Compute!'s Gazette, a beloved magazine for Commodore 8-bit computers, has been revived after a 35-year hiatus. The new publication will maintain its focus on retro computing, specifically covering Commodore 64, VIC-20, PET, Plus/4, and 128 systems. Readers can expect articles on programming, hardware modifications, game reviews, and interviews, aiming to capture the spirit and enthusiasm of the original magazine while offering fresh content for both veteran users and newcomers to the Commodore scene. The magazine will be available in both digital and print formats.
The author meticulously debugged a mysterious issue where transferring Apple DOS 3.3 system files to a blank diskette sometimes resulted in a bootable disk, and sometimes a non-bootable one, despite seemingly identical procedures. Through painstaking analysis of the DOS 3.3 source code and assembly-level debugging, they discovered the culprit: a timing-sensitive bug within the SYS.COM program related to how it handled track zero formatting. Specifically, SYS.COM occasionally failed to wait for the drive head to settle after seeking to track zero before writing, resulting in corrupted data on the disk. This timing issue was sensitive to drive mechanics and environmental factors, explaining the intermittent nature of the problem. The author's fix involved adding a small delay within SYS.COM to ensure the drive head had stabilized before writing, resolving the frustrating bug and guaranteeing consistent creation of bootable disks.
Several Hacker News commenters praised the author's clear and detailed write-up of the bug hunt, appreciating the methodical approach and the insights into early DOS development. Some shared their own experiences with similar bugs and debugging processes in other systems. One commenter pointed out the historical significance of relying on undocumented behavior, a common practice at the time due to limited documentation. Others discussed the challenges of working with older hardware and software, and the satisfaction of successfully solving such intricate problems. The overall sentiment reflects admiration for the detective work involved and nostalgia for the era of simpler, yet more opaque, computing.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43671861
Hacker News users reacted to Compute's Gazette's return with a mix of nostalgia and cautious optimism. Several commenters fondly recalled their childhood experiences with the magazine, specifically mentioning the included type-in programs and the excitement of getting it in the mail. Some expressed concerns about the viability of a print magazine in the digital age, and questioned the focus on retro computing. Others wondered about the target audience and the content's relevance to younger generations. Despite these reservations, there was a general sense of goodwill and hope that the revived publication could capture some of the magic of the original. A few users questioned the business model and suggested exploring digital distribution alongside print. The most compelling comments highlighted the unique community fostered by early computing magazines and expressed hope that the new Compute's Gazette could recapture that spirit.
The Hacker News post about the return of Compute!'s Gazette magazine after 35 years, with a focus on retro computing, generated a fair amount of discussion with a generally positive and nostalgic tone.
Many commenters expressed excitement and fond memories of the original Compute!'s Gazette, recalling typing in programs from the magazine, the thrill of getting a new issue, and the impact it had on their early computing experiences. Several people specifically mentioned the educational value of the publication, teaching them about programming, hardware, and the inner workings of computers. One commenter described it as their "gateway drug to programming." The feeling of community fostered by the magazine was also highlighted.
Some commenters discussed the challenges of recreating the experience of Compute!'s Gazette in a modern context. The tactile experience of the physical magazine, the anticipation of waiting for the next issue, and the shared experience of typing in programs with others are difficult to replicate digitally. However, some suggested that the online format offers advantages, such as the ability to easily copy and paste code, access to a larger community, and the potential for interactive elements.
Several commenters expressed interest in seeing coverage of specific retro platforms or aspects of retro computing, including the Commodore 64, Amiga, Apple II, and early PC gaming. There was also discussion of the potential for the revived magazine to cover modern retro-inspired projects and the demoscene.
A few commenters questioned the viability of a print magazine in the digital age, but others argued that there is still a market for physical publications, particularly among enthusiasts of retro computing. The tactile nature of a physical magazine and the collectibility aspect were cited as reasons for supporting a print edition.
Some discussion focused on the content of the website linked in the post, computesgazette.com. Commenters noted the presence of PDF downloads and the ability to subscribe, indicating that the project appears to be actively producing content.
Overall, the comments reflect a strong interest in the return of Compute!'s Gazette and a sense of nostalgia for the original publication. While there are some concerns about adapting to the modern media landscape, there is also optimism about the potential for the revived magazine to capture the spirit of the original and reach a new generation of retro computing enthusiasts.