COMPUTE!’s Gazette Issue #2 Digital Edition – August 2025

Description

COMPUTE!’s Gazette: August 2025 (Volume 1, Issue 2)

This issue of COMPUTE!’s Gazette is a deep dive into the world of retro computing, blending historical retrospectives with modern hardware innovations, programming tutorials, and vibrant community features.

Cover Story & Features

• Robert Tinney: The Man Who Painted the Future: The cover story is an exclusive interview with Robert Tinney, the legendary artist whose imaginative covers for BYTE magazine gave a visual soul to the early personal computer revolution. The article explores his artistic process and his unique role in making complex technology feel accessible and magical.
• The 8-Bit Classroom: A special section dedicated to the role of retro computing in modern education. Articles include “Back to BASIC,” “Teaching Kids to Code” on the C64 and Commander X16, and a historical look at how the Commodore PET became a dominant force in schools.
• The Retro BBS Scene 2025: Explore the thriving subculture of Bulletin Board Systems. This feature details how to connect to hundreds of active systems on platforms like Commodore, Atari, and Apple, keeping the original online community spirit alive.

Hardware & Reviews

• Commodore 64 Ultimate: An introduction to the officially reborn Commodore 64. This is not an emulator but a full FPGA hardware recreation featuring modern upgrades like HDMI, USB, Wi-Fi, and a 48MHz Turbo Mode, all while maintaining compatibility with original cartridges and peripherals.
• Commander X16 Origin Story: Learn about the development of the new 8-bit “dream computer,” from its initial concept by The 8-Bit Guy to its production journey.
• Hardware Reviews:
  • Kung Fu Flash: A detailed look at the versatile C64 cartridge that can emulate a massive library of other game and utility cartridges.
  • CMD RAMLink XL: A feature on the modern resurrection of the legendary high-speed RAM drive for the C64/128, now upgraded with more memory.
• Game Reviews: A trio of new games for the Commodore 64 are reviewed: Tyrian’s Towers, Light Cycle Duel Deluxe, and Platman 64 MC.

Programming & Technical Columns

• Let’s Learn 6502 Assembly!: The first part of a new, hands-on series designed to teach the fundamentals of 6502 assembly language, the code behind many classic games.
• FujiNet Programming Series: A practical tutorial on converting a classic two-player BASIC game for network play using the FujiNet device on an Atari 8-bit computer.
• The Atari Outpost: A guide to programming sound and music in Atari BASIC, including type-in program listings.
• MEGA Horizons: A technical deep dive into disassembling the classic C64 game Crossroads to understand how it works.
• Texas Instruments Roundup: A column on using a LINK routine to create Run-Length Encoded (RLE) graphics screens.

Community & Regulars

• Editor’s Notes and Letters to the Editor: Insights from the editor and feedback from the community.
• Today in Retro History: A look back at the key computing events from August of 1980, 1985, and 1990.
• Micro Missions: New BASIC programming challenges for readers to tackle.
• User Group Update: A directory of active retro computing clubs across the United States.

This issue is an essential read for enthusiasts, offering a rich mix of nostalgia, hands-on projects, and news on the latest developments in the retro computing scene.