FAQ - The UNOFFICIAL Commodore 64 FAQ Version 7.0
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The UNOFFICIAL Commodore 64 FAQ Version 7.0 by Thiago Simões - January/2005
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Contents
===--===
1.0 - About this FAQ
2.0 - Commodore 64
2.1 - History
2.2 - Commodore 65 and Commodore 128
2.3 - Is it still alive?
2.4 - Specifications and PAL/NTSC Differences
2.5 - Features
2.5.1 - Loading Programs and Playing Games
2.5.2 - Accessing the Internet/WWW and BBS
2.5.3 - Original Commodore 64 Operation
2.5.3.1 - The PRINT Command
2.5.3.2 - Printing in a Printer
2.5.3.3 - Loading Disks
2.5.3.4 - Loading Tapes
2.5.3.5 - Loading Cartridges
2.5.3.6 - How to Format a New Disk
2.5.3.7 - Saving Programs
2.5.4 - CCS64 Emulator Operation
2.5.4.1 - Loading Disks
2.5.4.2 - Loading Tapes
2.5.4.3 - Loading Cartridges
2.6 - Commodore 64's Operational Systems
2.6.1 - BASIC
2.6.1.1 - BASIC Upgrades
2.6.1.2 - Main Programs Released Using BASIC
2.6.2 - GEOS
2.6.2.1 - GEOS Upgrades
2.6.2.2 - Main Programs Released Using GEOS
2.8 - Main Peripherals Released for the Commodore 64
3.0 - What's New in this FAQ
4.0 - Copyright, Thanks and Notes
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1.0 - About this FAQ
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This FAQ is a serious attemp to organize as much information as possible about
the Commodore 64 into a single text file. However, note that this is not a
comprehensive guide about how to use all the commands of BASIC or how to
hook up and operate the peripherals, but a FAQ about what is, how to get
started and what can you do with the Commodore 64. If you have read any
previous version of the FAQ, you will note that some information has been
deleted, and some has been added as well to the current version. I would
like to point out that I'm not a native speaker of English. Therefore, this
FAQ is subject to errors, because I am a human being as well. Besides, as
the Commodore 64 was never released in Brazil (where I live), all the
information I've got came from Internet research, and some personal experiences
with the CCS64 Commodore 64 emulator.
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2.0 - Commodore 64
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"Why buy just a videogame?" - from a Commodore 64 advertisement.
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2.1 - History
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The Commodore 64 was a revolutionary computer released by Commodore Business in
1982. This powerful machine combined the power of a proffessional computer with
the easy-to-use interface from home computers. The built-in Operational System
used by the Commodore 64 is the BASIC, the most used Operational System in home
computers at that time. BASIC is a deep language, time consuming to learn, but
nevertheless easier than other existent languages. The Commodore 64 sold out
about 17 to 22 million of units around the world, until 1994, when its
production was ceased, and Commodore Business was sold for a German company.
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2.2 - Commodore 65 and Commodore 128
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In order to make a successor for the Commodore 64, Commodore developed a new
version of the Commodore 64 called Commodore 65. As Commodore 65 seemed so much
with the newest Amiga computers, from a new company bought earlier by
Commodore Business, Commodore decided to stop its production and only sold out
200 beta versions of the Commodore 65 in a special sale. The real successor
of the Commodore 64 was the Commodore 128. This computer expanded some features
of the Commodore 64, such as a quicker load time, and came with the Commodore
64 engine built-in, you only needed to change the OS between the Commodore 64
and the Commodore 128. All the peripherals, programs or games made for the
Commodore 64 would run in the Commodore 128 in 64 mode. It sold out around 4 to
7 million units around the world. The Commodore 128 was developed with the help
of Microsoft Corporation.
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2.3 - Is it still alive?
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Yes, even over 20 years after its release, the Commodore 64 is still a popular
hardware amongst collectors. Some people truly use it only for nostalgia, but
in fact, there are games still being developed for the Commodore 64, made by
professional nostalgic people or begginers in programming. With the emulators,
such as the CCS64 that emulates the real Commodore 64 on your computer, the
Commodore 64 will always be alive, and there will always be someone developing
games or programs for it.
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2.4 - Specifications and PAL/NTSC Differences
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+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Official Name | Commodore 64 |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Year of Release | 1982 |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Country of Origin | USA |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| C.P.U. | 6510 (8 bits) |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Speed | 0,985 MHz (PAL) / 1,023 MHz (NTSC) |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Co-Processors | VIC II (Video) / SID (Sound) |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ROM | 20 Kb |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| RAM | 64 Kb |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Text Resolution | 40 X 25 |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Graphics Resolution | Several; Most used: 320 X 200 |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Colors | 16 |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Sound | 6 octaves |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Voices | 3 |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| I/O Ports | RGB, Video Composite, Joystick, Cardridge, Tape, |
| | Serial, User Port (RS232 compatible), TV |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
PAL/NTSC
===--===
There are actually two versions of the Commodore 64 -- PAL and NTSC versions.
The PAL version of the Commodore 64 is slightly slower than the NTSC version,
so it means that the speed of the application running on the computer will be
messed up. This is a problem especially when playing games. I am not sure if
one can play a NTSC game on a PAL TV (and the other way around). I do believe,
however, that if your PAL TV also supports NTSC input/output, there is no
problem in playing games this way. Anyway, I would be very pleased to know
about it for sure.
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2.5 - Features
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The Commodore 64 is a home computer, so you can do almost everything a "modern"
home computer can do nowadays. Surely you will have some limitations, mostly
low speed problems because the Commodore 64 was released over twenty years ago.
But the versatility and functionality of the Commodore 64 was really amazing
for its time. You can use programs, play games, use several peripherals such as
a printer and a mouse, and even make your own programs and games with the
proper knowledge. Other computers, such as the MSX and the SG-1000, were also
able to manage such things but none was as powerfull and easy to use as the
Commodore 64. You do not even need a monitor in order to use a Commodore 64!
You can just hook up the computer to an ordinary TV and use the programs,
peripherals and play games! Talk about versatility!
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2.5.1 - Loading Programs and Playing Games
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There were several games and programs released for the Commodore 64, and most
are very easy to find in the Internet if you want to play through emulators.
Obviously, these programs and games would work in a real Commodore 64 machine
as well. In fact, you can exchange information between your computer and a real
Commodore 64 through a program called Star Commander and appropriate additional
hardware.
There are three ways to run games or programs into the Commodore 64:
Cartridges.. The Commodore 64 has a built-in cartridge slot, in order to play
some games and load programs. Cartridges don't have load time, but
due to the fact that they were very expensive to buy and to
develop, very few cartridges were released.
Disks....... You would need to buy a 1541 or other Disk Drive to play disk
games or run disk programs, but there are THOUSANDS of them, due
to the fact that the cost to develop a game in a diskette was very
cheap. As far as I know, some disks were sold for 1 dollar! You
could also record your own programs in a blank disk.
Tapes....... Tapes have a fairly long load time, but they were cheaper than
cartridges. You would need to buy a Datacassete in order to play
games or run programs in tapes. Such as in the disks, you can
record your own programs in a blank tape.
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2.5.2 - Accessing the Internet/WWW and BBS
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You can access the Internet via modem, but only in 16-color mode. In order to
access the internet, you will need a Modem and a Browser. With the Turbo 232
Modem Interface (see section 2.8 for additional information about this
peripheral), you will be able to use any Modem up to 232K, but if you want to
use GeoFAX you will need a special Modem. It is the Diamond Supra Express 56e
Pro Modem, 100% compatible with the Commodore 64's communication programs. Now
you will need a browser. If you want to browse the Internet/WWW graphically,
the only software available to work with Commodore 64 is the WAVE 64. You will
need Wheels 64 and GEOS 2.0 in order to run it. Currently, e-mails support are
not allowed, but the developer hopes it will be supported soon. A non-confirmed
option is that you can also visualize the .GIF and .JPG/.JPEG images you got in
the Internet with the GeoGIF and Juddpeg programs. The Juddpeg program will
only run if you have the Super CPU 64. With a Turbo 232 Modem and GEOS 2.0, you
will also be able to use the program GeosFAX (more details in the section
2.6.3.1) that will allow your Commodore 64 computer to be used as a fax
machine. GeoFAX also makes possible to use a fax machine as an A4 scanner. If
you want to access BBS's and limited WWW, you will need another software,
called Novaterm. Summing up, you will need:
- A Commodore 64
- A Modem
- A Modem Interface (Turbo 232 Modem Interfacte - for user port - or Uart Cart,
for cart port)
- Terminal Emulation Software (the WAVE 64 or Novaterm)
I forgot to mention that with the Turbo 232 Modem Interface, you will be able
to connect to the WWW through the computer's userport, but you can also connect
through the Commodore 64's cartridge port if you own the Uart cartridge. Note
that the WAVE 64 also has a built in fully featured Terminal program. But you
cannot access the WWW alone, you will need an ISP. The ISP's will need:
-Unix shell access
-Unix utilities -Optional- (See section 2.6.3.1 to lean more about these tools)
If the ISP offer shell access but don't offer anything more useful than telnet,
then you can still use their telnet service to connect to a decent ISP which
does offer the good stuff, such as Pine, Lynx, etc.
In VidGame0 (http://vidgame0.tripod.com), there is a link to a site where the
Commodore 64 is being used as a sever! The webmaster could even use a Firewall
to prevent any unexpected problem! Isn't it surprising!?
Going back to Terminal programs, I've read that Novaterm uses a synthetic 80
columns on the Commodore 64. Now, this is what I could find about this 80
columns thing (the following text was written by Cameron Kaiser
[ckaiser@stockholm.ptloma.edu], and adapted by me):
"[Novaterm] uses what is commonly called "soft 80" where 80 columns are
simulated on the high res screen with 4x8 characters and a custom driver. It's
visible 80 columns, but it's subject to the limitations of high res (i.e. being
4x8, two characters in the same 8x8 cell must have the same foreground and
background colours, etc.), so it's not the 80 columns with individual, 8x8
characters you would get out of the VDC or a PC.
Soft 80 is not uncommon on the 64. COMPUTE! released two drivers for it [...]
(Screen-80 and 64 Eighty, the former being more common but the latter is far
more superior and functional). [...] ACE now supports it and just about every
modern terminal program does too. [You can] use Kermit 64 as a terminal
program and it also has VDC and soft-80 modes, just like Novaterm."
Also, some few info listed on this section was written by Marc
(mwalters@bombadil.apana.org.au). I got Marc's and Cameron's articles from
comp.sys.cbm newsgroups, posted in September/1999.
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2.5.3 - Original Commodore 64 Operation
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When you first turn on your Commodore 64 you will see the word READY, followed
by a flashing point. It means that the computer is waiting for orders. As you
can see in the section 2.6.1, the original Operational System of Commodore 64
is the BASIC. Below are listed some of the commands that you can execute with
BASIC, but remember that this is not intended to be a guide for BASIC or such a
Manual about "How to operate your computer", but just a quick guide for
beginners. Remember that you can also use ANY of the commands listed below
with the CCS64 Emulator, in the original BASIC mode (the emulator also works as
the real Commodore 64 does).
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2.5.3.1 - The PRINT Command
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The PRINT command is one of the top-used commands for Commodore 64. If you type
PRINT 1+1
and press RETURN key, the computer will immediately show the right answer, 2.
Some other uses for the PRINT command are:
PRINT X+X - Addition
PRINT X-X - Subtraction
PRINT X*X - Multiplication
PRINT X/X - Division
PRINT X^X - Exponentiation
Note: ^ is the up arrow symbol, accessible when you key the up arrow key (from
the right of the asterisk/star key) in the original Commodore 64's
keyboard or the DELETE key in your standard keyboard when using the CCS64
emulator.
Note2: X stands for any value you want to calculate.
This is a built-in calculation mode, present in your Commodore 64. But you
can also use the PRINT command, to show any other character at your screen. For
example:
PRINT "COMMODORE 64" - Key in these words
COMMODORE 64 - The computer will print these words in the screen
READY - The computer will wait for your next command
Just a little note: when printing words through " " you can change the font
color by pressing:
SHIFT + (numbers from 1 to 8) or C= (Commodore key) + (numbers from 1 to 8)
For example, by typing
PRINT"[C=+1]COMMODORE"
and pressing RETURN, the word COMMODORE will be shown in orange on the screen.
Note: The [C=+1] means that you have to press both C= (Commodore key) and the
"1" key at once, and not that you have to type it.
If you want to risk your computer till the death of its bytes (I am just
kidding), there are two ways you can crash the BASIC. Just type:
PRINT0+""+-0
or
35072121
If you type the first, you will crash the BASIC imediately. The second way not
always crashes the BASIC. Sometimes, the computer will show ?SYNTAX ERROR
instead of crashing. If your Commodore 64 crashes, you can just turn it off
and on again, and it will work fine. Just note that I am not responsible for
any silly thing you do to your computer. Kids, don't do such things! :)
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2.5.3.2 - Printing in a Printer
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First of all, you have to have a printer connected with your computer. Now type
OPEN 1,4
and press RETURN. This will tells to the computer that you want to use the
utput device 4, the Commodore 64's internal code for Printers (P.S.: 5 is also
a code for printers). You can also type
OPEN 1,4,0 - Tells to the computer that you want upper case only (code 0)
or
OPEN 1,4,7 - Tells to the computer that you want upper and lower cases (code 7)
After that, type
PRINT# 4, "COMMODORE 64"
and your printer will print the sentence COMMODORE 64.
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2.5.3.3 - Loading Disks
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Simply type:
LOAD"PROGRAM NAME",8,1
RUN
LOAD is the default command for loading a file, "PROGRAM NAME" is, usually, the
specific name of the program. ,8 is the Commodore 64's internal code for Disks.
In order to make things easier, if you want to load the first program on a disk
(and this is necessary in 99,9% of the cases), and you can not remember the
right PROGRAM NAME that you have to type, just type:
LOAD"*",8
RUN
As you are saying to your Commodore 64 that you want to load everything, it
will simply search for the first program on the disk and load it without
trouble.
You can also list all the programs on the disk for a easy reference when
loading a program. Type
LOAD"$",8
LIST
The computer will show the programs on the disk. From now on, you can easily
type the correct name of the program that you want to load, may it be the
first, second or last program on disk.
From Lee Rolfing: "I noticed that you said that the load "program",8,1 was
only needed to load the first program on a diskette... this information is
incorrect...
LOAD by itself will search for the first program it finds on cassette.
LOAD "Filename" will search for the first program named "Filename" on cassette.
LOAD "Filename",8 will search for a program named Filename on the first disk
drive device.
LOAD "Filename",8,1 will load a machine language program off of the first disk
drive and make sure it is relocated to the correct point in memory... Much
of machine language is dependant on certain addresses being correct, so
this is important...
There is no 8,2 or 8,3 etc...
Hopefully this will clear things up."
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2.5.3.4 - Loading Tapes
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The main proccess is pretty much the same as loading a disk, but with the
appropriated changes. First, completely rewind the tape, then type
LOAD
The computer will search for the tape. When the computer asks you for
PRESS PLAY ON TAPE
you have to press SHIFT and RUN/STOP keys simultaneously, and press play on
your tape machine. When the computer finds the program, just press the
C= (Commodore key) to load the program.
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2.5.3.5 - Loading Cartridges
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Turn off your Commodore 64, insert the Cartridge, and then turn the computer
on. Now, begin the game by typing the START key that's listed in the game's
instruction sheet.
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2.5.3.6 - How to Format a New Disk
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[ Extracted from the Commodore 64's User Manual ]
When you are using a new, unprogrammed disk for the first time you need to
format it. Formatting, which is also called headering, prepares your disk by
doing things like dividing the disk into blocks. Formatting also creates a
directory that you use as a table of contents for the files you save on the
disk. DO NOT header a preprogrammed disk. You only have to format new disks,
not disks that already have programs on them unless you want to erase the
entire disk and reuse it. To format a new disk, use this special version of the
OPEN and NEW commands:
OPEN 1,8,15,"N0:,"
+ N0 tells the computer to header (NEW) the disk in drive 0. If you have a
dual disk drive connected (via a suitable interface) header disks in drive 0.
+ The you use in this command goes in the directory as the name of the
entire disk. Give the disk any name up to 16 characters.
+ The is any two characters. Give the disk any you want, but you
should give every disk a different code.
When the disk drive light goes off, type CLOSE 1 and press RETURN.
BE CAREFUL! Headering a disk erases all information on the disk, if there is
any. Header only a new disk or a disk you are willing to erase. Here are some
examples of formatting commands that header a disk:
OPEN 1,8,15,"N0:MYFILE,A3"
OPEN 1,8,15,"N0:$RECORDS,02"
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2.5.3.7 - Saving Programs
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[ Extracted from the Commodore 64's User Manual ]
When you want to reuse a program you've written, be sure to SAVE it before you
LOAD another program. If you don't, you'll lose the program. When you change a
SAVEd program, you have to SAVE it again if you want to keep the new version.
When you reSAVE a program, you are replacing the old version with the new one.
If you want to keep both the old and the changed versions, you have to give the
new one a different name when you SAVE it.
Saving on Disk
===--------===
When you want to SAVE a program you've written on disk, follow these simple
steps:
+ Key in SAVE"PROGRAM NAME",8. The 8 is the code for disks. It tells the
computer that you're using a disk.
+ Press RETURN. The disk makes a noise, and the computer displays this message
when the program is saved:
SAVING PROGRAM NAME
OK
READY
Saving on Cassette Tape
When you want to SAVE a program you've written on cassette tape, follow these
steps:
+ Key in SAVE"PROGRAM NAME". The program name you use can be up to 16
characters long.
+ Press the RETURN key. The computer displays the message PRESS RECORD AND PLAY
ON TAPE.
+ Press the RECORD and PLAY keys on your DATASSETTE recorder. The screen goes
blank and turns the color of the border. The READY prompt reappears when the
program is SAVEd.
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2.5.4 - CCS64 Emulator Operation
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Note: It is VERY important that you remember what kind of software you are
loading. Usually, Disks have the .D64 extension, Cartridges have the .CRT
extension, and finally, Tapes have the .TAP extension. However, sometimes disks
may have the .P00 and .T64 extensions too.
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2.5.4.1 - Loading Disks
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Press F9 and then choose the first option (1541 Device 8). Choose the directory
where the .D64, .P00 or .T64 file is and press RETURN when its name is
highlighted. You must navigate with the LEFT / RIGHT / UP / DOWN keys. If you
want to return to the main menu, just press ESC.
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2.5.4.2 - Loading Tapes
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Press F9 and then choose the option Tape Device 1. Choose the directory where
the .TAP file is and press RETURN when its name is highlited. You must navigate
with the LEFT / RIGHT / UP / DOWN keys. If you want to return to the main
menu, just press ESC.
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2.5.4.3 - Loading Cartridges
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Press F9, choose the option Cartridge, and then Insert Cartridge. Choose the
directory where the .CRT file is and press RETURN when its name is highlited.
You must navigate with the LEFT / RIGHT / UP / DOWN keys. If you want to return
to the main menu, just press ESC.
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2.6 - Commodore 64's Operational Systems
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The built-in Operational System running in the Commodore 64 is the BASIC, but
you can also upgrade your computer with new Operational Systems (such as
nowadays, you may have DOS and Windows working in your computer, and you can
still add the Linux or anything else you would like to). Below, are listed
some working Operational Systems on the Commodore 64.
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2.6.1 - BASIC
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BASIC is one of the most popular computer languages ever developed. It is by
far easier than others computer languages such as the damn hard COBOL. You can
simply type PRINT 1+1 and then your Commodore 64 will show you the result. With
BASIC, you will be able to print, calculate, and with some deep knowledge, you
will be able to make your own programs, even add music and sounds to it without
any special tool. You have to know at least a couple BASIC commands in order
to operate any computer using the BASIC as the main Operational System. If you
want to make a program you will need a heavy knowledge about this language. The
only thing I can say is that you can search around the Internet for some books
about BASIC, which is your best choice.
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2.6.1.1 - BASIC Upgrades
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JiffyDOS
===--===
JiffyDOS is a chip (not a software) that upgrades some of the BASIC features.
This chip has to be inserted in your Commodore 64 by removing the older chip,
and so you will have an even easier BASIC Operational System.
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2.6.1.2 - Main Programs Released Using BASIC
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There were several programs released for the Commodore 64. If you are using an
emulator you will find some good programs available for free at:
http://cia.c64.org/
Below are listed some programs:
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Commodore 64 Program: | Microsoft Windows (TM) Equivalent: |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| The Manager (1541 Disk Format) | Access (Microsoft) |
| Image Maker (Cartridge Format) | Paint (Microsoft) |
| Modern Music Maker (Cartritge Format) | Yamaha XG Studio (Yamaha) |
| The Print Shop (1541 Disk Format) | Print Artist (Microsoft) |
| Writer (1541 Disk Format) | Word (Microsoft) |
| Microsoft Multiplan (1541 Disk Format) | Excel (Microsoft) |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
Also, several Fastloaders have been released in order to decrease the big load
time of most disks and tapes released for the Commodore 64. Cartridges with new
commands for the BASIC were also available, and were very popular, such as the
famous Simon's BASIC cartridge.
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2.6.2 - GEOS
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GEOS is like a new Operational System for Commdore 64. It has almost the same
functions as the Microsoft Windows 3.11, but with the difference it was
released earlier for the Commodore 64. With GEOS you can navigate through the
menus using a mouse. GEOS came with 3 programs that used the Commodore Mouse,
GeoPaint (basicaslly the same thing as the Paint program that comes with the
Microsoft Windows), GeoSpell and GeoWriter. Later on, several programs were
released for GEOS using the useful mouse interface.
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2.6.2.1 - GEOS Upgrades
=====-------=====-----=====-----=====-----=====-----=====-----=====-------=====
Gateway 64
===----===
Gateway was released in order to "boost" GEOS. If you have at least a 512 Kb
RAM expansion, you can have two GEOS programs running at the same time and
even exchange information between them (i.e., you could paste a image made
with GeoPaint in a text file made in GeoWriter). Gateway also came with a
Trash Can to temporarily delete files you do not want anymore. Gateway also
granted a better customization about your GEOS, making it possible to
choose drivers for Printers, change the background colors and set the Real Time
Clock correctly.
Wheels 64
===---===
In order to run Wheels 64 on the Commodore 64, you will need a Super CPU and a
RAM expansion of 512Kb. With Wheels you can hook up to four disk drives to
the Commodore 64, have multiple resizable windows opened at the same time, and
the program intelligently handles files for you.
=====-------=====-----=====-----=====-----=====-----=====-----=====-------=====
2.6.2.2 - Main Programs Released Using GEOS
=====-------=====-----=====-----=====-----=====-----=====-----=====-------=====
GeoCalc 64
===----===
Graphical calculator program.
GeoFAX
==--==
GeoFAX is a very versatile program. If you have a Modem connected to your
Commodore 64, now you can send and receive Fax. It also makes possible to use a
fax machine as an A4 scanner if it is connected to the modem.
GeoFile 64
===----===
Organize files and programs.
GeoFont
===-===
This program added several new font-styles for professional documents.
GeoGIF
==--==
Allows the visualization of .GIF files.
GeoPaint
===--===
Came with GEOS original package. The same as Windows's packed-in Paint program.
GeoSpell
===--===
Came with GEOS original package. This program checked and corrected your spell.
GeoWriter
===---===
Came with GEOS original package. Word processor program.
LYNX
=--=
Tool for handling WWW.
Pico
=--=
Tool for handling text editing, on WWW.
Pine
=--=
Tool for handling e-mails.
Tin
=-=
Tool for handling news, on WWW.
Unzip 64
===--===
Tool that handles .ZIP files.
=====-------=====-----=====-----=====-----=====-----=====-----=====-------=====
2.8 - Main Peripherals Released for the Commodore 64
=====-------=====-----=====-----=====-----=====-----=====-----=====-------=====
1541 Disk Drive
===---------===
Runs games and programs or record programs in a blank disk.
40/80 Column Colour Monitor
===---------------------===
Professional Monitor. The Commodore 64 can also be plugged to a TV.
Built-in Cartridge Slot
===-----------------===
Runs games and programs. Cartridges do not neet to load.
Cassete Unit Drive (Datacassete)
===--------------------------===
Runs games and programs, or record programs in a blank tape.
CMD Hard Drive
===--------===
Hard drive for storing files and programs. Allows for more space than removable
disks.
Commodore Lightpen + Software
===-----------------------===
Allows communication with the computer on the screen.
Commodore Mouse
===---------===
Standard mouse (1 key). Can be used in some games, programs and GEOS.
Commodore Printer 1230
===----------------===
Prints your work. There are several different printers.
CS 4 Player Adapter
===-------------===
Allows either 1,2,3 or 4 players to play multi-player games.
Diamond Supra Express 56e Modem
===-------------------------===
Modem that allows use of softwares like GeoFAX and WAVE64.
Digi-Drum + Software
===--------------===
3-pad percussion attachment used for making music.
FD2000 + Real Time Clock
===------------------===
3.5" Drive. Format disks up to 1.6MB record space!
HD Zip Drive
===------===
Records informations from your Commodore 64 to a Zip Disk.
NEC CD Reader
===-------===
Exchanges informations between a CD ROM and a Commodore 64.
Piano Keyboard + Software
===-------------------===
Piano Keyboard for use with Modern Music Maker.
RAM Link
===--===
Works as a Disk drive for data storage and fast retrieval.
Standard Joystick
===-----------===
Self-explanative. Subistitutes a mouse in GEOS, with the proper driver.
Super CPU 64
===------===
Boosts up to 22Mhz the Commodore 64 instead of 2Mhz default.
Turbo 232 Modem Interface
===-------------------===
Allows connection with any modern modem up to 232k.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
3.0 - What's New in this FAQ
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Version 7.0
====---====
Well, I gave up of renaming this FAQ to "Final Version", since it quite
possibly will never have a truly "Final" version. Since this is the seventh
update to this FAQ, I decided to rename it to Version 7.0 for the sake of
completeness. Anyway, the true news are:
- I've got a very kind e-mail from Lee Rolfing about the LOAD command. Thanks
to his e-mail I have now a clearer explanation about this command as his
explanation is a lot more helpful than the previous ones I had given. Thank
you very much, Lee.
- I've got e-mails from NA NA and Razvan Mustarica asking me about PAL and NTSC
compatibiliy. Well, I did my best to answer their questions and I added a
small bit of information about it on section 2.4. Thanks to NA NA and Ravzan
for their questions.
- Also, thanks again to Lee Rolfing, NA NA and Ravzan Mustarica for waiting
OVER ONE YEAR AND A HALF for a reply. I know, I'm a lazy bum, and I'm ashamed
of it.
- Quite a few changes have been made to the FAQ. Anyway, I decided to turn the
old section 2.9 about some good games for the Commodore 64 into this "What's
new in this FAQ" section to replace the awkward and unnecessarily long
Updates section, which has been deleted. A candy to those who could
understand this last sentence :D
- My skills with the English language have improved a lot, and now the FAQ has
a cleaner and more concise text. Thanks to the college. :)
- Lastly, I decided to change the Copyright notes to a more accurate expression
about my concessions and prohibitions about this FAQ. That's it for today.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
4.0 - Copyright, Thanks and Notes
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
* * * * * Copyright Notice borrowed from Brett "Nemesis" Franklin * * * * *
© Copyright 2005 Thiago "Simon" Simões. This FAQ and everything included
within this file cannot be reproduced in any way, shape or form (physical,
electronical, or otherwise) aside from being placed on a freely-accessible,
non-commercial web page in it's original, unedited and unaltered format. This
FAQ cannot be used for profitable purposes (even if no money would be made from
selling it) or promotional purposes. It cannot be used in any sort of
commercial transaction. It cannot be given away as some sort of bonus, gift,
etc., with a purchase as this creates incentive to buy and is therefore
prohibited.
Furthermore, this FAQ cannot be used by the publishers, editors, employees
or associates, etc. of any company, group, business, or association, etc., nor
can it be used by game sites and the like. It cannot be used in magazines,
guides, books, etc. or in any other form of printed or electronic media
(including mediums not specifically mentioned) in ANY way, shape, or form
(including reprinting, reference or inclusion), without the express written
permission of the author, myself. This FAQ was created and is owned by me,
Thiago Simões. All copyrights and trademarks are acknowledged and respected
that are not specifically mentioned in this FAQ.
The only sites allowed to use this FAQ are:
- http://www.gamefaqs.com
- http://vidgame0.tripod.com
The latest version can always be found in GameFAQs.com. I do not want it to be
put up on any other web site and am not above explaining this to your ad banner
guys or whoever else I can get ahold of if you decide to violate this
disclaimer.
To continue, this FAQ and everything included herein is protected by the Berne
Copyright Convention of 1976, not to mention International Copyright Law.
Remember that plagiarism is a crime, and that this is a copyrighted work --
stealing from this guide is putting yourself at risk, plain and simple,
because the law is on my side. If you would like to contribute to this FAQ
(you will be credited,) please e-mail me, as well as any questions, comments,
or corrections, to the address below.
Special thanks to:
- GOD, for everything.
- Mom, for listening all my stuff :)
- You, for reading this FAQ.
- c64.com and arnold.c64.org, for providing such nice games.
- Lee Rolfing, for info on the LOAD command.
- lemon64.com and the hosted sites Total64 and Manual.
- Shotgunner (csanicola@yahoo.com), for asking good questions.
- The guys from Project 64, for retyping the extremely useful Commodore 64
Programmer's Reference Guide.
- Marc Walters (mwalters@bombadil.apana.org.au) - I've got a few info in one of
his articles.
- Cameron Kaiser (ckaiser@stockholm.ptloma.edu) - I've got a few info in one of
his articles.
- NA NA and Razvan Mustarica for asking questions about NTSC/PAL compatibility.
- NoName (http://noname.c64.org/mood), for developing the best first person
shooter available for an 8-bit console, Mood. (Although unfinished, that is).
- Commodore Scene (http://www.btinternet.com/~commodorescene/), for their great
catalog products list. It cleared about 90% of my doubts.
- DDP619 (ddp619@aol.com) - For making me realise I had to update this FAQ once
again!
- Alex Allen (alex@allenzone.co.uk) - For letting me know about Mad Doctor.
Note that the sections
2.5.3
2.5.3.1
2.5.3.2
2.5.3.3
2.5.3.4
2.5.3.5
were written with the help of Commodore On-line Manual
(http://www.lemon64.com/manual), and from the C6410PRG.DOC document, wrote by
the people from Project 64, and fully based on the book Commodore 64
Programmer's Reference Guide. The sections
2.5.2
2.8
were also written with the help of Commodore Scene product catalogue, and the
sections
2.5.3.6
2.5.3.7
were extracted from the Commodore 64 User Manual. Other than these, nothing
here was copied from any other place, or used without proper credit. All the
products, peripherals, books, sites and computers listed here are Copyright of
their creators.
Contact me through my e-mail - thiagosimoes84@hotmail.com
Thanks for reading.
EOF
(FAQ source)