Hello, dear readers! You are looking at the first issue of the new electronic magazine "ZX-Format," written for the Spectrum and dedicated to it. We thank you for your interest and for reading this message. So to speak, "thank you for your purchase." It is nice to realize that you are a high-sinkler (or a future sinklist), that you have our beloved Speccy, and that you turn it on at least occasionally. We hope to help you learn how to use it, and if you already understand kilobytes, registers, and tracks well enough - write to us and teach us and our readers. Ask questions, answer others, suggest topics that should be covered. One of the main tasks we set for the new publication is to unite everyone who can create something truly worthwhile for the Spectrum. Programmers, artists, and musicians should know each other and work together. The magazine is an opportunity for everyone to tell about themselves. Share experiences, learn about new developments, publish an article - there are so many things you can come up with! Creating software is gradually becoming a profitable business. If you live far from big cities, we can help you distribute programs. Just one request, rather a motto - if you sell in Russia - write in Russian. Otherwise, it’s already dizzying from the surname Ivanov typed in Latin letters. In creating the magazine, we proceeded from our own hopes and interests, so your suggestions may surprise us. Surprise us and be surprised! Now let's get acquainted with the sections of our magazine.
1. TOYS. Almost everyone plays various games. This section is dedicated to them.
- "Top Ten" Games, like everything else in the world, can be good or bad. And there are also masterpieces. We hope there will be enough of them to fill our "Top Ten." As you understand, it is compiled exclusively by popular vote. You can also participate: if you live in St. Petersburg, don’t hesitate to visit the "Logros Software" store at the address listed in the "Authors" section and express your personal opinion, or by sending a letter, write in capital letters "TOP TEN" and indicate the best game, in your opinion. It would also be good to provide information about the authors and the year of creation.
- "What's New" Everything worthwhile that appears on the market should not escape your attention. This section will keep you updated on events.
- "On the Shelves" How to navigate the maze, how to fight an seemingly invincible monster, under which staircase the treasure lies - we will answer these and many other questions about passing various games in this section. But! Information of this kind will be published only some time after the release of the described game. Many, to their credit, love to figure everything out themselves. However, they can skip this section.
- "Novella" There is probably no need to explain what a computer novella is. But if there is, well... Just read it, and you will understand everything.
2. FOR PROGRAMMERS. This section is entirely dedicated to those who write programs themselves or want to write them in the future. We plan to present you with a training course in BASIC and Assembly language that is understandable and accessible. In addition, we will discuss TR-DOS and various system programs from the perspective of their most effective use.
3. IS-DOS. There is a wonderful system - IS-DOS, which gives a second life to the already aged Speccy. Unfortunately, not everyone uses it to its full extent, if they use it at all. We will tell you about its capabilities for both beginners and experienced users and programmers.
4. HARDWARE. The Spectrum is being equipped more and more. Additional memory, disk drives, mice, and now modems have appeared - all this and much more will be written about here.
- "Peripherals" Accordingly, peripheral devices, such as a light pen, for example.
- "Upgrades" Various upgrades for your favorite machine.
- "Manufacturers" Articles by developers and/or manufacturers of various hardware.
5. INTERVIEWS. It is often interesting to learn the history of the creation of a program, to understand what its author represents, known only by an abstract name on the screen, to inquire about his plans. We will publish interviews with many such people in the magazine, their stories about themselves and their creations.
6. PREMIERE. What can be said? The premiere of a new program is the premiere of a new program.
7. LET'S RELAX. After working for 22 hours with a one-hour lunch break, only the simplest desires remain - to eat and sleep. There is no time for the seventh section.
- "Something" They say a programmer is not a profession, it's a diagnosis. And these programmers really love to laugh. Sometimes we laugh, sometimes we don't, but something is always happening.
- "Demo" Here you can admire the demo or intro we selected for this issue.
8. MAILBOX. Everything mentioned earlier - "we will tell," "we will help you learn" - can be rephrased: "You will tell" - how does that sound! If you have questions - write. If you can help - write. If you don’t like the structure of the magazine, would like to change or add something - write back. And please don’t forget about the "Top Ten."
- "Letters about Games" Problems, advice, POKES, everything related to the games you play.
- "Experience Exchange" Also problems, advice, wishes. But already about "serious" programming.
- "Announcements" Everything is clear with this section. If you want to read announcements - read, if you want to publish - contact us (preferably come in person for the time being).
9. COMPETITION. Want to participate in a competition? Please! Conditions are in the section.
10. MISCELLANEOUS. We looked back and unexpectedly realized how insignificant a part of the vast computer world the first eight sections can cover. Therefore, everything that does not fit under the previous headings will be placed here. So you have read the first article of the first issue of the magazine, which we hope to publish and develop with your help. Go to the main menu, choose a topic and ... Well, never mind, you know how to read.
Safe travels! P.S. If you feel like additionally helping the development of the magazine and sending us any amount, even a laughable one, we would be happy to accept it. Thank you in advance.
Chief Editor P. Ryndin.
Contents of the publication: ZX Format #01
- IS-DOS
IskraSoft introduces IS-DOS Classic 4.0 with advanced text editing features, a disk utility, a hard drive controller for ZX Spectrum, and a program debugger.
- IS-DOS - Владимир Елисеев
Overview of IS-DOS for ZX Spectrum, highlighting its advantages over TR-DOS. Discussion on installation, usage, and file management features of IS-DOS. Introduction to system utilities and interface similar to Norton Commander.
- IS-DOS - Владимир Елисеев
The article provides a concise guide to the IS-DOS system disk, listing all essential files with explanations. Files are sorted alphabetically and grouped by directories for easy navigation. The guide focuses on a basic overview of files and commands without extensive descriptions.
- IS-DOS - Владимир Елисеев
Discussion on the UniColor standard for color settings in IS-DOS programs, its implementation, and advantages for user customization.
- IS-DOS - Владимир Елисеев
Discussion of IS-DOS window interface features. Implementation of window system in IS-DOS and its advantages. Example programs for creating windows and frames.
- IS-DOS - Владимир Елисеев
Description of the internal workings of the gmen.com program for IS-DOS, focusing on device management and menu handling with detailed source code and comments.
- Hardware - Vladimir Larkov
Discussion on modifying Scorpion ZS-256 hardware for compatibility with specific software. Describes blocking port #1FFD to run incompatible programs. Provides technical details for implementation.
- Железо - Nemo
Discussing hardware braking devices for ZX Spectrum. Focus on creation and impact of brakes on overclocked processors. Warning about potential side effects.
- Железо
Discussion of the impracticality of repairing old computers and the economic sense in replacing them with modern hardware. The article highlights challenges in DIY repairs and suggests alternative solutions. Emphasizes the benefits of upgrading to newer, more reliable components.
- Железо
Discussion of new peripheral developments for Scorpion ZS 256, including an innovative universal controller and MIDI interface. Highlights enhancements in keyboard and mouse controllers and expansion of built-in software capabilities. Offers details on professional ROM extension and turbo mode for improved performance.
- Игрушки - Ruster
A detailed walkthrough of the game Crystal Kingdom Dizzy, including solutions to puzzles and tips for progressing through the story.
- Игрушки - Павел Рындин
Description of the logic game 'Bulls and Cows', its mechanics and gameplay. Explains levels of difficulty and the goal to guess a number with minimal attempts.
- Игрушки - Вячеслав Медноногов
Discussion on the nuances of 'UFO: Enemy Unknown' game, focusing on alien species, their tactics, and gameplay strategies. Details on game mechanics and future sequel 'UFO-2: Devils of the Abyss'. Includes programming insights and development history.
- Игрушки - SParker
Overview of games and software on the Saint Petersburg market in 1995.
- Интервью
Vyacheslav Mednonogov shares his journey as a programmer, from assembling his first Spectrum-48 to developing notable games like 'UFO. Enemy Unknown'. He describes challenges and insights in game development and the rise of Russian game localization. His experiences highlight the evolution of programming and software distribution in the 1990s.
- Информация
Introduction to ZX-Format, a new electronic magazine for ZX Spectrum enthusiasts, focusing on games, programming, hardware, and community interaction.
- Конкурс
Discussion on organizing a new competition for the magazine. Readers are invited to submit their theme ideas. Selected themes will be featured in future issues.
- Конкурс
ZX Format announces a competition for the best mission created using the mission editor for the game Laser Squad. Submissions are accepted by mail or in person. Winner receives a box of 3M disks and the next issue for free.
- Отдохнём - Килат Амор
A programmer's day filled with dreams, gaming, and casual conversations. Vasetchkin balances ambition with relaxation, embodying the programmer's spirit. Reflects on the demands and enjoyment of a programmer's life.
- Mailbox - Максим Романов
Discussion on hardware and software offers in St. Petersburg by LOGROS and Create Soft, including detailed insights on Kempston Mouse interface.
- Mailbox - SParker
Compilation of cheat codes for ZX Spectrum games by Sergey Pavlov. Techniques for extra lives and immortality. Not recommended for fans of fair play.
- Mailbox
Description of submission guidelines for letters and articles to the magazine, including formatting and submission preferences.
- Премьера - Алексей Щекин
Gameplay of Lines game on ZX Spectrum, similar to Color Lines. Move balls to form lines of the same color. Scoring and controls are described.
- Программистам - Дмитрий Рудовский
Introduction to advanced BASIC programming techniques for ZX Spectrum 48, highlighting its advantages over 128 BASIC. Plans for future articles include service programs and language extensions. The article serves as a guide for experienced programmers.
- Программистам - Михаил Спицын
Introduction to assembly language on ZX Spectrum. Explanation of Z80 processor structure, registers, and basic commands. Includes example programs for learning.
- Программистам - Андрей Седов
Mission editor for Laser Squad by Andrey Sedov allows fans to create new missions. Includes user-friendly interface with minimal controls. Offers features like object editing, price adjustments, and sprite assignment.
- Various
History of Amiga computer development, its creators, and key features. Evolution from arcade games to a leading home computer. Amiga's market success and technological advancements.
- Разное
Review of upcoming ZX Spectrum software products with demos. Highlights include adventure games, RPG trials, and strategic tactics. Several well-known developers contribute to these releases.
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