┌──────────────────────────────┐
│ ────── FROM THE WORLD BY A BIT ────── │
└──────────────────────────────┘
Today we are stepping outside the framework of this section to discuss two topics raised in the last issue of the magazine. In the next issue, the "FROM THE WORLD BY A BIT" section will be entirely dedicated to letters.
And now a few words about the company "KONDOR," known to users for developing the "PROFI" computer. The floor is given to our regular correspondent - Kirill Gromov.
RESPONSE TO READERS' LETTER
IN THE SECTION "FROM THE WORLD BY A BIT"
PUBLISHED IN "S"N14
Let's start with the fact that, unfortunately, the company "KONDOR" does not read the magazine "SPECTROFON," moreover, they do not launch anything "Spectrum-related" at all. All work related to the "SPECTRUM" mode is mainly carried out by me, with invaluable assistance from the company's chief developer MIKHAIL KHOHKLOV. All information regarding "SPECTRUM" comes to the company through your humble servant, so I have the right to take on the necessity to respond to the questions raised in the magazine.
As for CP/M, the principle here is "if you don't like it - don't use it," fortunately, no one takes away the opportunity to work in the IS-DOS system or to load silly "demos" in TR-DOS. But I want to say that I prepare almost all my texts in the "WRITE SYSTEM 3.0" editor, which, besides its convenient and beautiful interface, is a very powerful tool in itself. Moreover, I don't understand phrases like: "... let's abandon CP/M, but let's use the rich resources!". Perhaps this is just my opinion, but I believe that a good program should be as "system-independent" as possible. Want an example - here it is: HONEY COMMANDER on "ATM TURBO".
For its time, a very powerful program, and it works equally well on any computer, utilizing its reserves depending on the available "hardware." By the way, not every computer can boast of a PROFESSIONAL operating system, plus high-level languages like TURBO PASCAL, C, ADA, etc., from such well-known companies as BORLAND, MICROSOFT, AZTEC, which clearly do not need advertising.
For example, suppose a student needs to write a term paper in PASCAL or C, and he has a PROFI at his disposal. Do you think he will load a strangely formatted version of HISOFT PASCAL 4TM? Or, for example, write a compiler in HISOFT C?
It should also be mentioned that no one will likely write complex mathematics programs in ASSEMBLER if there is an opportunity to work with, besides those mentioned, FORTRAN, LISP, COBOL, PL1, etc. In short, for each task - its own set of tools, and the more there are - the better.
The fact that there is no abundance of powerful programs for "PROFI" is hardly the company's fault. They created the computer - the owners must create. It has been this way everywhere; it is the law of development. Then there is the phrase: "... well, they are already writing for the "SCORPION." They are writing, they are writing! We've heard this somewhere before. Let's be honest - the "SCORPION" has been inflated. As of today, the "SCORPION" is far from being better than the "PROFI."
And its compatibility is not great (clearly not 99%, due to port #7FFD), and there is much less peripheral support, and no one is surprised by a system connector anymore, and, as always: if you want turbo mode - pay money, and we will cut the tracks and throw in some jumpers. If we are already cutting and throwing, then it is possible (and necessary!) to make a 99% compatible computer out of the PROFI. But most importantly: the ceremonial closure of the "SCORPION" scheme from users! In fact, knowledgeable people can easily "crack" the "SCORPION" scheme, as there is nothing supernatural there. A small question: they "polished" the "SCORPION" scheme for a whole year, but how could they not "polish" a normal port #FF, port #7FFD (like in the branded SPECCY), turbo mode, and TURBO VG?
As a result, we come to the conclusion: besides the "shadow" service monitor, the "SCORPION" has no such merits that would allow it to "squeeze and throw" the "PROFI" in Moscow and the regions.
Regarding writing drivers in IS-DOS for PROFI, I will quote the statements on this topic from the "KONDOR" team:
"Yes, people from "ISKRA-SOFT" came to us and offered to write drivers for money that would utilize the extended peripheral of the "PROFI." An important point: it will not be a secret that IS-DOS constitutes some competition to CP/M. So, a strange situation arises, like: let's write (for our system, that is, for ourselves...) drivers, and you (with the natural outflow of potential CP/M users) will pay us money. Naturally, with such arrangements, cooperation did not materialize. Although WRITTEN DMITRY, who wrote the HDD driver for CP/M, is ready to write it for IS-DOS as well if he is provided with (free of charge, I suppose... my note) the relevant information on IS-DOS."
As a comment, it can be noted that if "ISKRA-SOFT" had written the necessary drivers, they would have received their profit indirectly from "PROFI" users working in IS-DOS. This is much better than writing drivers for the mythical ZX-NEXT. I have outlined the position of the "KONDOR" company - the word is now with "ISKRA-SOFT."
Now I would like to address the "shadow" aspects of the "KONDOR" company. The main problem of "KONDOR" is the inability, and sometimes unwillingness, to work with users. The quality of service sometimes depends on the mood of the on-duty employee of the company. Although, for example, MIKHAIL KHOHKLOV not only provides detailed consultations on the necessary topics but also loads a person with useful information to the extent that they will be "digesting" it for more than one day. Here, a book like "USER OF PROFI" would help, but on what money to publish it? Although there is a way out: a book on a diskette. I think the editorial team of "SPECTROFON" does not need an explanation of how quickly this becomes popular. Then users would not bother the already busy employees of the company with sometimes incredibly stupid questions.
Returning to the words in the letter regarding topics for reflection for "KONDOR," I would note that there are indeed topics for reflection for "KONDOR," but it is not the topic of "how to bury ourselves," but the topic of "how to make PROFI even better in the future!"
Ah, yes, I remembered! Once I was told a story about a user who asked in "SLOT" how to open a 1MB RAM disk on PROFI. They gave him such nonsense there that it's hard to convey in normal words, it's even a pity that I didn't hear it. But the user turned out to be a smart person, and to his honest question: "Do you know how to do this yourself?" they honestly replied: "No!" Although all it took was to press the ON/OFF button and load IS-DOS through the SINCLAIR 128 mode.
I also hasten to correct myself, in "S" N14: the "fifth" version of PROFI is not at all a bad thing! It has revealed such reserves! Owners, be patient and wait for October/November, you won't regret it!
I would be happy to participate and answer any questions in discussions on the topic of PROFI.
"PROFI users of all countries and continents! Brave, join the ranks of our PROF union!"
GROMOV KIRILL
(C)CHUNG SOFTWARE in FFC
28.08.1995 MOSCOW
Complete works, volume 10 page 500, article "HOW CAN WE, SINCLAIRISTS, NOT BE CRUSHED."
(This, of course, you understood, is a joke!)
"S": In fact, we have long offered the company "KONDOR," "SLOT," and other interested parties and organizations to use the pages of our magazine to discuss the raised problems and promote their ideas, to advertise their products finally. But, unfortunately, our colleagues did not appreciate the opportunities of electronic publishing. Now the questions about how to convey information about their products to users are being raised again. And we again invite to dialogue all those who are not indifferent to the problems of eight-bit spectrum-compatible machines. We await interesting articles about your products, proposals, and wishes from you.
Contents of the publication: Spectrofon #15
- Expertise - Matthias
A computer novella based on the game 'CAPTAIN BLOOD' exploring its plot, gameplay, and challenges in finding a working version of the game.
- Debut - Дмитрий Усманов
Description of the game Sidewalk where player helps Daniel recover his moped and get concert tickets in a limited time, interacting with city characters and overcoming obstacles.
- From Around the Bit - Chung Software
Discussion on the challenges and potential improvements for the PROFI computer, including compatibility issues with other systems and software development. Critique of the company 'KONDOR' and their engagement with users and the Spectrum community. Exploration of the roles of different software and hardware in enhancing the utility of the PROFI.
- From the World One Bit at a Time
The article discusses the ongoing debate surrounding the hacker community's practices in game modifications, specifically criticizing their influence on original games. It highlights a conflict between electronic journal 'Spectrofon' and hackers regarding the content and purpose of intros included in modified games. The piece serves as a rebuttal to previous criticisms from the journal, emphasizing the need for a more balanced perspective on hacking in the gaming community.
- Championship
The article details the changes in the format of the Virus Championship, which now features group stages instead of a round-robin tournament due to issues with the game 'VIRUS' and the introduction of 'VIRUS-2'. The article provides results from the group matches, highlighting the performances of various viruses and listing the quarter-finalists. Commentary and match pairings for the quarter-finals are also included.
- System
The article discusses undocumented Z80 processor commands, highlighting their applications and discrepancies in existing resources. Authors Fanatic Stas and Sim O.R share insights on the significance and usefulness of these commands. Readers are encouraged to contribute their opinions on this complex topic.
- Hot Greetings
The article discusses the troubled release of 'Frontier: First Encounters,' also known as Elite 3, detailing numerous bugs and a scandal surrounding its launch, which disappointed long-time fans.
- Premiere
The article presents several domestic software programs, including a barcode authenticity verifier, an astronomical calendar, rocket mass calculation tool, and various games, highlighting their features and uses.
- Advertisement for SPECTROFON Magazine
The article provides advertising information on how to purchase the electronic magazine SPECTROFON, as well as software products from the STEP creative group. It includes ordering procedures, contact addresses, and pricing details for games and magazine issues. The text serves as a guide for potential customers and distributors of software for ZX Spectrum.
