ZX Format #01: IS-DOS: Innovations in ZX Spectrum Software

The section "News in the world of IS-DOS".

1. The company IskraSoft announces the release of a new version of the basic package of the IS-DOS operating system, conditionally named IS-DOS Classic 4.0. The main differences of the new system are, as usual, in the text editor: a unique ability to work with blocks of text not by lines, but arbitrarily (the so-called rectangular block mode) has finally been implemented. Such a capability has not existed in any text editor for ZX Spectrum until now. Now you can mark any arbitrary rectangle on the text page and work with it as a block of text: copy, move, delete, etc. Thanks to the new system, it has become possible to layout a page in 2 or more columns directly in the text editor. The new editor also allows you to move the cursor by a whole word to the left and right, as well as to invoke certain commands located deep in the submenu using "hotkeys." In addition, the system comes with a new keyboard driver tt_ext.key, allowing the use of the SS+CS (EXTEND MODE) keys as an additional register key, enabling the input of 38 additional codes from the keyboard. ATTENTION! Owners of the IS-DOS keyboard manufactured by Allophone (Zelenograd) need not worry; there are also drivers for you under the new system! The new version of the system can currently be purchased ONLY at the company's office located at: St. Petersburg, Lesnoy pr. d. 65, bldg. 1, Iskrasoft, Software Department, Tel. for inquiries: 245-00-91 from 10:00 to 17:00, ask for the Software Department.

2. Since July 1995, the basic package of IS-DOS includes a new utility arzt+.com. It is designed for processing disks after deleting a large number of files and allows you to gather all the freed areas at the end of the disk into one continuous block. The program works very quickly; however, it does not reduce the degree of fragmentation of files like speedisk.com.

3. Specialists from IskraSoft have developed and released a printed circuit board for a hard disk controller for ZX Spectrum. The controller allows you to connect a "hard drive" of up to 85 megabytes to any Spectrum-compatible computer, has no built-in ROM, is easy to set up (only has 1 adjustment element), and is reliable in operation. The system uses available and inexpensive MFM system "hard drives." The disk is divided into logical devices of 16 megabytes each, functioning like regular IS-DOS disks. Software support is provided by a special driver udwdc.blk. The package includes a printed circuit board, a set of technical documentation for self-assembly, and diskettes with software. If you wish, the company's specialists will assist you in partitioning, formatting your hard disk, and installing programs. Tel. for inquiries: 245-00-91 from 10:00 to 17:00, ask for the Software Department.

4. Another new product from IskraSoft is a professional monitor-debugger for programs in machine code, allowing you to debug and trace your programs step-by-step directly in the IS-DOS environment – it will surely interest programmers working in IS-DOS ASSEMBLER or simply curious about how programs work in the IS-DOS environment. For details, call the same phone number: 245-00-91 from 10:00 to 17:00, ask for the Software Department.

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.