LETTERS FROM READERS
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We were very pleased to receive and read your letters. Unfortunately, we are not able to publish all of them. This is due to various reasons. For example, we currently have a letter that arrived just as we were laying out the magazine. We haven't even had a chance to read it yet.
But there are letters, and that makes us happy. Some of the wishes expressed by their authors we have already fulfilled, and we are working on the others.
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The first letter we received via fidonet contains the following:
I don't know if a flood of enthusiastic responses and thanks has already poured in your direction, but I'm sure it will soon! I bought the magazine ZX-Format from you today (18.11.95) at Logros. I'll be honest - I didn't expect it! It's just great! Made at the highest level. The menu system alone is worth it. The selection of materials is also excellent. Compared to ZX-Format, SPECTROFON looks simply pathetic. Well done!!! The only thing I can wish for is to try to illustrate the magazine. Other than that - just 5 points!
I wish great creative success to everyone who worked on this product.
Sincerely,
Slava Sokolov.
ZF: Thank you, Slava, for your kind words addressed to us; we are glad that we are needed by people. As for the pathetic nature of SPECTROFON, we wouldn't be so critical of the level of its implementation. After all, it was the only worthy information product in Russia before the release of ZF and, moreover, it still surpasses us in some aspects. Namely, in terms of illustration, about which you, Slava, so subtly hinted to us.
We respond: we are working on this issue.
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The next letter from Sergey Lebedev is more critical:
S.L.: Hi, creators of ZX-Format.
It turned out to be a good thing, but I was sincerely offended when I didn't see the magnificent intro on my 128 Pentagone, which Scorpion owners rave about.
ZF: Here we didn't quite understand what specifically you are referring to. If it's about the initial intro, then this happens not because of the specific type of computer, but due to the unstable operation of the data bus and the absence of port #FF, or rather the merging of non-existent ports into port #FF. We have already reworked the mouse detection system, and now this problem has been resolved.
If Sergey meant the tricks with the Magic and RESET buttons on Scorpions, then in order to eliminate inequality, we have found a way to demonstrate our shadowing to 128 owners as well. But it is called up, of course, in a completely different way, namely by pressing fire in the lower left corner of the screen while in the SERVICE menu.
S.L.: The text scrolling is also not brilliant - you could at least make it with a step of 2 pixels and a bit faster, pls.
ZF: Unfortunately, with the presence of graphics and colors, pixel-by-pixel scrolling seems unrealistic, or rather impossible. As for the speed, we have increased it, but has it become more convenient for you? Write to us.
S.L.: The spelling is almost brilliant, and by the way, it would be good to make an export of articles to disk (those that are not regrettable) in ZX-Word format.
ZF: We are actively fighting that "almost," and regarding the export of texts to disk, we respond:
1. It's not about greed, but rather that the texts are stored in their original format, so ZX-Word has fallen out of use.
2. Exporting to disk is needed for further printing on a printer, but no printing utility supports our text format with graphics.
Considering both points, we decided to create a universal utility for printing our texts to satisfy all printer owners. But this will take time.
S.L.: Overall, it's excellent; I'm looking forward to the next issue.
Bye!
Sergey Lebedev.
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The author of the next, quite critical, but no longer directed at us, letter wished to remain anonymous for reasons known only to him.
We respect his request and publish his appeal to programmers.
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Reflections on application
programs.
Since the time when application programs written by domestic programmers began to appear on the market, I have observed a strange picture - versions change one another, but the errors in them remain the same. Let's take the well-known text editor ZX-Word. Version 2.6 has already appeared, but I don't use it. Why? I pity my eyes. I have a good monitor, but still, 64 characters per line is torture. It is clear that when using a printer, it is desirable to see all the text that will be printed, but why not borrow the output system from TLW 2 (42, 51, 64, 80 characters)?
Okay, in text editors, this is somewhat explainable, but why are there those same 64 characters in assembly language?! My experience with TASM showed that the maximum line length is 40, and the average value is less than 20. And why should programmers waste their talent and not-so-fresh eyesight figuring out the differences in the shapes of the letters H, M, and W?
Recently, I saw a demo of MASM in Spectrofon. I loaded it and what do I see? Again the magic number - 64. Maybe the authors are bribed by manufacturers of high-quality monitors and televisions?
Once I came across a new assembler for Scorpion AFS256. I looked at the interface, - finally, I thought, a decent assembler has appeared. Alas, the editor turned out to be extremely poor, and the assembler itself, as they say, lags. I had to return to TASM. If I need glasses, I'll send the bill to its authors.
ZF: There is some truth in our reader's reflections, although we do not agree with some of his thoughts. Therefore, we await your feedback on this rather painful topic for many.
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From the editorial office: for quite understandable reasons, we cannot publish all incoming letters, but this does not mean that the remaining correspondence in the shadows is uninteresting to us. We eagerly await your letters and other postal and non-postal communications with feedback on the second issue of our magazine. If you have ideas or specific suggestions for improving our creation or interesting topics for discussion that would appeal to a wide audience of readers - write, call, drop by!
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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.
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