, and finally just explain what a simple user needs, then from an inherently flawed project of a magazine for the city, a great competitive product can emerge that is not shameful to show to the country.
Most of my ideas were embodied in the second issue of the magazine. But from today's perspective, I consider this issue unsuccessful, and I sincerely hope that this third issue will be exactly as I envision it.
If, again, today I leave OBERON, and in general from SPECTRUM for some stinky "PENTium," the magazine will instantly lose music, articles, distribution in other cities, and much more.
Thank God, I do not intend to do that!
Therefore, I ask you not to dispute my title of Leader of Hackers of Samara and other regalia. If another worthy person appears, I will gladly look at him, but I doubt that another such active marasmatic will be found in the city, who is ready day and night to completely devote himself to the cause of SPECTRUM.
I BROUGHT YOU TO SPECTRUM, I WILL LEAD YOU OVER THE BODIES OF FALLEN LAMERS, INTO THE BRIGHT FUTURE OF AMIGA!
I hope everyone understood everything. With this, I want to conclude my speech, taking the podium, bowing, and leaving.
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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.
