ZX Format #02: Information: New Interpretation of 'PULLDOWN' Menu System

A small treatise on the new interpretation of the "PULLDOWN" window menu system.

(C) DICTATOR

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"... more interfaces, good and different!" (instead of an epigraph)

Chapter one, in which the main provisions of this interface are described.

After the release of the first issue of ZX-Format, some users expressed dissatisfaction with the shell system, which led to some changes in it (the system). Therefore, in order to avoid misunderstanding between you (the user) and the shell, you should read this treatise, even if you have entered this section last. Text control remains the same: scrolling with the cursor joystick keys or fixing icons; exit by pressing the button or by the icon with the corresponding inscription. Innovations in text mode:

1. A service menu that opens when pressing fire in the lower left corner.

2. Screen blackout (starry sky) - when pressing fire in the lower right corner. Return to text by pressing the button. This function is also implemented in the main shell.

The main principles of the shell now look as follows:

1. The shell consists of a command panel, windows, and a cursor.

2. When the cursor is on executable menu items, the current item is highlighted by inversion and activated by releasing the "fire" button. If the item where the button was pressed and the item where it was released do not match, the function does not activate.

3. The main menu is considered to be "SECTIONS".

4. The "BREAK" function closes the current window and opens the parent (previous) one.

5. If the cursor is outside the menu field and you press fire, it is equivalent to the "BREAK" function for transitioning to the previous window.

Note: the menu field is called the area of the screen that includes the menu header and the frame with executable items.

6. If there are ellipses after the menu item name, it means that selecting it will open a new submenu (in other words, a subdirectory). Otherwise, the text is loaded and the transition to the text window for viewing occurs.

The last chapter, in which some nuances of this version of the shell are described.

Due to the presence of a large number of computers with improperly implemented port decoding, as well as those lacking the unfortunate port #FF, the mouse and Kempston joystick presence detector now works somewhat differently. Therefore, their owners should consider the following: if you want to load the journal, bypassing the initial intro, use any button on the keyboard for this, not the "fire" button on your controller. Otherwise, it (the controller) will not be considered found. The search cycle lasts 3 seconds from the moment of intro program initialization.

Instead of an epilogue.

No one has ever succeeded in creating an interface that satisfies every single user. We strive to take all your wishes into account and come to the most acceptable option. Therefore, we simply need to know your opinion on the convenience of our shell and its shortcomings. We look forward to your feedback. Note: criticism expressed as "I just don't like it" will not be accepted.

Epilogue.

In conclusion of all the above, I would like to quote a line from a good Soviet film (don't take me literally): "Don't teach me how to live, better help me materially."

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Contents of the publication: ZX Format #02

• IS-DOS
  Announcement of a school-ready hardware-software complex by Iskra Soft and Peters, featuring a networked computer class setup on ZX Spectrum with IS-DOS.
• IS-DOS - Владимир Елисеев
  Explanation of command line monitor and text editor restart in IS-DOS using mon.com utility as an example.
• IS-DOS
  Introduction to IS-DOS system utilities, covering functions like help, user menu, file viewing, editing, and file operations.
• IS-DOS
  Detailed description of the eliminat.com program for freeing memory from resident tasks and drivers, featuring interactive mode and command-line keys. Specific channel numbers allocated for task and driver types. Includes usage options and color customization.
• IS-DOS Window System - Владимир Елисеев
  Exploration of IS-DOS window system restarts for printing text in windows and absolute screen coordinates. Examples of restart implementations such as lwt, adrwt, lenwt, prstr, str, and lnstr. Continuation to cover auxiliary restarts in next issue.
• Assembler
  Introduction to assembly language basics, focusing on flags, arithmetic operations, and register manipulation. Discusses addition, subtraction, and complex operations like multiplication and division through examples. Highlights specific assembly commands and their functions for ZX Spectrum.
• Hardware
  Discussion of hardware modifications for Scorpion ZS-256-Turbo, including the implementation of a Turbo/Normal switch. Pros and cons of software-based switching methods. Advice on soldering and circuit adjustments.
• Hardware
  Discussion of a new music add-on for ZX Spectrum by X-TRADE and HACKER STINGER, called 'ZX GENERAL SOUND', offering high-quality audio and minimal processor usage.
• Hardware
  Discussion on hardware innovations and marketing strategies, focusing on mouse and keyboard interfaces for ZX Spectrum. Critique of competitor's misleading advertising and analysis of serial versus passive mouse technology. Author questions necessity and cost of advanced features.
• Hardware
  Discussion of hardware acceleration methods for ZX Spectrum, focusing on turbo-modes and their effects on performance and compatibility.
• Toys
  Fantasy tale about magical creatures battling human intrusion. Main character recruits allies for a quest to restore the land's former glory. Challenges include finding tools, overcoming obstacles, and reviving companions.
• Toys
  Review of 'Carrier Command' game, focusing on its strategic and simulation aspects. Includes detailed gameplay mechanics, controls, and objectives. Highlights strategies for success and unique features like managing resources and autonomous systems.
• Interview
  Interview with Sergey Zonov and Andrey Larchenko discussing their experience with microprocessors and ZX Spectrum development, including the creation of the Scorpion ZS 256 computer.
• Information
  Contact information and staff list of ZX-Format No. 2 (1995) including editor, coders, and designers.
• Information
  Editor's address to readers of ZX Format, discussing the positive feedback, past errors, and the quest for a cartoonist, with future plans for the magazine.
• Information
  Discussion on the new interpretation of the 'PULLDOWN' window menu system for ZX Spectrum, focusing on interface updates and user interaction enhancements.
• Information
  Discussion about companies illegally distributing ZX Format, emphasizing the benefits of purchasing official copies.
• Competition
  The article discusses the lack of participation in ZX Format's competition, detailing the rules and prizes, and encourages readers to engage with new ideas.
• Let's Relax
  A humorous account of a software vendor's challenges dealing with clueless customers, illustrating the nerve-wracking nature of his job.
• Mailbox
  Overview of hardware components and prices for ZX Spectrum enthusiasts with ordering details.
• Mailbox
  Reader letters section in ZX Format #02 discusses reader feedback, addresses issues with ZX Format features, and offers future improvements.
• Premiere
  Guide to Digital Studio v1.12, a music editor for ZX Spectrum, including features, menu navigation, and the use of Digital Studio Compiler.
• For Programmers
  Exploration of tools that extend the standard Basic 48, including Renumber for Basic 128, Trace & Speed, Blast Toolkit, and ZXeditor, highlighting their functionalities and utilities.
• Various
  History of Amiga computer models and their evolution from A1000 to A4000/60T with specifications and unique features. Explanation of technical terms and differences between chip and fast memory. Mention of new developments like AGA chipset and models for different needs.
• Miscellaneous
  The article presents upcoming ZX Spectrum software releases and reviews game innovations like 'Adventures of Winnie the Pooh' and 'UFO 2: Devils of the Abyss'. It highlights features, creators, and technical requirements. It also includes announcements from SOFTLAND and Cracked Masters Group.
• Systems
  Discussion of creating music with Instrument 3.01, focusing on digitized sound. Analysis of program's capabilities and conversion from ASC Sound Master. Instructions for composition and conversion.
• What's New
  Review of new ZX Spectrum games entering the St. Petersburg market in late 1995. Detailed game descriptions, memory requirements, controls, and music/graphics evaluations. Highlights include Night Hunter, Extreme, Grell & Falla, and more.