8-bit Software Disc Magazine (c) Duncan Webster DEC 1991
Issue 17 December 1991
Introduction, News & Information
Before you all start scratching your heads and wondering if I have
sent you a back issue by mistake I shall put your minds at rest now.
Yes, this IS issue 17 and in the older style magazine format.
I have returned the 8BS magazine to the old scrolling format for this
issue only as Andrew Nibbs who co-ordinates the magazine is about to
undergo his mock examinations and I have no intention of affecting his
study by dumping issue 17 on his desk. Hopefully, issue 18 will be in
the new style format that was presented within the issue 16 disc.
Exams are always a pain (especially before Christmas) and I am sure
all members will join me in wishing Andy the best of luck in his
mocks.
Meanwhile, the disc when booted will load and run the disc magazine
rather than the software menu. To get to the software menu you need
to enter article code 999 from the magazine menu. This month's issue
is fairly full considering it has all been fitted onto one disc and
contains the usual plethera of programs and information that you are
used to. Please refer to the checklist within this disc magazine
before submitting your returns. Thanks for your co-operation and I
hope you enjoy the Christmas Issue 17 editon of 8BS.
SYSTEMS server BOUND MANUALS OFFER
I suppose I have to admit that one of the drawbacks with the SYSTEMS
server is that is takes a colossal amount of time and effort to get
used to using on a regular basis. This is not really helped by the
size of the manual (huge) and hindered further with the manual itself
being saved as a text file to disc with no standard page formatting.
Mr. M. Needham (6EE) has kindly provided me with a very neatly bound
copy of the SYSTEMS server manual and he has informed me that he is
willing to extend this service to all 8BS members upon request.
Should any member wish to receive a bound copy of this manual, then
please write direct to 8BS at the usual address ENCLOSING #1.50 to
cover paper, postage and packing marking your envelope SYSTEMS MANAL.
Please allow 2 weeks for delivery as your request needs time to get
through to Mr. Needham from myself.
MICRO USER DISCS
I have mentioned this subject many times before so I will be as brief
as possible ... A few members seem to be confused over what is and
what is not PD software with regards to magazine subscription discs.
The fact is that ALL COMMERCIAL MAGAZINE MATERIAL (ie. Micro User) IS
COPYRIGHT AND IS NOT PD UNLESS SPECIFICALLY STATED. I am well aware
that other PD libraries are distributing copyrighted software as PD
which is not only highly illegal, but these PD libraries are getting
their customers into trouble as well as themselves. A piece of PD
software will usually advertise itself as such either in the user
guide accompanying the program, or within the program listing itself.
If you see no mention of a program being PD, then be very wary!
PRESENTING POLAND
Members will notice a small educational content on this months disc
all about the Polish Christmas. I hope that you will all find this as
interesting as I did, particulary of you own a Master and are thus
able to play the Polish Carols after the text. It is intended to
start a small series/project which will be written by Miroslaw
Bobrowski all about Poland, it's land and people. I would be most
obliged if all members would indicate whether this would be of
interest in the issue 17 programmers returns. If you are a teacher or
pupil of your local school then your comments will be especially
welcome.
TBI DISCS
Newer members are asking questions about TBI discs. The 8BS TBI
software pool is the "public domain" arm of 8-bit software. It
contains a limited amount of PD discs which can be requested FREE by
existing 8BS members upon production of an extra disc. All TBI
software is distributed at the same time as an 8BS issue disc unless
you supply an extra SAE and Postage. The TBI pool is as follows ...
TBI 01 - John Lyons Religious Software - Fidei Defensor
TBI 02 - TYB Mixmania
TBI 03 - Small "C" compiler and notes - 2 DISCS REQUIRED
TBI 04 - 6502 Macro Assembler & Manual
TBI 05 - Maths Educational Software - Primary Educatiion
TBI 06 - TAS BASIC Animation Sequences
TBI 07 - Chris Richardson Game Cheats and Utils - REQUIRES 2 DISCS
TBI 08 - TYB Sound Samples 1
TBI 09 - TYB Mixmania 2
TBI 10 - John Lyons Nutritional Software Demo Disc
TBI 11 - TYB Sound Samples 2
TBI 12 - TYB Mixmania 2 Vol II
TBI 13 - C. Ince Digitised Pictures - REQUIRES 3 DISCS
Coming soon ... (as soon as I get time that is) ...
1. Risc - The computer Game
2. Sorcerers Domain
3. Sorcerers Domain II
4. The full MixEd program and sample discs (3 discs reqd).
SYSTEMS Server
Members have reported an error within the program that rears it's ugly
head when in Revising Facilities. When moving backwards and forwards
through the database the "Record No" field in the bottom right of the
screen may corrupt and show the wrong record number. This is a known
error and does not interfere with the files on disc in any way.
Should this error occur then just proceed as normal and ignore the
record field.
BUBBLE SORT ARTICLE
Those of you who were expecting Hugh Williams' final article on
Sorting Routines will be disappointed to learn that I have not
received the final article from Hugh yet. With a bit of luck he will
be finished in time for the next edition of 8BS (he'd flippin' better
be!). Apologies for any inconvenience caused.
FINALLY ...
Issue 18 will hopefully be out during January/February 1992. However
please don't plague me with letters and phone calls if I am late as I
would rather send out a good late issue rather than a poor "on-time"
one (refer issue 15). If you honestly think I have forgotton you then
please either PHONE on SUNDAYS ONLY between 10am and 2pm or write
ENCLOSING AN SAE and STAMPS for my reply.
However, with a bit of luck, I have managed to get this issue out well
before the Christmas festivities start in earnest. If you plan to get
ratted/blasted/smashed/sloshed/potted/anebriated/skulled/incoherent*
over the next few weeks, then be sensible and leave the car at home.
* = delete as applicable (except user K24 who can do all of them at
the same time as boasted in his last letter).
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All that remains now is to sincerely wish you ALL a very .....
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And a prosperous New Year!
Take care ..... Duncan Webster.