ZX Format #02: Competition: Participation and Prizes in ZX Format

Sadly, dear readers, sadly. We, having heard about the unprecedented activity of the people in the elections, were hopeful. We were counting on at least a few sleepless nights over your letters containing answers to the contest tasks. But no. There were letters, but none of them conveyed the author's desire to receive a box of disks and the next issue of the magazine as a prize. No one wanted to immortalize their name on the screen next to the inscription "Winner of the ZX-Format Contest." Can you imagine what it's like to be the first winner in the history of the magazine? You'll tell your grandchildren. That's the way it is. Nevertheless, we still hope to receive answers to the contests sooner or later, and therefore we repeat their conditions.  
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1. In the first issue of our magazine, in the APPLICATION section, there is a mission editor for the game Laser Squad. Using it, you can create missions for the Laser Squad yourself. Send your completed missions on disks, in envelopes (not parcels), or better yet, come in person. Both addresses, postal and geographical, are provided in the article about the authors. The genius who wins the contest will receive a box of 3M disks and the next issue of the magazine for free.

2. Please come up with a theme for a new contest and send it to us. The most interesting of your ideas will be used in the following issues of the magazine. The prizes are the same as in the first contest.
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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.