ZX Format #03 - Электронный журнал с статьями о ZX Spectrum

Publication articles

• IS-DOS
  Detailed guide on the control keys of IS-DOS shell, differentiating reserved and user-defined keys. Importance of extkey.txt file for key assignments. Overview of system utilities and recommended key configurations.
• IS-DOS
  The article discusses the use of restart routines in IS-DOS for screen operations like coordinate settings and scrolling. It provides code examples illustrating the implementation of functions such as wtpos and scrol for text manipulation. The article is technical, aimed at programmers using the ZX Spectrum.
• IS-DOS
  Discussion on the format of object modules in IS-DOS, used by IS-DOS Assembler and link.com. Emphasis on compatibility and creation of high-level language translators. Useful for professional programmers and software developers working with IS-DOS.
• IS-DOS
  Description of the local symbols table format generated by IS-DOS assembler, its structure, and entry types. The table is a temporary file with records linked as a binary tree. Details on referencing numeric local symbols are provided.
• Authors of the Magazine
  Description of the team behind ZX Format, including editors and contributors, with contact information and working hours.
• Hardware
  Discussion of a TR-DOS error fix on ZX Spectrum by Konstantin Uglyakov. Explanation of command register errors and proposed patch to enhance disk exchange speed. Recommendation for implementation without side effects.
• Hardware
  Description of the GENERAL SOUND music card for ZX Spectrum, highlighting its technical specifications and performance enhancements. Discusses its microprocessor system, memory allocation for music, and volume control capabilities. Emphasizes the card's potential beyond audio processing.
• Hardware
  Introduction of the Scorpion ZS 256 Turbo+ board with improved design and features, maintaining the same price. Key enhancements include better assembly quality, reduced size, and simplified port decoding. The board facilitates easy upgrade and has updated technical solutions.
• Hardware
  Technical discussion on the effectiveness of ZX Spectrum turbo methods, focusing on KAY and Scorpion models, including tests and results.
• Hardware
  Review of various modem options for ZX Spectrum, including vicomm, Allegro, and Hayes, highlighting their pros and cons. Focus on the limitations of non-standard modems and the advantages of using standard Hayes modems. Discussion on connection methods and future developments in modem technology.
• Hardware
  Discussion of ZX Spectrum bus architecture, focusing on empirical measurement of bus capacities and implications for system design.
• Toys
  Detailed examination of 'Last Battle' game features, robot types and tactics.
• Toys
  An adventurous group led by their Chief navigates challenges in mysterious landscapes, using ingenuity and teamwork. They overcome obstacles, confront local residents, and explore unique artifacts. The narrative humorously portrays their journey through imaginative environments.
• Toys
  List of top-selling games in St. Petersburg in early 1996 and one reader's unique gaming preference.
• Toys
  Review of games BATMAN-II and PIRATES. Description of gameplay, features and controls. Insight on game strategy and purchasing tips.
• Toys - SSL
  Review of games released in St. Petersburg in early 1996. Highlights include THE LIGHT CORRIDOR, JONNY QUEST, BEDLAM, BUBBLE DIZZY, NAVY SEALS, and PIRATES. Detailed assessments of graphics and sound provided.
• Contest
  The article announces ongoing and new contests for ZX Spectrum enthusiasts, including level design for LASER SQUAD and computer jokes. It highlights the unexpected number of submissions and encourages programmers to submit innovative code. Winners will receive prizes, with results to be published in future issues.
• Lottery
  Article describes a lottery organized by ZX Format, detailing prizes and participation mechanics.
• From the Authors
  A call for collaboration with software developers and artists, emphasizing protection and distribution support. Criticism of piracy and lack of recognition by Moscow peers. Encouragement for new authors to contribute their work.
• Take a Break
  Humorous guidance on how a BOFH (Bastard Operator From Hell) manipulates users and avoids work using clever tricks and technical jargon. Set during fictitious recurring Friday 13th and April Fools' Day, showcasing a series of pranks on clueless users. Emphasizes the absurdity and incompetence in dealing with tech issues, framed in a satirical narrative.
• Let's Take a Break
  The article humorously discusses the daily challenges of an editor, particularly focusing on typographical errors and dealing with demanding users in a chaotic work environment.
• Help
  Discussion about the functions and updates of a shell for ZX Spectrum and reactions of users, with insights into hardware and software changes. Criticism of user feedback and mention of forthcoming updates and articles. Includes opinions on memory and device requirements.
• Mailbox
  Discussion about the future of Spectrum: pros and cons, user classes, and potential upgrades. The article examines reasons for its continued relevance despite technological limitations. It provides a breakdown of user demands and market considerations.
• Mailbox
  The article provides insights into the distribution of software and games for ZX Spectrum, hardware upgrades, and music integration for programs.
• Mailbox
  Readers' letters discuss features of ZX Format, user suggestions, and include humorous anecdotes.
• Premiere
  Introduction of TASM 4.0 for ZX Spectrum 128k, featuring new commands, improved speed, and bug fixes. Detailed installation and operation instructions. Technical specifications and error handling are also covered.
• Premiere
  Winnie-the-Pooh's adventures from dark dungeons to a magic land with a giant tree, a strange fisherman, and a hidden teleport. In a demo version, Pooh encounters challenges like venturing through a well and dealing with peculiar creatures. Softland invites you to explore the full game, avoiding pirate copies.
• For Programmers
  Discussion of BASIC compilers for ZX Spectrum, focusing on their types, advantages, and limitations. Detailed analysis of specific compilers and their characteristics. Comparison of interpreter-based and translator-based compilers.
• For Programmers
  Guide on adapting BASIC programs for disk use, covering both simple and complex cases, including issues with headerless files. Tips on overcoming common problems in transferring software. Offers solutions for coding challenges and errors during disk adaptation.
• For Programmers
  Discussion on decoding loaders using XOR in hacking. Techniques for dealing with closed loaders on TR-DOS. Practical examples with assembler codes.
• For Programmers
  Guide on how to hack ZX Spectrum games for infinite resources. Detailed instructions and examples for altering game parameters using assembly language. Encourages learning assembler to bypass game limitations.
• For Programmers
  Examination of feedback to 'Assembly for Beginners' in ZX Spectrum context; challenges in teaching assembly; importance of synchronization and standards in coding.
• Various
  Q&A format article explaining AmigaOS features, multitasking, resource efficiency, and multimedia capabilities.
• Miscellaneous
  Amiga's revival after difficult times with new releases and upgrades. Introduction of new models like Amiga-1200 and development of Power Amiga with RISK processor. Anticipation of future releases and market expansion.
• Miscellaneous
  The article presents the prologue of a fantasy story set in the Dragon Country, introducing characters and a mission to retrieve a stolen magic crystal. It also announces a role-playing game (RPG) based on this story, with a demo available in the magazine's appendix. XL Design Inc. will distribute the full game.

Releases

Title	Year				Supported languages		Release type	Release by	Hardware			Times downloaded	Times played
ZX Format #03	1996	Play online			Russian		Original		🖥️ Pentagon 128	TRD disk		27	8
ZX Format #03	1996				Russian		Original		🖥️ Pentagon 128	TD0 disk UDI disk		7	0