8-bit Software (c) Duncan Webster DEC 1991
Issue 17 December 1991
PD Library Review
Many thanks to all members who responded to my enquiry for information
and opinions regarding the various PD libraries operating for the BBC
world. Quite a few have responded, so I have decided to spend a few
issues publishing YOUR opinions before investigating a selection of PD
libraries in more detail. If any member would like to volunteer as a
PD libraries investigator then please let me know. Your job will be
to write to a few PD libraries around the UK with a view to submitting
a detailed report about the PD library based on the factors mentioned
in the issue 16 disc magazine.
D.G. Shimmin writes about BBC-PD which is based in Bolton and operated
by Alan Blundell. BBC-PD is incredibly well organised and offers many
advantages over other PD libraries according to Mr. Shimmin. These
advantages include the ever increasing selection of good quality
software (over 100 discs), User Friendly and comprehensive catalogues,
a user disc rating system, generally FULL PD discs and all orders are
uaually supplied within a week. At a price tag of 1.50 per disc this
represents the higher end of PD pricing but according to D.G.S. it
appears to be worth it for the amount of work put into the
co-ordination and presentation of the library.
Mad Rabbit PD is run by Joel Rowbottom who also used to run a Bulletin
Board called the Rabbit Run (whatever happened to that?). There
appears to be mixed feelings about this library with the posotive side
being the availability of well presented, imaginative and useful
software which is not normally available at other PD libraries which
gives Mad Rabbit PD an air of uniqueness. However the minus side of
Mad Rabbit is that some of the discs on offer contain very little
software (some as low as 33k). Pricing is the same as BBC-PD with
each disc costing about 1.50 - which could be regarded as value for
most of the Mad Rabbit discs, but robbery for the ones containing 33k
of programs. This PD library stands out as one of the few libraries
with "unique" software and it is well worth getting a catalogue, but
don't hold your breath as some of the reply times are very slow.
Masterdisc Magazine and Purple Domain PD are both the work of Andy
Nibbs. Masterdisc magazine is a monthly magazine which is very
simalar to 8-bit Software but exclusively for Master Series Computers.
However there is an annoying routine in the boot file which will stop
a Master Compact in it's tracks with the message "only suitable for
Master Computers". The removal of this offending item and the disc
works perfectly on a compact - perhaps something that ought to be
looked at. As for the content of Masterdisc the only work that comes
close to summing up is "Excellent!!!!". Every disc is professionally
presented through a WIMP menu which makes loading software and reading
articles as easy as using an Archimedes (excuse the plug). The minus
side of Masterdisc Magazine has to be the price - at 2.50 for some
discs this represents the most expensive PD around. However in this
world if you want quality goods you have to pay the price for them and
Masterdisc Magazine is certainly no exception to that rule. Purple
Domain PD also has an excellent selection of software together with a
service to be relied upon with the only drawback being that some of
the discs are rather less than full. Unlike Masterdisc Magazine
though, Purple Domain is very cheap with each disc being approx. 50p
plus P & P.
Robin Pike PD has an interesting selection of software which is
typically found on many PD libraries around the UK. However there are
quite a few items within the catalogue not to be found at other PD
libraries. The pricing system of RPPD is extremely and needlessly (in
most cases) complex, but a general price of 1.00 to 1.50 per disc
could be assumed.
More in depth reviews of PD libraries in future issues.