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MASTERPIECES OF ELECTRONIC GRAPHOMANIA
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Volume 142
JOURNEYS OF DILETTANTES
Part 3
"Meetings at Homebrew were the
most important event of my life."
Steven Wozniak.
Initially, the gathering place for the first hackers was the informal club "Homebrew". The translation of "домашняя брага" can only be made by people who speak "in this country" ...MOONSHINE. It is moonshine, with all its associations and accompanying sensations - that is the adequate translation of this daring name.
It was here, in a small computer club on the outskirts of Los Angeles, that the unknown Steve Wozniak (soon to be co-founder of APPLE) and others discussed and proudly demonstrated their homemade computers. From 1975 to 1977, they created and tried almost everything that the PC industry has been chewing over for 20 years, bringing it to industrial brilliance and constructive-technological perfection. Then followed the legendary PC "APPLE I", assembled in a garage from stolen parts, the unimaginable rise of yesterday's students to the heights of the financial Olympus... all this is too well known.
Much can be understood by looking at an old photograph capturing a group of creators of the "Macintosh" (about 7 people).
Worn jeans, beards: self-irony in the gaze regarding the solemnity of the event. These people had heard Jimi Hendrix and read George Orwell, went through the "Flower Revolution", marijuana, religious sects, and hippie "communes". Now they were seeking inner freedom in a plastic box filled with pieces of burnt clay.
They (in all seriousness) spoke about how they would provide equal access to information through PERSONAL computers for everyone, and thus - FREEDOM... it was a long time ago.
By the early 80s, things had progressed so far that serious people took up PCs. Before that, PCs were dealt with by some half-sectarians, for whom "enthusiasm far exceeded the desire for profit". In the name of the company IBM, the letter "B" ("business") preceded "M" ("machine"). The entry of IBM into the arena meant the end of the amateurish informal style of work. The task was taken up not by garage romantics, but by administrators in three-piece suits (it was fashionable).
The protracted (since August 1981) triumph of IBM PC was initially programmed: "The company regularly receives large subsidies from the federal government, paying for half of the scientific research at the expense of taxpayers. Among past and present directors of this giant... former ministers of defense, justice, commerce... former IBM employees have held positions of Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense"... should I continue?
The state machine wisely absorbed the former "eternal student" B. Gates, and nomenclature professionals, previously famous for marketing Pepsi-Cola, came to lead APPLE (but the founders - "the two Steves" - S. Jobs and S. Wozniak left).
The end of the "computer boom" became noticeable first of all, of course, where it all began. In April 1991, "Electronic Design" magazine reported: "The number of scientific degrees awarded annually in the field of computer science, once the most popular discipline on university campuses, has decreased by 27% compared to 1986."
Now the typical computer scientist in most institutions is a Vietnamese immigrant: most programs are produced by anonymous programmers in India (they happily toil for a "meager" $2000 a month, among them are even schoolchildren whose programs amaze professionals, especially considering that they are written on pitiful training computers written off for scrap).
MICROSOFT - a gigantic empire, and Gates (who was once called "Bob") - a billionaire. However, he is no longer greeted by former friends-moonshiners, but he probably doesn't need that now.
UNDER 3AHABEC
"We could not look death in the face:
Our eyes were blindfolded and we were led to it."
A. and B. Strugatsky.
For about three years, the police searched for the anonymous killer who sent gift packages with explosives to major specialists in modern technology. He was elusive. As in any bad detective story, the terrorist was caught in 1996... by accident. He turned out to be a once-close friend of the murdered, who once started out with them, reached high degrees and then... left the university and settled in a forest hut, rejecting once-loved electricity and kilobytes.
Thus end the journeys to the "kingdom of freedom". The fashion for "a computer by the fireplace" has long passed.
The sales of PCs, which began to decline since 1985, are trying to boost through the Internet (the global virtual bazaar), where for the freedom of choice, one is offered the opportunity to wander (not for free) among pornography, open and hidden advertising, and appeals from various maniacs (but access to AMERICA ONLINE with truly valuable information is limited). The PC itself is gradually degenerating into NC (Network Computer) - an add-on like a game console, without a hard drive and disk drives (and why do they need them when working in a NETWORK, when "any" program can be downloaded, used, and forgotten). As a result, in the hands of the user, as 40 years ago, there is again a terminal, and nothing more is needed, since he does not want to do anything and, most likely, will not want to.
Hackers are mostly retreating into themselves, where they will apparently get lost. A new character is coming to replace them - GEEK. This is when Robert Jung once happily provided humanity with the archiver ARJ for free (and dedicated the program to his family and God. See - ARJ/?). GEEKS exist for another purpose: they systematically extract money using PCs, fundamentally seeing nothing around and, apparently, do not even have the corresponding sensory organs for this.
"In the new world, there is almost no place left for programmer-artists, eccentrics, and hermits who created only out of inspiration... company owners could no longer afford the luxury of depending on the whims of programmer-creators" - writes Ruben Herr, editor of "PC Magazine".
The industrial approach has returned to programming, and once again, faceless crowds write independent modules (which they don't care about). Independence from the "human factor" is ensured by object-oriented languages and environments, and "poor Charlie Chaplin" is again making "100 mixes per shift", pressing Taiwanese buttons. The ball is ruled by "MINTEL" (Microsoft+Intel), which has absorbed everything and everyone. The monstrous monopoly, which arose in place of the former anarchism, irritates even some analysts, and they whisper call MINTEL "the empire of evil".
In early 1997, even MACINTOSH began to fall apart, laying off a third of its employees. Of course, the government will not allow it to reach complete collapse, as this would mean a completely indecent collapse of the LEGEND of a society of limitless possibilities. This has happened before, when the British government covered the debts of a certain Sinclair after the failure of the SPECTRUM-128 model...
What is the way out? The same Steve Jobs was invited to run the company...
There is no one else. It's time to gather stones.
"Many today ask whether I still believe in the current development of technology, as I did 20 years ago. Of course, I still do. But this belief is not in technology, but in people. Technology is nothing."
From an interview with S. Jobs, 1996
"I believe that some battles
should be fought, even if they are
lost in advance."
J. Soros.
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MUSIC BY: DAGMA/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.
