Electronic samizdat or shell technology
music by MIDISOFT
The article presented for your attention is a conceptual and ideological development related to the support and development of domestic information technologies. It has already been said enough about the fact that the Spectrum is experiencing a crisis (translated from Greek - the judgment of the gods). However, there are far fewer constructive proposals in such statements than confusion. The prevailing opinion is that 1) the Spectrum urgently needs to increase its hardware capabilities (it is mistakenly assumed that the cause of the crisis is their insufficiency); 2) A new computer needs to be created from scratch, and everyone should switch to it. From a practical point of view, both are unrealistic. This can be proven, but it goes beyond the scope of the article.
The public itself invites trouble by provoking manufacturers to create yet another series of monsters. There is an American saying: "Be careful what you wish for, otherwise you might get what you want." It makes no sense to jump higher than the ceiling and build socialism (capitalism) in one separately taken apartment. Development is a cumulative and continuous process. The consumer quality of a computer is related to its technical characteristics in a rather ambiguous way. This quality can be significantly improved in a number of other ways that have nothing to do with technical characteristics and architecture. Moreover, with much greater efficiency. That is, it is possible to increase the real value of a computer without escalating those very technical characteristics and creating a new architecture. This does not mean that technical characteristics should not be improved. There is an optimal speed for hardware development, determined primarily by the parameters, structure of the platform, and its goals (in this case, the Spectrum platform). For it, this is approximately five years for each doubling of hardware parameters. This is an organic criterion, i.e., using analogies, one could say that no matter how much you pull a tree by its top, it will not grow faster. The platform is analogous to a tree, and the architecture is its seed. A tree can be destroyed, a new one can be planted, but it cannot be changed.
Every matter is judged by its fruits. The IBM platform has already begun to bear fruit, leading to an increase in the expenditure part of the budget for state management. This means that part of the money will be taken from your pockets, regardless of whether you agree with this or not. These are not yet the fruits - these are flowers, berries are ahead. However, let’s return to the Spectrum. What are these ways to increase the consumer quality of a computer without changing its technical characteristics? I will briefly list: 1. Improving the support for the already existing fleet. Doing this is extremely difficult, as in most cases, the provided technical characteristics (what was fought for, that’s what they got!) are no more than a thin layer of printing ink in an advertising brochure, i.e., so-called "imaginary" consumer costs. However, support can and should be provided to the extent that the machine is standard. 2. Developing the ideology of the Spectrum platform. The user must clearly understand what the Spectrum represents. Where its use is meaningless, and where it is irreplaceable. How, where, and in what way to use it and what to expect from it. It is necessary to try to make the user smarter so that they do not throw money away but stimulate development. 3. Structural changes, development, and expansion of the platform. Nothing harms the Spectrum as much as monopolies on production, channels, and information. It is also time to think about how to get rid of marginality (i.e., isolation and closedness of the Spectrum in itself). Publications in mass media are needed. The Spectrum deserves to be a mass computer - it has completely unique properties (for example, as an independent and reflecting the opinion of ordinary Russians information institute in society). It is quite possible that it is time to think about official status (for example, a public organization).
What practical ways can be implemented for points 1-3? One possible option (satisfying these requirements and practically implementable) will be the technology of electronic books.
Such a tedious and lengthy introduction is necessary for the user to understand by example that conceptual and ideological developments are not pulled out of thin air, but are quite rational and directly stem from economic, social, and cultural goals of a sufficiently general plan. And already based on conceptual and ideological developments, specific technical tasks for the development of hardware or software (conceptual rings) are formed.
Let us consider the conceptual ring of electronic book technology as a group of roots of the imaginary unit (i.e., let’s try to turn this technology around and look at it from various angles in the context of what has been said above).
Traditional view on software.
The software of the Spectrum is divided into two classes: "system" and "game". Electronic magazines (ZF: St. Petersburg) and newspapers (Zx-News: St. Petersburg) are neither of these - they are mass media. The popularity of such publications suggests the possibility of the existence of a third class of software - informational. If we consider informational software as a spectrum of mass media by timeliness, there is an obvious gap: there are publications of high timeliness - newspapers, medium timeliness - magazines, low timeliness - e-books. So far, there are no means of low timeliness, but there should be - these are publishing houses. Commercial point of view. Commercially, Spectrum software is divided into two classes: "nobody's" (brought from the West and hacked - minimal price based on the cost of the medium, duplication, and distribution) and "author's" (minimal price + author's reward). There is a price gap between the first and second classes of software. By the way, it is precisely in this gap that cockroaches - pirates (hackers) live. It would be more correct to call them "pickpockets" since they clean the pockets of both dealers and software authors. With the help of electronic book technology, this pirate nest can be "patched." If the publishing house operates regularly, and the technical means (the actual e-book) are well worked out, then the payback of the e-book with a specific text may occur with 100-300 single (!) orders for disks without protection (!) against copying at a price per disk close to "nobody's" software. Hacking loses its meaning due to the absence of such. Moreover, it will not be commercially possible to sell without supporting publications of high and medium timeliness - they are dearly interested in adhering to copyright. If it is possible to neutralize the pirates in this way, then in the long run, a decrease in price and an increase in the volume of "author's" software may be possible. In total: we have a positive structural change. By the way, networks will also have to engage in an unfamiliar task if they want to participate in the beginning - they need to develop a counter technology for routing electronic books. It is one thing to distribute "game" software that everyone craves, and another thing is almost megabyte-sized e-books designed for 200 people. It’s not long before the hard drive gets loaded to the brim or, for example, one goes bankrupt on "long-distance calls." The price of electronic books can be further reduced due to targeted advertising, as the e-book very finely sets the circle of interests of a person wishing to purchase it. Introducing a commercial status of free-ware in the market will increase the energy of the platform due to structural complexity - users will have to group by interests - it’s cheaper that way.
Gamma of electronic books (Meaningful spectrum). Shells by content can be divided into:
- humanitarian. Academic texts can raise the level of consciousness of users and mental epidemics. Such as, for example, Nazism (Thousand-Year Reich), Communism (bright tomorrow), technologicalism (idiocy based on IBM).
- journalistic. Journalistic e-books (for example, based on major city newspapers, intellectual and spiritual elites) can significantly reduce the level of entropy (noise, indifference) in society. It is no secret that the pro-American officialdom is so tightly coming out of the television that it creates the impression that the television is jammed.
- technical. The goal is utilitarian. Supporting the metabolism of the platform. These are texts on hardware, technology transfer for production and repair, descriptions of software products, commercial information.
Technical features.
It is assumed that e-books will be oriented towards both 128 Sp. and 256 Sp. — clones. The slippery point is the prolonged work of the user with the TV receiver. The TV receiver or domestic display (ordinary TV receiver without radio channel) is the standard of the platform, as almost all users sit on such equipment. Therefore, it is technically advisable to have 43 characters in a line and a standard Spectrum screen - otherwise, one might spoil their eyesight. The video processor of the Spectrum perfectly fits the television standard. Clive Sinclair also produced small televisions, so this technical solution is justified and by no means accidental. A larger number of characters on the television tires the eyesight, and it will take more time to read the text. A black-and-white monitor or monochrome is preferable to a color television, which has a mask and error due to beam convergence. 80 characters in a line is the standard for document production, which is why it is used in professional commercial (Business) computers. Newspapers, for example, use 40-50 characters in a column - and it’s fine, easy to read. The television standard is designed (calculated) precisely for it. The bandwidth of the video amplifier at 8 MHz can be compared to the diameter of a sewer pipe. Even the most qualified plumber will not be able to push a signal with a bandwidth of 16-20 MHz (diameter) through it.
Psychological point of view.
The effect of getting used to the Spectrum, like any other computer, fed by computer games, should not turn the user into an idiot. At a certain stage, a reorientation to a more conscious use of the computer as a tool for extracting information for deeper personal development and its creative, active beginning is necessary. A computer can be both the most powerful synthetic psychedelic (for example, LSD), capable of creating artificial reality, and a tool of eugenics. The exponential development of hardware causes personal degradation, while conservative architecture (with a large time constant of hardware development) turns the computer into a tool for the development of hardware. Thus, there is an optimal speed for hardware development. The technology of electronic books indeed aims at increasing one's own "brains," not those in the computer.
The structure of the e-book from the programmer's point of view.
Essentially, the system part of the shell is nothing more than the OS. Nothing prevents the use of IS DOS as the system part. The universality of the OS significantly reduces costs for solving technical tasks and puts the production of electronic books on stream. At the same time, the task of promoting the IS DOS standard in the market is solved, opening up prospects for hardware development. The system layer of IS DOS does not reduce disk capacity, as compared to TR DOS (640 K), in IS DOS the disk capacity is 800 K. Let’s consider block structure: the system part consists of the IS DOS kernel (1) and BIOS (2). The BIOS contains printer, mouse, GENERAL SOUND drivers, and a compressor-decompressor of the informational part. The informational part consists of a cover image (3), a comment from the publisher (4), an introductory article (5), the actual content (6), a table of contents with pagination and bookmarking (7), a glossary and a list of the hypertext subsystem (8), references to literature (9), the thematic plan of the publisher (10). The advertising part consists of the publisher's price list (11), third-party advertising (12), and a survey-questionnaire (12.1). The data area (13) consists of graphic images and musical mod files. The free area is intended for user notes, a list of typos discovered by the user (14), and routing marks (for networks), or dealer coordinates and user advertising (15). The proposed outline should be considered as a reference, i.e., an ideal model. Real e-books, especially in the early stages, will be much more modest in technical terms. Samizdat has always been unassuming, but substantive.
Dessert.
The tedious loading is over, dear reader. It is time to talk about what has already been practically done. Now the practical implementation of the shells "Ordinary Fascism," "Diamond Beads," "Computer Apocrypha," "Silicon Valley" is underway.
Now annotations:
"Ordinary Fascism": the shell contains four texts of varying levels, depth, and academic rigor dedicated to events half a century ago in Germany. Anticipating questions, I note that you will not find "Mein Kampf" there. This text is primarily a symbol. The mediumistic speech of the author of this grimly famous book, dictated by other mouths, frankly tires with its monotony. Moreover, it is banned from distribution and is not included in the shell. If you are interested in this issue or want to write a report on this topic in school, such a shell will come in handy. We do not guarantee that the teacher will fall off their chair, but their hair will definitely stand on end. It will not be boring to read. Let’s quote something:
Text1
"I am primarily driven by my conscience as a doctor, which compels me to address those few who will want to listen to me and warn them of the need to prepare for events that signify the end of an entire aeon, the end of one of the great epochs of world history. Frankly, I am deeply concerned about the fate of all those who will be caught off guard by the course of events and, lacking the necessary preparation, will find themselves bound hand and foot and unable to understand anything. As far as I know, no one has yet asked the question of what the consequences might be."
Text2
"Mussolini then regarded Hitler with suspicion and even hostility. A newspaper correspondent in Vienna, who closely followed the development of the National Socialist movement led by Hitler, was one of the informants. In his report on a meeting with Adolf Hitler on May 8, 1929, he reported, among other things: 'Hitler is everything but the fool that his opponents depict him as. The insistence with which he returns to the same arguments raises my suspicion that he lacks the material for a 'genius,' but he compensates for this with stubbornness, speaks emotionally and convincingly. He knows how to take on the persona of an inspired person or throw out such a remark that instantly brings him closer to the listeners. I realize that this person is capable of rallying the masses and creating his own school; therefore, I believe his assertion that currently the best orators and propagandists in Germany are among the National Socialists.'"
Text3
"Nazi magic was hidden under technology. This was a grandiose news. All deniers of our civilization - theosophists, occultists, Hindus, and others, who have returned or are trying to return to the spirit of ancient times - have always been enemies of technical progress. The magical spirit of fascism armed itself with all the levers of the material world. Lenin said that Soviet power plus electrification of the whole country is socialism. Nazism, in its own way, is magic plus tank divisions."
Text4
"Hubbard was a student of the infamous Aleister Crowley. The facts are such that Ron Hubbard was embedded in Crowley's 'black magic' group to sort out the situation. The situation was serious. Several leading nuclear physicists from the California Institute of Technology were frequent guests at the house where the branch of the black magic group, led by the specialist in solid rocket fuel in America, Dr. Jackson Parsons, was located. Parsons was closely connected with the English black magician Aleister Crowley, who called himself 'the beast 666.'
"Silicon Valley": This shell places a few more dots over the material from the magazine Spectrofon n23. The public simply needs to know where, who, and how was engaged with the computer. To mark, so to speak, the details of the very moment of the birth of the computer era. Essentially, this is the history of Silicon Valley in faces. Who were these people, what did they do, where did they draw inspiration from, and what problems did they face.
Von Neumann's interest in computers is somewhat related to his involvement in the top-secret Manhattan Project to create the atomic bomb, which was developed in Los Alamos, New Mexico. There, Von Neumann mathematically proved the feasibility of the explosive method of detonating an atomic bomb. Now he was contemplating a significantly more powerful weapon.
Turing could probably have achieved much more in this area (the hypothetical universal machine), but his eccentricity hindered this. Turing was fascinated by the problems of machine intelligence (he even devised a test which, in his opinion, allowed one to determine whether a machine could think). Difficulties also arose in his personal life. A tendency towards sexual perversions led to Turing being subjected to forced treatment through psychoanalysis and hormonal drugs in 1952. Two years later, while engaging in a game he called "Uninhabited Island," which involved making chemicals from household products, Turing obtained potassium cyanide and took it. He died at the age of 41.
Among the developments was, in particular, a machine that was used to solve problems related to the creation of the hydrogen bomb. Von Neumann cleverly dubbed it "MANIAC" (an abbreviation for Mathematical Analyzer, Numerator And Computer).
Soon, computers and the IBM company became almost synonymous in people's minds, and most Americans were convinced that IBM had invented these machines. However, nothing could smooth over old grievances - the heirs of Watson in IBM never forgot the insult inflicted on the company by Aiken. A quarter of a century after the creation of Mark-1 at an exhibition dedicated to the history of computers, organized by IBM, its president, Lierson, approached a photograph of Howard Aiken, an indispensable attribute of such exhibitions, paused for a moment, and, muttering "Son of a bitch," moved on to the next exhibit.
Contents of the publication: ZX Format #07
- From the Authors
Update on SMUC, distribution issues, and plans for future ZX Format issues. Authors address outdated SMUC info and distribution problems of ZF-6. Upcoming content includes game descriptions and new projects.
- Аторы журнала
Contact information and editorial team details for ZX-Format No.7. Provides mailing and electronic addresses, as well as contact phone numbers. Information on the availability of their website and specific contact instructions.
- Содержание номера
The article provides an overview of notable software releases on the St. Petersburg market for autumn. It also includes detailed descriptions of games, programming tips, and hardware projects. Interviews, philosophical tales, and reader letters enrich the issue.
- Игрушки - Welcome
An overview of software novelties for ZX Spectrum, including games like 'Los Angeles Drugs Bust' and 'Jungle Warfare'. Each game description provides insights into graphics, gameplay, and features. A variety of genres from action to strategy are covered, showcasing the diversity of software offerings.
- Игрушки - Алешкин А.В.
The article describes the game 'TAI-PAN' as an arcade-economic game set in the 19th-century East, focusing on trading and survival amidst pirates and danger. It details the gameplay mechanics, such as trading goods, managing finances, and navigating seas with different ships. Despite its engaging plot and interface, the game didn't achieve much popularity in Russia.
- Игрушки - Soft
A whimsical narrative in a fantastical world where colors converse with the Last, a character recounting tales of ancient humans, coders, and a mysterious past. The story explores themes of language, translation, and the creation of 'the Last' amidst fantastical beings like flying hippos and sea giraffes. It serves as a fictional narrative with humorous elements, blending science fiction with satire.
- Игрушки - Alex ASP
A parody on Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings' named 'Bored of the Rings' by Delta 4 is explored. The text references adaptations, humorous adventures of characters like Fordo and Bimbo, and differing versions from Delta 4 over the years. Anticipated prequels and correspondence excerpts with Delta 4's Fergus McNeill are mentioned.
- Игрушки - Гил-Гелад
The article provides a detailed guide on navigating the 3D Construction Kit interface for ZX Spectrum. It explains menu options for file management, game setup, and in-game conditions. Additionally, it covers object creation, editing, and logic implementation within the program.
- Программистам - Дмитрий Рудовский
The article concludes the description of BB commands and provides tips on their usage. It details the usage of the CLOCK command for time and alarm management on ZX Spectrum. Additionally, it explains the SORT command for array sorting and introduces new logical and mathematical functions.
- Программистам - Angel
Introduction to assembly programming for beginners, covering basic concepts and commands. Detailed explanation of processor registers and flags, with examples. Offers practical advice on transitioning from Basic to assembly language.
- Программистам - GreenFort
Discussion on fast calculations in assembler for tasks like vector graphics and astronomy. Describes procedures for binary division and multiplication, with examples for different byte sizes. Highlights the adaptability of these methods for increased precision.
- Программистам - TP, Stinger
Detailed technical description of the Mod file format for music composition on ZX Spectrum, focusing on structure and data offsets for title, instruments, and patterns.
- Программистам - Research
The article describes the capabilities and limitations of the Convert program, focusing on its use for converting images to the BMC format. It includes technical details about the program's functions, such as dithering methods, sprite and screen format output, and the removal of extraneous dots. Additionally, the article briefly discusses the source code of X-Color and its potential applications.
- Обзор
The article discusses the ENLiGHT'97 demo-party held in St. Petersburg on August 24, 1997, featuring platforms like Spectrum, Amiga, and PC. The event attracted around 1100 delegates, leading to overcrowding and technical issues, which caused the cancellation of the second day. Despite these issues, the event was generally enjoyable, and there is hope for another event in 1998.
- Обзор
Review of VideoFAIR exhibition in Manezh with highlights on video and audio equipment. Amiga-service and various companies showcased their technological advancements in video editing and broadcast systems. Notable innovations include 3D laser-scanned displays and professional audio solutions.
- Железо - Nemo
Discussion of KAY technology export to decentralize Spectrum production. Highlights potential benefits and challenges of local manufacturing. Emphasizes quality assurance and support systems.
- Железо
The article describes the development of a new Scorpion motherboard, focusing on enhancing graphics, speed, and compatibility with modern peripherals like IBM keyboards and mice. It introduces the GMX (Graphic Memory Extension) board, designed to upgrade existing Scorpion models to match the capabilities of the new motherboard. The GMX board offers significant improvements in memory, graphics, and processing speed, while maintaining compatibility with ZX Spectrum and Pentagon standards.
- Железо
The article provides a detailed overview of two popular audio amplifiers for ZX Spectrum users in St. Petersburg. It highlights the advantages and specifications of the 2 X 2W low-voltage amplifier and the 2 X 22W car amplifier. The article also includes a price list and ordering instructions through the 'Nemo' company.
- Примьера
The article describes the improvements and features of the Turbo Assembler version 1.1 for ZX Spectrum. It highlights the differences from version 1.0, such as bug fixes, screen size changes, and added features like line editor and syntax checking. It also details the memory allocation and provides a guide on using the editor and compiler functions.
- Примьера - STS
Description of the Riff Tracker MOD-editor for General Sound, its features, and functionalities. Provides detailed instructions on using editing and sample management. Notes on the current version limitations and expected improvements.
- Примьера - Paul Atrides, Alex Noman
Presentation of Oberon Creative Pack, consisting of ZX-WinWord and Sprite Cutter. ZX-WinWord is a text editor combining text and graphics with advanced features. Sprite Cutter allows sprite creation and manipulation in various formats.
- Примьера
Presentation of the second demo version of the game Headball by ZX-Masters, discussing its features and improvements since the first demo. The game offers two-player mode, four levels, three types of projectiles, various options, and computer difficulty settings. Availability of Turbo mode and enhanced synchronization and animation make it unique among other Spectrum games.
- Интервью - Ruster
Interview with Digital Reality about ongoing projects like DOOM and Paradise Lost. Discussion of challenges and progress in game development. Preview of their submissions for the ENLiGHT event.
- Интервью - Ruster
Interview with members of the newly formed group EXTREME. They work on demos for Spectrum and Amiga platforms and discuss their team members and activities. The interview also touches upon the state of the Amiga scene in Moscow.
- Интервью - Борис Прытков
Interview with Samara-based Spectrum enthusiasts discussing their achievements and challenges. Emphasis on community building and publication of Oberon magazine. Efforts to establish a Spectrum network and convert the game WALKER.
- Интервью - Борис Прытков
The article is an interview with members of the group Flash inc. discussing their projects for ZX Spectrum and PC, including a music editor with an innovative interface and a new multicolor graphic editor.
- Интервью - Михаил Акимов
Interview with Moscow-based group Progress discussing their current work on Spectrum demos, plans for future projects on Amiga, and opinions on the Russian demoscene.
- Интервью - Михаил Акимов
Interview with Felix about changes in the tech landscape, the enduring appeal of Amiga despite PC dominance, and his work on 'Winnie the Pooh - 2' for Spectrum.
- Интервью - Ruster
Interview with Slash about the ENLiGHT event, including sponsorship issues, attendee behavior, and the quality of music and demos. Discussion of the current state of the Spectrum and Amiga markets. Commentary on music trackers and the future of hardware development.
- Интервью - Ruster
Interview with V. Mednonogov after ENLiGHT'97 discussing impressions of the event, future of Spectrum, and his current project 'Black Raven'. Mednonogov shares his views on new hardware and software development and the importance of copyright. He also discusses his plans for upcoming projects and the challenges faced in game development.
- Здесь был ты
A satirical guide to gaining power and invisibility using magical rituals and Orbit gum.
- Здесь был ты - Saggitarius
A contemplative novella about a man's existential journey after encountering a mysterious individual offering a device called the Stop Crane. Through flashbacks, the protagonist reflects on his life, uniqueness, and his desire to break free from societal constraints. Ultimately, he faces the moral dilemma of using the Stop Crane to transcend time and existence.
- Почта - Eagle Soft
Critique of ZX-Spectrum software, highlighting the limitations of current programs and recommending the removal of outdated tools. Discussion on the limitations of assembly programs and the need for more efficient assemblers like M80. Evaluation of current music and graphic editors, with a focus on the redundancy of certain applications.
- Почта
Discussion of reader inquiries on ZX Format distribution and content. Responses include details on acquiring issues and technical insights on the KAY-256 computer. The magazine also addresses criticism of its market outlook article.
- Почта
This advertisement highlights XL Design Inc.'s software distribution campaign, offering games like 'Plutonia' and upcoming releases such as 'Mortal Kombat'. Mouse controllers are promoted with humorous selling points and pricing details. Studio LOGROS provides a wide range of software and peripherals, with options for local and remote purchases.
- Разное - Александр Сысоев
The article discusses the creation of an RPG game by the OBERON GROUP, inspired by 'Eye of Beholder'. It describes the game's humorous plot set in a distant galaxy and the battle against invaders on a planet named Agima. The team invites musicians, artists, coders, and scriptwriters for collaboration.
- Разное - Viator
The article describes the development of a new graphics editor called STATE OF THE ART for ZX Spectrum, aiming to improve upon existing editors like ART-STUDIO and ARTIST-2. The team AVALON, inspired by feedback from the SPECCY artist community, incorporates features from editors on Amiga and PC, while also addressing specific user requests. Key features include a user-friendly interface, enhanced magnify mode, advanced shape and window manipulation, and optimized performance.
- Разное
Discussion on enhancing consumer quality of Spectrum computers without altering their technical specifications. Suggestions include improving existing support, developing platform ideology, and structural changes. The article also touches on the potential of electronic books and their commercial viability.
- Amiga Club - Максим Петров
The article describes the author's admiration for the Amiga computer, emphasizing its aesthetic and technical merits compared to other platforms. It explores the author's programming experiences on Amiga, highlighting its efficiency and the impressive capabilities of its new hardware upgrades. The article concludes by reflecting on the unique community and passion of Amiga enthusiasts.
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