Compute!'s Gazette (February 1987)

Compute!'s Gazette was one of the most popular Commodore 64 magazines and 1987 was quite possibly the Commodore 64's peak year. The February 1987 issue of Gazette includes:

Compute!'s Gazette (February 1987)

RUN: The Commodore 64/128 User's Guide (April 1990)

RUN was perhaps my favorite computer magazine. It was dedicated to Commodore 8-bit computers which primarily meant the Commodore 64 and 128. Things were definitely winding down commercially for the Commodore 64 in 1990 but a few major games were still coming out and RUN would be published for a couple more years. The April 1990 issue includes:

RUN: The Commodore 64/128 User's Guide (April 1990)

RUN: The Commodore 64/128 User’s Guide (May 1988)

RUN was one of the Commodore 64 related magazines that I bought back in the day. However, I didn't start buying it until pretty late in its life. Instead, I mostly picked up Commodore Magazine when I had the chance and switched to RUN when Commodore Magazine ceased publication. The May 1988 issue of RUN includes:

Source: RUN: The Commodore 64/128 User’s Guide (May 1988)

Info (November/December 1986)

Info is a magazine that covered Commodore computers. At the end of 1986 that included the Commodore 64, Commodore 128, and Amiga. Info wasn't as widely available as some other Commodore magazines though it was still fairly popular. It was also produced using Commodore computers (the Amiga at this time). The November/December 1986 issue includes:

Source: Info (November/December 1986)

Compute!'s Gazette (April 1988)

Compute!'s Gazette was a spin-off of Compute! and, along with RUN, was one of the most popular Commodore 64/128 magazines in the U.S. The April 1988 issue includes:

Source: Compute!'s Gazette (April 1988)

The Australian Commodore Review (October 1986)

The Australian Commodore Review (October 1986): The Australian Commodore Review was a magazine published in Australia that covered Commodore computers, including the Commodore 64 and Amiga. The October 1986 issue includes:

Your Commodore (May 1987)

Your Commodore (May 1987) | PeakD: Your Commodore was a U.K. published magazine for Commodore 8-bit computers. This mostly meant the Commodore 64 and 128 but it also covered machines like the C16 and Plus/4. The May 1987 issue includes:

Info (November/December 1989)

Info (November/December 1989)

Info was a magazine that covered Commodore computers, primarily the Commodore 64, Commodore 128 and Amiga. It wasn't as popular as a few others but still had a significant presence. The November/December 1989 issue includes:

Features

• Info Top Ten - Info's first annual top ten game list. The top 10 games of all time as selected by the editors of Info in a variety of categories. Top Arcade Games: Arkanoid (Amiga), The Sentry (C64). Top Simulations Games: Starglider II (Amiga), Pinball Construction Set (C64). Top Adventure Games: Dungeon Master (Amiga), Zork Series (C64). Top Traditional Games: Blockout (Amiga), Risk (C64). Plus each of the editors pick their own personal top 10.


• Interview: Chris Crawford - Chris Crawford developed a number of influential games such as Balance of Power. It's interesting to read some of his predictions here. Some were spot on while others were way off.

Departments

• INFOtorial - A look at European game development philosophy vs. U.S. game development philosophy.


• Reader Mail - Readers write in about the C64 vs. NES, reviews of application software, Amiga sales, rumors of the "64GS", Project: Firestart, QLink and Club Caribe, and more.


• New Products - A brief look at 5100 C128 Questions: Answered (book), The Diamond Text and Diamond BASIC Editors, Fortran-80 (C-128 CP/M), MIDI Delay Processor, Digitalker 128, Fractal Navigator, Icon Magic 1.0, and lots more.


• News & Views - Software sales for the Commodore 64 drop 26% in the second quarter of 1989 from the previous year (to $15 million), Commodore adds more dealers for MS-DOS machines and Amigas, Epyx reorganizes to become software developer an will no longer be a publisher and will concentrate on games for the NES and Lynx, Apple opens television studio called Apple TV, and more.

_{Table of Contents from the November/December 1989 issue of Info}

Reviews

• SFX Sound Expander - A plug-in cartridge for the Commodore 64 than includes a nine-voice FM synthesizer chip and an interface for an optional 61-key keyboard from Philips.


• The Write Stuff 128 - An excellent word processor for the Commodore 128.


• The Amiga Companion - A book with tons of useful information on the Amiga.


• Toshiba ExpressWriter 301 - A portable thermal printer for $489.

Etc.

• INFO Update - A look at recent software (and other) updates including Sim City 1.1, Muscle Cars and European Challenge add-ons for Test Drive II, an updated version of Pen Pal, an updated support disk for the Super Snapshot cartridge, Professional page 1.3, PixelScript 1.1, and more.


• BRYCE - Bryce's 3D Adventure comic.


• INFO Mania - Tips from readers for tons of games including Batman, Robbeary, Aaargh!, Sinbad, Double Dragon, Crystal Hammer, Mindroll, Marble Madness, Dragon's Lair, Pacmania, Karnov, Neuromancer, Ghosts 'N Goblins, Guerrilla War, Heavy Metal, Robocop, John Elway's Quarterback, Pirates, and Zak McKracken.

_{Back cover of the November/December 1989 issue of Info}

Read more: http://www.megalextoria.com/wordpress/index.php/2024/05/19/info-november-december-1989/

RUN (October 1986)

RUN (October 1986)

RUN wasn't the first Commodore related magazine I ever bought but it was the last. I was buying and reading it sometime in 1989 until it died off at the end of 1992. I think I started picking it up after Commodore Magazine stopped being published and some of the Commodore 64 coverage they used to have was incorporated into RUN. The October 1986 issue includes:

Features

• Big Software For Small Business - A look at some of the business related software available for the Commodore 128. Software covered here includes Vizawrite and Vizastar (word processing and database), Business Pro-Pak (statistics software that works in CP/M mode), Chartpak 128 (creates charts and graphics), The Consultant (database), Data Manager 128 (database/report writing/label-making), dfile128 (database), Fleet System 3 (word processor), Ghost Writer 128 (word processor), Jane 2.0 (word processor, spreadsheet, and database), Microsoft Multiplan (budgeting software), Paperback Writer/Planner/Filer 128 (word processing/database/spreadsheet), PaperClip II (word processor), Partner 128 (cartridge-based desktop accessory package), Swiftcalc 128 (spreadsheet), WordPro 128 (word processor), Word Writer 128 (word processor), Superbase 128 (database), and CMS General Accounting System (accounting).


• Software to Improve Your Business Picture - A look at available Computer Aided Design packages including Flexidraw, CADPAK, CAD-3D, CAD GEM, GEOS (specifically GeoPaint), and CADPIC 64.


• Computer Creativity - A sort of case study of someone who uses a Commodore 64 for his art related business. Hardware used includes a Commodore 64, 1541 disk drive, Cardco CSD-1 disk drive, 1702 color monitor and Okimate-10 color printer. Software includes Word Writer, Sylvia Porter's Your Financial Planner, Movie Maker, KoalaPainter, and Design Lab.


• Commodore Power - Another case study in the use of Commodore computers. In this case, a power plant in Fort Pierce, Florida is using Commodore 64s for word processing, recording in plant meter readings, and generating summaries, calculations and reports for plant activities. Software used includes Multiplan, VizaStar, Superbase64, Speedscript and The Print Shop. The VIC-20 is also being used as a data collection instrument that reads gas and watt meters then generates various calculations.
  
• 64 Personal Ledger - A type-in book keeping program for the Commodore 64 to help with things like home business or club finances.


• High-Resolution Revolution - A type-in hi-res drawing application for the Commodore 64.

_{Table of Contents from the October 1986 issue of RUN
Table of Contens from the October 1986 issue of RUN (continued)}

Departments

• RUNning Ruminations - A summary of the results of a recent reader survey.


• Magic - Short programs that perform various "magic". Included this month are some tips for using function keys, a program that highlights REM statements, a graph paper generator, sound effects when printing, a simple hi-res sketch program, a tip to append programs, a two-line Basic 4.5 quick loader, and more.
  
• Mega-Magic - Like Magic above but slightly longer programs. This month are some routines for scrolling text in various directions.


• Software Gallery - Reviews of The Music Studio (music composer from Activision), Gato (World War II submarine sim), Your Financial Planner (finance program for the C128), Fleet System 3 (C128 word processor), Infiltrator (action game from Mindscape), Jet (combat flights sim), Personal Inventory/Personal Account/Time Manager (CP/M based software for the C128), Solo Flight (flight sim from MicroProse), GBA Championship Basketball: Two-on-Two (basketball game from Activision), Super Boulder Dash (arcade sequel from Electronic Arts), and more.


• Basically Speaking - A technique in BASIC for loading one program from another.


• Telecomputing Workshop - Questions answered about modems and online services for the Plus/4, recommendations for modems and terminal programs, terminal software for the Commodore 128, and PunterNet.


• Q-Link Happenings - Q-Link was a Commodore specific online service. Eventually, it became AOL. Updates noted here include improved Free Software Library, new casino games, music news and more.

_{Back cover of the October 1986 issue of RUN}

Read more: https://www.megalextoria.com/wordpress/index.php/2024/01/10/run-october-1986/

Compute!’s Gazette (November 1987)

Compute!’s Gazette (November 1987)

There were a few big Commodore 64 related magazines in the U.S. Compute!'s Gazette was one of them. For whatever reason, it's not one that I saw at the stores I normally went to for such things (for me it was RUN and Commodore Magazine I saw frequently). However, Compute!'s Gazette was a long running magazine that was published well into the 1990s. The November 1987 issue would have been out near the height of the popularity of the Commodore 64. This issue includes:

Features

• Computers at Work - Examples of how people use there Commodore 64s and Commodore 128s in the real world. Examples here include publishing periodicals, monitoring log production for log homes, farm management, running an antique business, managing a thoroughbred horse boarding and training farm, customer database for a water filtration equipment company, and more.

Reviews

• Lt. Kernal Hard Disk Drives - Hard drives were expensive luxuries in for the Commodore 64/128. The Lt. Kernal was one of the more popular options and included an external 20 MB drive for $900. Hard drives on Commodore 8-bit computers seem to have been used mostly by BBS operators.


• Jeremy Silman's Guide to Chess Openings and 50 Classic Chess Games - A computerized chess tutorial system focusing on opening moves plus an analysis of 50 chess games from the past.


• Maniac Mansion - One of the best point and click adventure games for the Commodore 64...or any system.

Games

• Litterbug - A type-in game in which you must collect trash and avoid giant insects.


• The Gumball Rally - A type-in two-player game for the Commodore 128 in which you must make more money than your opponent by buying and selling gumballs.

_{Cover of the November 1987 issue of Compute!'s Gazette}

Education / Home Applications

• Sketch Pad - A type-in drawing program for the Commodore 64.


• Computing for Families: Holding a Hi-Tech Yard Sale - Tips for selling your old computer hardware and software at a yard sale.


• Fraction Practice II - A type-in educational program that teaches fraction multiplication and division.

Programming

• Subprograms for the 64 - A type-in program that helps you create "subprograms" in BASIC. Basically, these are standalone BASIC programs that act as subroutines.


• SpeedScript 128 Date and Time Stamper - A type-in program in enhance the SpeedScript 128 word processor by adding date and time stamps to your documents.


• Renumber - A type-in program that will renumber your BASIC programs.


• Sprite Monitor - A type-in program that will search for sprites in memory and save them to disk.


• Barricade Buster: Accessing the 128's 80-Column Screen - A type-in program designed to help you use the Commodore 128's 80-column screen in your own programs. Includes an example game.

Departments

• The Editor's Notes - An overview of the current issue along with the introduction of two new assistant editors.


• Gazette Feedback - Letters from readers about joysticks produced by Amiga, a calculated GOTO routine for the Commodore 128, collision detection of sprites, loading programs from within other programs, searching for prime numbers, keeping time in BASIC, and more.


• Horizons: The Beast with Two Brains - A look at using CP/M on the Commodore 128 on its second CPU which is a Z80. The primary CPU used for Commodore compatible stuff on the Commodore 128 is the 8502 (a 6502/6510 derivative).

_{Cover of the November 1987 issue of Compute!'s Gazette}

Read more: https://www.megalextoria.com/wordpress/index.php/2023/12/15/computes-gazette-november-1987/

RUN (November 1985)

RUN (November 1985)

RUN was one of the top Commodore 8-bit magazines, mostly covering the Commodore 64. 1985 was probably nearing the height of the Commodore 64's popularity but it would live on for a long time to come. The November 1985 issue includes:

Features

• Commodore to the Rescue - An article about CASIE (Computer-Assisted Search Information Exchange), Commodore 64 software used by rescuers to locate missing people.


• Communications Software: A Vital Link - An overview of available terminal software, including HomePak, SkiWRiter II, The SMART 64 Terminal, Sixth Sense, and VIP XL. Prices range from $40 to $70.


• Print Screen Plus - A type-in program that can make a screen dump to a printer, including text, lo-res and hi-res graphics.


• Sprite Control in C-128 Mode - Using sprites in BASIC 7 on the Commodore 128 with type-in code examples.


• Make a Little Music - A type-in program that turns sheet music into Commodore 64 music.


• Bach to Basic - Techniques for creating music on the Commodore 64 along with code examples.


• Datafile Restructure Utility - This type-in program allows you to modify the structure of files created with Datafiles, including changing the length of a title, changing the length of a field, adding additional fields, and deleting existing fields.


• Brainstorming - Type-in software to help organize brainstorming sessions.


• Hardware Buyer's Guide - 1985 - A look at some of the best Commodore related hardware released in 1985, including the Aprospand-64 Expander, ALD-6412 A/D Converter, Aprotek 1000 EPROM Programmer, Computereyes, 80-Column Video Board, Ramdisk, The Spartan, the Commodore 128, BCD5-25 Disk Drive, SFD-1001, Commodore 1571 Disk Drive, Enhancer 2000, Lt. Kernal, MIDI Magic, Commodore 1660 and 1670 modems, and much more.

_{Table of Contents from the November 1985 issue of RUN
Table of Contents from the November 1985 issue of RUN (continued)}

Departments

• RUNning Ruminations - Highlights of the current issue, results of a Micro-Novel contest, and more.


• Magic - Short programming tricks including several sprite demos, converting addresses to decimal, an improved INT function, and more.


• Software Gallery - Reviews of Telemessage, a customizable BBS program; Better Working Spreadsheet, Eureka!, an adventure game; Beach Head II, a World War II themed action game sequel; PlayWriter/Adventures in Space, and educational story book creation software.


• Commodore Clinic - Questions answered about cleaning keyboards, the Commodore 64 vs. the VIC-20 user ports, using a PCjr monitor with a Commodore 128, 80 columns on the Commodore 64, printing with Print Shop, using the 1541 disk drive with the Commodore 128, and much more.


• Book Gallery - Reviews of books including Graphics for the Commodore 64 Computer, 1541 Single Drive Floppy Disk Maintenance Manual, and Using & Programming the Commodore 64.

_{Back cover of the November 1985 issue of RUN}

Read more: https://www.megalextoria.com/wordpress/index.php/2023/07/18/run-november-1985/

Commodore MicroComputers (November/December 1986)

Commodore MicroComputers (November/December 1986)

This was one of Commodore's official publications and it tended to be quite good. In 1986 it was mainly covering the Commodore 64, Commodore 128 an the Amiga. The November/December 1986 issue includes:

Departments

• Letters - Letters from readers about Way of the Exploding Fist and chess games.


• News - New Microprint 2000 dot matrix printer from Micro Merics; The Big Blue Reader released which allows reading and writing files to DOS formatted disks with a Commodore 128 and 1571 disk drive; Commodore releases MPS1200 dot matrix printer; Commodore releases 1351 Mouse for the Commodore 64; Habitat premieres on QuantumLink; and more.


• Telecommunications
• Q-Link Update - An overview of some of the features on QuanumLink, a Commodore 64 dedicated online service. These features include Photo Gallery, Auction, Habitat, Casino, Auditorium Happenings, and Software Library.

Software Reviews

• Mind Mirrors - A unique game? which includes Life Simulation.


• Bop'n Wrestle - One of the earliest wrestling games and not a bad one for the time.


• GBA Basketball - Two-on-two basketball in which each player controls two team members.


• Infiltrator - An action game that includes both helicopter sim and ground based action.


• Hacker II - Use your hacking skills against the Russians.

_{Table of Contents from the November/December 1986 issue of Commodore MicroComputers}

Jiffies

• Phone Messages - A type-in program that prints forms for recording phone messages.


• Modem Answering Machine - A type-in program designed to allow other modem users to call your computer and leave a messsage.


• Easydata-128 - A type-in program that redefines keys to make entering DATA statements easier.

Silicon Valley Insider

• From Big Blue Reader to Tass Times in Tone Town - A brief look at new and upcoming products including Big Blue Reader, Street Sports Baseball, clip art for Print Shop, Little Computer People, and more.

Amiga Update

• Public Domain Software for the Amiga - An overview of the free public domain software currently available for the Amiga.

128 Users Only

• C128 Spectacular - A short type-in program for the Commodore 128 that demonstrates the power of BASIC 7.0.

64 Users Only

• EditWedge - A type-in program that provides a variety of programming tools.


• Windows - A BASIC program that allows you to add windowing to your own programs with the caveat that only one window can be active at a time.

Computer Tutor

• Game Design, Part 5 - The fifth part of a game design tutorial. This part focusses on creating a new character set.


• Let's C Now, Part 2 - Part two of a series on the C programming language.

Game Programs

• Klondike Solitaire - Type-in solitaire game for the Commodore 64.


• 100 Mile Race - A type-in racing game for the Commodore 64 which in addition to just completing the course you must avoid obstacles such as pedestrians (no, they aren't worth extra points).

Features

• Quantumlink's Habitat: The On-Line World From Lucasfilm Games - Everything old is new again. There was something resembling a metaverse for the Commodore 64 on QuantumLink decades ago.


• The Best of 1986 - Reviewers choose the best products of the year for the Commodore 64, Commodore 128 and Amiga. Some items included are Spy vs. Spy II, Leader Board, Elite, Great American Road Race, GEOS, Swiftcalc 128, Ace of Aces, Deluxe Video, Digi-View, Spartan, Alter Ego, The Newsroom, Certificate Maker, Ultima IV, Silent Service, Advanced Music System, and lots of others.

_{Back cover of the November/December 1986 issue of Commodore MicroComputers}

Read more: https://www.megalextoria.com/wordpress/index.php/2023/07/16/commodore-microcomputers-november-december-1986/

Commodore 64 Ad: S&S Wholesalers, Inc.

Commodore 64 Ad: S&S Wholesalers, Inc.

You could always find tons of ads in Commodore related magazines from places that sold Commodore hardware and software. Some stuck around and others came and went. The above ad is from a place called S&S Wholesalers, Inc. and was located in Miami Beach. It is from the July 1988 issue of Commodore Magazine.

Their advertising also is a little misleading as most of the prices listed require purchasing additional items. You could get blank disks for 19 cents each but only if you also bought something to hold them in. The next item advertised is a "Commodore C64 Computer" for $99. The picture looks like a Commodore 64C which was a newer model. It was a good price for the time as a C64C was more typically in the $140 to $160 range. But were you really getting a C64C or the older model? Plus, it required the purchase of a software package and exactly what software packages qualified and how much they cost is not mentioned.

The pattern continues with a printer for $99 but only with purchase of a printer stand...a Commodore 128D computer for $499 but only with the purchase of a software package...and a 12" color monitor for $139 but only with the purchase of a monitor cable. There were a couple of items that appear not to have required additional purchases. One was a joystick for $12.90 and a 300 Baud Modem for $19.90 which wasn't a bad price but 300 baud was slow, even for the time.

To be fair, I'm sure it was a perfectly legitimate company. I just doubt the prices were as good as they seemed after making the additional required purchases.

Read more: https://www.megalextoria.com/wordpress/index.php/2023/01/05/commodore-64-ad-ss-wholesalers-inc/

RUN (June 1988)

RUN (June 1988) RUN was one of the most popular Commodore 64 magazines in the U.S. and the one that I bought the most, mainly because it was what I found on the shelves near me most often. It also covered the Commodore 128 and in earlier days the VIC-20 with perhaps a tiny bit of Commodore 16/Plus 4 coverage. The June 1988 issue includes:
_{Table of Contents from the June 1988 issue of RUN}

Features

• The Latest Word - An overview of the newest word processing software for the Commodore 64/128 including PaperClip III, FontMaster 128, WordPro, GeoWrite Workshop 128, and The Write Stuff.


• Form Writer - A type-in program for the Commodore 64 or 128 that enables you to design and print custom forms.


• Special Delivery - A type-in text/graphics adventure game in which you play the role of a postman who must deliver a letter to a crazy hermit who lives in the woods.

_{Table of Contents from the June 1988 issue of RUN (continued)}

Departments

• RUNning Ruminations - Info about this year's RUN software awards. A ballot is included in this issue.


• Magic - Short programs to automatically indent For-Next loops, creating scrolling characters, hiding your program listings, an updated calendar maker with Julian date added, and more.


• News and New Products - A sign language tutorial for the C64, a Commodore 128 accounting tutorial, Ticket to Washington, The Golf Package, Alien Destruction Set, Mandroid, Masterpiece, Stealth Mission, Logo Probability, Coloring Book Page Maker, Kid Niki, Dark Castle, and more.


• RUN's Reader Choice Awards Ballot - An opportunity for readers to vote on the best software of the year. There are multiple games categories including Arcade Adventures, Arcade, Graphics Adventures, Role-Playing Adventures, Simulations, Sports, Strategy, and more along with a variety of productivity and utility categories from Telecommunications to Databases to Desktop Publishing and much more.


• Software Gallery
• Infiltrator II - An excellent multi-genre sequel which includes elements of role-playing, flight simulator, arcade, strategy and more.
• The Train: Escape to Normandy - A unique action/train simulator game set during World War II.
• High Seas - An action/strategy game in which you command 18th century ships in combat.


• Easy Applications - A type-in program that allows you to recover your BASIC program even if the machine locks up...usually.


• geoWatch - An overview of geoProgrammer, a new assembly language development system for GEOS.

_{Back cover of the June 1988 issue of RUN} Read more: https://www.megalextoria.com/wordpress/index.php/2022/11/07/run-june-1988/

RUN (August 1989)

RUN (August 1989)

Compute!’s Gazette (September 1988)

Compute!’s Gazette (September 1988)

Features

• Exta! Extra! Write All About It! - A guide to desktop publishing on the Commodore 64 and 128 including an overview of some of the software available, including The Newsroom, geoPublish, Personal Newsletter, and Paperclip Publisher.


• Putting It to Work - Some examples of how Commodore user groups are using various desktop publishing software to create newsletters.

Reviews

• Deja Vu - A mystery themed text/graphics adventure by Mindscape that was originally written for the Mac.


• Ticket to Washington D.C. - An educational game in the same vein as Carmen Sandiego but with a focus on Washington D.C.


• X-15 Alpha Mission - A 3D arcade style shooter in which you are in the cockpit of an X-15 space craft (not to be confused with the research aircraft).

Games

• Lincoln Green - A type-in arcade style game in which you play a Robin Hood like character running through the forest protecting your treasure and dodging arrows.


• Boom and Bust - This type-in game combines Hangman with Circus Atari. Launch your clown to hit the balloon with the letter that you want to guess...

_{Table of Contents from the September 1988 issue of Compute!'s Gazette}

Programming

• BASIC for Beginners: The Pigeonhole Analogy - This BASIC tutorial teaches you all about arrays.


• The Programmer's Page: Did You Know That... - Various programming hints and tips, including PEEKing strings, undimensioned arrays, abbreviating BASIC, and more.


• Machine Language Programming: Debugging - Some tips on debugging machine language programming, including making the RUN/STOP key work and a specific debugging example.


• Pattern Fill - A type-in graphics utility that will fill areas with any rectangular pattern.


• Multicolor Graphics Dump - A type-in program for sending full screen graphics to a MPS-801, MPS-803, Commodore 1525 or compatible printer.
• Multicolor Graphics and Video Storage - A detailed article on how graphics are stored and accessed on the Commodore 64, including a programming example and instructions for how to print.

Departments

• The Editor's Note - An overview of some of what was shown at the Summer Consumer Electronics Show.


• Letters to the Editor - Some readers complain about defective Commodore 128Ds, a question about the Commodore PC10-1, and another about page numbering.
• Feedback - Questions about converting a 1702 monitor to a color TV, alphabetizing in SpeedScript, printing machine language listings, formatting and using double-side vs. single-sided disks on the 1571, and more.


• D'Iversions: Murder at Palenque - A look at a interactive videodisc software and the future of multimedia software.

_{Back cover of the September 1988 issue of Compute!'s Gazette}

Read more: https://www.megalextoria.com/wordpress/index.php/2022/06/24/computes-gazette-september-1988/

Commodore Magazine (January 1987)

Commodore Magazine (January 1987)

Commodore Magazine was one of the first magazines I ever bought on a regular basis. It covered the Commodore 64, Commodore 128 and Amiga line as well as Commodore's PC clones. I only had the Commodore 64 but I enjoyed reading about the Amiga since I wanted one at the time. The January 1987 issue includes:

Departments

• Letters - Comments on previous articles and reviews including Invisible BASIC, Kinney Video Digitizer, and more.


• News - Making the news this month is Epyx's 500XJ Joystick, a laser printing service using GEOS and QuantumLink, an update to the 128 Buyer's Guide, The Commodore Show at L.A., and more.


• Software Reviews
• Mind Walker - An odd sort of puzzle game for the Amiga.
• Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego? - Explore the world looking for Carmen Sandiego with this game for the Commodore 64.
• Vizastar 128 - Vizistar 128 is a combination spreadsheet/database/graphing program. It takes advantage of the Commodore 128's additional memory and 80 column display.
• Color Mail - A program for the Commodore 64 published by Hallmark for creating and sending (via CompuServe) electronic greeting cards.


• Tips & Tricks - This month, a Commodore 128 mind reader, a disk buyer's guide, tips on using the second side of a disk, making tabs and labels, storing disks, making disk mailers, a program loading tip, and a screens saver.


• Technical Tips
• How to Build a Light Pen - A complete parts list and instructions for building a light pen for your Commodore 64.
• CP/M Public Domain - A guide to obtaining public domain CP/M software that will work with the Commodore 128.


_{Table of Contents from the January 1987 issue of Commodore Magazine}
• Telecommunications
• Connect! - A beginner's guide to telecommunications including the definitions of some commonly used terms such as Answer/Originate Mode, ASCII, Baud, Bit, Buffer, Bulletin Board, and more.


• Computer Tutor
• Mobsters! - A guide for creating and using Sprites and other Moveable Objects on the Commodore 64 and Commodore 128.


• 64 Users Only
• Show Anything Slide Show - This type in program provides a slide show that will work with your graphics in a variety of formats, including KoalaPainter, Doodle!, Flying Colors, UltraBASIC 64, HES Graphics BASIC, CadPak 64, Two Color, title and B/Graph.


• Jiffies
• Kaleidoscope - A short program that displays an ever changing kaleidoscope pattern on your Commodore 64.
• E.S.P. - A program that tests your E.S.P. abilities by letting you sense what shape will be displayed on the next card.
• Basic Clock - This short program displays an on screen clock.


• User Groups - A list of Commodore user groups around the country that have been officially recognized by Commodore as Approved User Groups.

Features

• Inside GEOS - GEOS was the graphical user interface for Commodore 64 and 128 computers by Berkeley Softworks. This is an interview with the president of Berkeley Softworks and includes some of their plans for GEOS and associated applications.


• 1986: The Year In Computers - Some computer related highlights for 1986 including quotes from Ronald Reagan, Jay Leno, Matthew Broderick and others; first year success for the Commodore 128; the redesigned Commodore 64C; the first wave of software for the Amiga and much more. For context, 1986 included the Challenger disaster, Halley's comet, Microsoft announces public stock offering; Max Headroom is born...

_{Back cover of the January 1987 issue of Commodore Magazine}

Read more: https://www.megalextoria.com/wordpress/index.php/2022/03/31/commodore-magazine-january-1987/

Info (Spring/Summer 1987)

Info (Spring/Summer 1987)

Info is a magazine that covered various Commodore computers throughout its life. In 1987 that included the Commodore 64, Commodore 128 and Amiga. One of the interesting things about Info is that it was produced entirely using Commodore computers. The Spring/Summer 1987 issue includes:

• Gallery - Screen shots and summaries of 6 new software releases including Starglider (Commodore 64), Bard's Tale (Amiga), Uridium (Commodore 64), MandFXP-Enhanced (Amiga), Scrabble (Commodore 64), and Deja Vu (Amiga).


• New Amigas - An introduction to the new Amiga 500 and Amiga 2000, replacements for the original Amiga 1000.


• Product Roundup - A comprehensive round-up of software available for the Commodore 64, Commodore 128, Commodore 128 CP/M and Amiga). Over 2100 products are included with name, price, distributor, issue in which it was reviewed and a brief description. This feature makes up the bulk of this issue.


• Double-Take - A photo of the Three Stooges with the Stooges replaced with Commodore executives Sam, Jack and Leonard by Amiga photo manipulation software.


_{Table of Contents from the Spring/Summer 1987 issue of Info}
• CES Report - Berkeley demonstrates several new GEOS related software titles including GEOS v1.3, GeoCalc, GeoFile, GeoDex, and more; Progressive Peripherals shows off Superbase Personal for the Amiga, Vizawrite for the Amiga and C128, and Vizastar for the C128; Firebird shows off Tracker, Talking Teacher and Starglider; Epyx introduces Street Sports Basketball, Street Sports Baseball, Sub Battle Simulator all for the Commodore 64 with Temple of Apshai, World Games and Winter Games coming for the Amiga; Electronic Arts introduces PHM Pegasus, Bards Tale II and a reissue of Archon II for the Commodore 64; and lots more.


• Mail - Praise for the magazine from someone who found out about it on QLink; comments upon the latest version of GEOS disabling work disks not copied in the officially proscribed way in order to curb piracy; a debate on Compuserve's copyright policy...apparently Compuserve was trying to claim copyright on public domain software; a reader writes about an appearance of an Amiga in Miami Vice; and more!

_{Back Cover of the Spring/Summer 1987 issue of Info}

Read more: https://www.megalextoria.com/wordpress/index.php/2022/03/21/info-spring-summer-1987/

Commodore Computing International (January 1988)

Commodore Computing International (January 1988)

Commodore International is so titled presumably because it was published in several countries. On the cover, Belgium, USA, Canada and Germany are listed and the price is in pounds so it was published in the U.K. as well. It covered various Commodore systems during its life. This issue lists the Amiga, Commodore 64, Commodore 128, Commodore 16 and Plus/4. Contents includes:

• CCI View
• News
• Easy Music
• Micronet
• 1581 Disk Drive
• Opinion - Jeff Minter
• Data Protection
• Gremlin Competition
• Valueword
• Opinion - Graeme Kidd
• Timeworks Offer
• Readers Letters
• Books Offer
• T/Shirt & Covers Offer
• Burst Mode Series
• King of Chicago
• Create Your Own Adventure
• Shoot Em Up Construction Kit
• Ocean Feature
• Zig Zag
• Bone Cruncher
• Bobsleigh
• Defektor
• Skate or Die
• Cosmic Causeway
• Previews
• Oskars
• Super Felix
• Amiga Competition
• Survivors C16/Plus 4
• Aliens C16/Plus 4
• Adventure
• Live Ammo
• ICPUG
• Jet Boys
• Insanity Fight
• Horgans Hints
• Desk Top Publishing
• Driller
• Books Review
• CCI Subs
• Charts
• Wargames
• Phantom Disk
• Advertisers Directory
• AMX Offer
• Programs
• Joystick Interrupt
• No Border Scroll
• Changer
• Sprite Manipulator
• Ultrix
• Classified

...and more!

RUN (August 1986)

RUN (August 1986)

RUN, subtitled "The Commodore C-128/C-64 Home Computing Guide", was one of a few magazines I spent my scarece resources on as a kid. I loved my Commodore 64 and essentially learned BASIC programming with magazines like this and got "free" software via the type-in programs provided. The August 1986 issue includes:

Features

• Enter The On-Line World of Lucasfilm - Lucasfilm and QuantumLink have teamed up to bring you a new concept in on-line interactive game-playing.


• Disk Keeper - Do all your diskkeeping chores, from formatting to making disk jacket labels, with this one program.


• Bootmaker 128/64 - If you like the autoboot capbility of the C-128 in 128 mode, you'll love this program that lets you autoboot in 64 mode, too.


• Butcher, Baker, Candlestick Maker - Choose a software package that will point you toward the right career and then help you shine in it.


• Add Some Character to Your C-64 - Run this program and you'll whip up some "instant" custom characters.

Departments

• RUNning Ruminations - Discover ReRUN


• Magic - The original column of hints and tips that lets you perform computing wizardry.


• Software Gallery
• Grover's Animal Adventures
• Superscript
• Elite and the Silver Disk Series
• Leader Board
• Bank Street Filer
• WillWriter


• Second Annual RUNaway Contest - Here's your chance to be a winner in RUN's giveaway sweepstakes worth over $25,000 in prizes. And, just for entering, you'll receive a free QuantumLink terminal program!


• Basically Speaking - An exploration of Basic programming fundamentals.


• Telecomputing Workshop - Advice and answers to your questions on modems, terminal programs, on-line networks, bulletin boards and more.


• Q-Link Happenings - This month we introduce a new feature that keeps you informed about the latest services on QuantumLink.


• The Resource Center - Teachers, administrators and students are getting on-line as the nation's schools enter the telecommunications age.


• New Products RUNdown


• How To Type In Listings


• RUN Amok - We run corrected.


• Coming Attractions

...and more!