Oberon #04: About Everything: SamZxNet's Milestone

Hello, dear Samara admirers of SPECTRUM!

A miracle has happened!

We, the new Samara group "Without Denomination Group", are very pleased to congratulate you and, first of all, ourselves on a significant advancement in creating the first computer network in Samara, SamZxNet. The date of November 15, 1997, will forever enter the global community as the international day of the first connection of a ZX SPECTRUM-compatible computer from the city of Samara with an unknown object, code-named IBM PC. Seriously, after numerous debates about which modem is the most promising for creating a computer network in our city, the choice fell on the HAYES-compatible modem, which allows us not only to realize the creation of SamZxNet (since VicommXTR and C-DOS modems are practically unavailable to the Samara user, while the HAYES modem can be purchased in almost any store selling computer hardware), but also to work in FidoNet (not to mention a direct connection with your "nose-in-the-air" friend who has the aforementioned UFO on his desk). However, connecting this modem may present some difficulties, as this peculiar device, due to the machinations of decaying capitalism, is designed in such a way that it requires not only +5 and +12 volts but also -5 and -12 volts. To eradicate this injustice and thus avoid the need to purchase a PC power supply in addition to the HAYES-compatible modem (which currently costs about 170,000 rubles), we offer you a scheme to modify a regular power supply to extract the necessary volts without significant costs.

Unfortunately, we cannot (yet) publish this scheme, as it is in the final stages of development and testing. The scheme will be available to all interested parties in the shortest possible time. If there are readers of Oberon with experience in this matter, we kindly ask you (just in case) to write to the editorial office and share your thoughts on this topic.

See you soon at the first Samara BBS!
P.S. You can find more up-to-date information about SamZxNet at the book market, stop "Hipodrom", the place to buy Spectrum software (that's near the stands).
11.20.97
POWer & SPIDER
--======================================- * * * * *
MUSIC ВУ : VISUAL/MS/XTM

Contents of the publication: Oberon #04

• From the Editorial
  This editorial discusses the legal 'charges' against the creators of Oberon #4 as a humorous narrative, highlights the challenges faced in publishing this issue, and announces a potential hiatus for the magazine.
• Scroll
  Analysis of the game 'Chaos' by Julian Gollop. Simplified gameplay mechanics and strategic elements. Description of creatures, spells, and tactics.
• Scroll - Unbeliever
  Description of a mathematical game for ZX Spectrum where players collect formula symbols while navigating gears.
• Scroll - M.M.A
  Discussion of 'Doc the Destroyer', a unique fighting and adventure game for ZX Spectrum. The article covers controls, character customization, and game mechanics. Compatibility issues on different ZX Spectrum models are also addressed.
• Overview - M.M.A
  The article provides a review of games for ZX Spectrum, including KOMANDO 2, WRESTLING SUPERSTARS, TAG TEAM WRESTLING, and CAPTAIN PLANET. It highlights the features, graphics, and gameplay of each game, noting both strengths and weaknesses. The review concludes with recommendations and comparisons to other platforms and games.
• Overview
  Overview of various ZX Spectrum games, highlighting their unique features, gameplay mechanics, and design elements. Includes critique on sound effects, graphics, and technical issues. Discusses games like 'Stryker in the Crypts of Trogan', 'Phileas Fogg's Balloon Battles', and 'Survival'.
• Overview - Alex Noman
  The article reviews games for the ZX Spectrum, including BOOVIE, MOTOR MASSACRE, SOCCER PINBALL, and HUXLEY PIG 1 & 2. Each game is detailed in terms of gameplay, graphics, and unique features. The discussion includes comparisons to other games and highlights specific technical aspects.
• Review
  A review of various games, including Little Computer People and Lost Caves, highlighting their features and versions. It also discusses 75Occ Grand Prix by Codemasters with its limitations. The article provides insights into game mechanics and versions.
• Review
  Detailed review of various assemblers like Alasm 3.8, TASM 4.12, and others, highlighting their features and shortcomings.
• About Everything
  Announcement of the creation of the SamZxNet network in Samara and the challenges of setting it up with HAYES modems. Explanation of the modems' power requirements and potential difficulties. Invitation for technical advice from experienced readers.
• About Everything
  Description of travel to ENLIGHT'97 and meeting various demoscene participants. Observations of event organization and issues. Insights into participant experiences and scene discussions.
• About Everything
  Report on the second day of ENLIGHT'97: events, challenges, and reflections. Describes voting results and organizational difficulties. Highlights future prospects for Spectrum demo parties.
• About Everything
  The article features reader feedback on Oberon #04, critiquing design and content choices and discussing issues with software protection and game enhancements.
• About Everything
  Discussion of the adventure game KAYLETH with gameplay tips and advice. Includes a game dictionary and suggestions from the author and their team. Calls for a local artist for future RPG development.
• About Everything
  Reflection on the closure of the 'ZX-REVIEW' magazine and the adaptation of its article for 'Oberon'. Discussion on the development of ultra-short boot loaders. Optimization techniques for writing one-sector boot loaders on ZX Spectrum.
• About Everything
  Exploration of amateur contributions to electronics, music, and computing history, highlighting figures like Faraday and Babbage. The evolution from handmade instruments to personal computers. Discussion on jazz, blues, and rock'n'roll's informal origins.
• About Everything
  The story of Lieutenant Edward Roberts' journey from radio kits to creating the first PC, the Altair 8800, overcoming skepticism and challenges.
• About Everything
  The article explores the rise and evolution of the computer industry, highlighting the transformation from passionate hobbyists to corporate dominance by giants like IBM and Microsoft.
• About Everything
  An exploration of Sir Clive Sinclair's project after selling the Sinclair brand, detailing the features of the Cambridge Computers Z88 laptop.
• About Everything
  Discussion of software market problems in 1997 for ZX Spectrum, highlighting lack of new software and user reluctance to pay.
• Announcement - M.M.A
  Announcement of 'Black Raven' game by V. Mednonogov, focusing on gameplay, technical challenges, and upcoming features.
• Announcement
  Discussion of the decline in ZX Spectrum development, reviews of new games and utilities, and announcements of future projects.
• Educational Program
  The article provides an overview of FidoNet, a non-commercial computer network often considered the predecessor of the Internet, detailing its origins, growth, and unique cultural aspects.
• Hardware
  Instructions for connecting the 'ALEGRO' modem to computers with normal port #FF, detailing hardware modifications required for proper signal handling.
• Hardware
  Connecting Hayes-compatible modems to ZX Spectrum, focusing on Scorpion and Pentagon models, detailing hardware modifications. Specific instructions for internal port blocking and signal alignment provided. Step-by-step process and technical intricacies explained.
• Hardware
  Discussion of the transition from 5.25' to 3.5' floppy disks for ZX Spectrum, including installation issues and solutions for compatibility with existing software.
• Let's Feast
  A satirical story about a Rabbit who lost his house to a cunning Fox and how a Rooster helped him reclaim it.
• Let's Gourmet
  A humorous tale about Malysh and Karlson's adventures with technology, drawing parallels between computers and everyday life, culminating in a comic mishap with an AMIGA computer.
• Advertising
  Article discusses free advertising policy of Oberon, catalog of programs and hardware for ZX Spectrum, and adventure game engagement.
• Advertisement - Kano
  Promotional campaign by Magic Soft and RPSG in Russia for Amiga multimedia computers, offering exhibitions, sales, and consultations. They highlight Amiga's advantages over other systems, describe various models, and provide price lists. Collaboration with 'Computers for Population' for distribution and services.