YOU AND SPECTRUM - PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS
(c) Nemo
198261, St. Petersburg, PO Box 213.
"Computers will need not only
to liberate, but also to conquer a person. How
machines stood between nature and man
com, and computers will come between the
cleverness and meaning. And if we now
it is necessary, albeit in vain, to defend
nature, then wouldn’t it also be necessary - and,
probably just as futile - to defend
meanings?"
One of Kolmogorov's students, 1989
"But here's what I think I should be talking about...
wives regret is what I see
such crazy and stupid idolatries
kovs who... copy perfection
Egyptian cult; and are looking for a deity,
although they have no basis for this
in the excrement of the dead and lifeless
private things; and at the same time they expose
not only these deities and
sophisticated admirers, but also
us... and what's worse, they're celebrating
victory, seeing how respected their crazy
ongoing rituals...
“Don’t be tormented by this, Mom,” said Easy.
yes, - after all, fate has prescribed change-
the spirit of darkness and light.
“But the trouble is,” Mom answered, “that
they are confident that they are in the light."
Spaceio
(Giordano Bruno. Spaceio della bestia
trionfante, 3).
In the book: Umberto Eco"Foucault's Pendulum".
Novel. lane from Italian (Chapter X: Malkuth)
1. Dear readers of the magazine
"Radio amateur."
The editors decided to open a
cases dedicated to Spectrum computers. Although
this is not advertised in the overwhelming majority
quasi-scientific computer periodicals and pub-
licistics, the Spectrum computer is still
is popular among the population of the CIS.
That is, not only subjective, but also
quite objective reasons.
Unfortunately, the lack of points of view
alternatives to those available in the IBM platform
PC, leads to the impossibility of adequate
perception of processes occurring in in-
formation technologies. We also have to
to state the sad fact that
technical characteristics and moisture technology
using a computer has become an end in itself,
preventing the real application of technology
ki. Computer "vigilances" at the keyboard,
- either behind a soldering iron, - gradually transform-
become a type of marginal activity
body, reminiscent of either alchemy or
whether cult actions in which technology
turns into a fetish.
2. Editorial policy.
Below is the proposed edition
onic policy with the aim of shaping how
corps of authors of publications, and corresponding
current readership.
The editors will, as far as possible,
run around publications that are commonly called
vat in amateur circles"modifications"
"extensions" and "improvements"
mi", or a warning footnote will be made
denition. Practice shows that such a
yes activity, being exclusively
clear as a process, leads to a purely
negative results. In the least worst
cases (and there are no better cases)
Maintainability and operating time are compromised
failure (in amateur terminology "no g-
rupture") and failure, operational re-
resource, software compatibility. All these
parameters have very specific values
bridge expression, and without being compensated
vans (paid), deprive the user
computer, which, in essence, turns out to be
broken by your own hands. That would
and it wouldn’t be a big problem if in return
new computers were purchased. But this
doesn't actually happen. Therefore it is more correct
consider this type of activity as
systematic destruction of the vehicle fleet.
This is not an unfounded statement. Through re-
installation substructure of the company (c) Nemo passed
about a THOUSAND different modifications of clo-
new Spectrum (hardware implementations) sa-
from various manufacturers. Corresponding
literally, in plain sight as the “work on technical
no one" and its results.
I would like to reorient the user-
tel from "Kulibinsk" (in which the computer
viewed as an end in itself) for meaningful
purposeful and purposeful work with the aim of creating
Danish domestichousehold computer,
domestic information environment and their
user content due to
cottages external to the computer,
as such. Those. such applications-task-
chi, in which the work is not done on
computer, and through the computer
(i.e. using a computer). For example,
for coordination and interaction, information
supply, implementation of practical
applications, establishing information
ties at the level of civil society
(bypassing officialdom, both domestic and
imported).
Therefore, schematic diagrams can be published
rejoice, with appropriate explanations -
mi, - if necessary,
bridges. For example, for a better understanding
specifics of the functioning of nodes and blocks
for the purpose of either repairing or creating a program
framework or security
other types of support. Also recognized
possibility of publishing device diagrams,
docked to a computer using standard connections
cam bus and system expansion connector
Centronics. This makes it possible to separate
manufacturer's responsibility and qualification
bathroom user and organize normal
low operation of equipment.
As a typical example, we will consider
mat clone of Spectrum brand KAY-1024
for the following reasons:
- there are standard ones (in the Spe platform)
ctrum) and generally accepted joints allowing
expand your computerwithout the help of a hammer,
chisel and soldering iron. By the way, their absence
in production/development models of the early 90s
makes it impossible to produce peripherals,
because this again leads to massive
breaking down computers. On the other hand,
promotion of what is necessary for a full-fledged
functioning of standards technology (unified
variety) is possible only by gradually
th renewal of the fleet of operating technical
nicknames;
- considerations taken into account
when accepting certain ideological
ky, conceptual, constructive, schematic
motechnical, technological, organizational
tional-administrative and marketing
solutions are known for certain only by firms
to the manufacturer. Others - from the realm of speculation -
fishing Moreover, the least unreliable versions
can only be provided by manufacturers
about manufacturers based on the principle of "fisherman"
sees the fisherman from afar." Thus we can
the credibility of the public may be increased
tions;
- most Spectrum clones released
in the early 90s and significantly (either
almost completely) have developed operational
ny resource and will soon leave
operation. So this puts
questioning long-term relevance
publications on them, while computer
KAY-1024 cameras are produced and sold at
this day, although in very modest quantities
qualities.
The task of updating the fleet of existing
Spectrum machines - taskmore than relevant
naya at the moment. It is necessary to understand
that if there are no new real cars, then
There will be no Spectrum either. You shouldn't
sew yourself with illusions. There is no "virtual"
al platforms”, just as it would not
prevents mold without dampness. "Virtual
platforms" are secondary phenomena, epiphe-
nomen. Such social formations are
epiphenomena of real platforms that are used
scratch, as befits a parasitic evil-
quality new growths, immediately after
disappearance of the real platform.
From what has been said it does not at all follow that
Spectrum clones from other manufacturers are not used
will be supported at all. If possible
conditions will be created for filling
these computers have consumer properties
tvami until their decommissioning.
Another thing is that this is only possible in
within the standard Spectrum architecture
Amstrad-128 (domestic implementation:
Spectrum-128 and TR-DOS).
All other items no longer sold
currently existing manufacturers
lyami, their declared modes, technical
characteristics, design and circuit design
cultural and architectural features may
be considered only as unsecured
obligations for which no one bears and
cannot be held responsible. Necessary
add that based on existing experience
regular and systematic support
because it’s completely impossible no matter whowhatever it was
(i.e., characteristics declared by manufacturers
ristics were due to market conditions
considerations and do not represent
more than a layer of printing ink in the co-
management documentation), or, due to
objective circumstances, fabulous road
and therefore impossible. The only thing is
can be recommended to users - this
henceforth be more discerning in your
acquisitions and be more sober about
rich promises and exaltation of technical
what a cool thing.
The editors will try to avoid propaganda
y "freebies". No matter how pleasant it may be
getting something for free is necessary
understand that ultimately, for nothing,
which doesn't happen because someone pays
money - pursuing very specific goals
whether. In relation to computer platforms
moms users pay with loyalty
ties to the “freeloader” and dependence on non-
go, as well as the “corrosion” of the worldview
(mentality), - i.e. corrupted. When
in a sufficiently large volume of “freebies” this can
can have far-reaching consequences, resulting
far beyond the scope of technical issues
owls The editors would like to be dependent
primarily from their readers, and not from
third parties, and for this you need to pay
tit, - if you, of course, want to have
your magazine.
Looking at the problem a little more broadly,
The following points may also be noted.
Because on the Spectrum platformsteal (live
for free) you can only have each other, because
there are no external ones (for example, budgetary ones)
sources of financing, then the problem is
takes on an ethical character. Essentially, speech
is about promoting corporate ethics, which
which is expressed in compliance requirements
copyright, - not in words and in December
larations, - but in reality. This is the basis for creating
development of domestic information technology
gee. He who steals can never
become a professional, because he puts under
doubt is the essence of professionalism, as these
ical position. Although technical skills
(qualifications) can be quite
sophisticated, but they will be fruitless. Necessary
We need to learn to respect other people's work. Re-
action would like to create an environment and
appropriate atmosphere for the emergence
of independent firms and domestic
products both in the field of hardware and
software product area.
3. Intended Readership
(A little about the Spectrum platform).
These are, first of all, the owners of real
Spectrum machines with a disk drive. Also useful
workers who, for some reason, abandoned
Spectrum and now those who want to support them again
bother. This group of users prefer
positive, is able to assess the quality of the publication
lications and, accordingly, pay for the work
editors. The editors do not set themselves
the goal of attracting new users is
as there are already plenty of them.Moreover, I regulate
a large influx of school-age teenagers
those who have a very vague idea
both about Spectrum and about computers in
in general, it is already creating serious problems
we. They can be recommended to find by month-
that of residence of people engaged in Spect-
rum so that they could explain to them
at least the basics, or study on your own
literature on Spectrum from the early 90s
Dov.
It must be frankly admitted that
train a person through magazines
publications are impossible in principle. Magazine
cannot replace a university. So, for example, one hundred
tuition fees for a technical university student
(government expenditures) amounts to
about $4/hour with the number of academic
about ten thousand hours. This assessment
The hourly rate is also independently confirmed.
the cost of tutoring services in the private sector
tore. Order of the amount required
master both the costs of personal and public
time speak for themselves. Attraction
teenagers into computer platforms with
pour "deprivation of innocence" through oral
wounds of car phobia should be equated
to lead to debauchery, i.e. to the crime
tive morality. Because as a result
usually result in machine-dependent, limited
inferior in their purely technical skills
people who in the future, in better
sometimes they become clerks, and at worst - ha-
ceramics
Earlier, in the mid-90syears, such
there was no problem, because in computer
users dominated on terrestrial platforms
with higher technical education, who
supported the general culture of the user-
skoy environment at a fairly high level.
Now the average age of users
Spectrum platform is 20...22
yes.
The situation is aggravated by the widespread
who have recently been wounded by prejudice
kami. For example, that Spectrum was created
almost as a teaching aid on
programming for the purpose of subsequent re-
cages on IBM PC. Meanwhile, technical
agreements underlying ideologies
different platforms do not carry universal
character (i.e. their legality, - ob-
the scope of the task is limited by the scope of the con-
retary platform) and are purely conventional
(i.e. this is simply a convention that is implied -
default). On other platforms
they are invalid and do not work. In per-
First of all, this concerns qualifications
(technical skills). At the same time,
Spectrum can provide an invaluable service
for the development and implementation of fundamental
scientific, academic aspects of information
technologies that are based on the IBM PC platform, according to
For some reasons, it is impossible. Those. mix-
emphasize the training of specialists with
instilling labor skills (labor training)
tion). Help in training specialists with
unorthodox, open-minded and broada look at things that alone
will be able to develop domestic information
onny technologies.
4. About the alleged authors,
publication topics
and publication requirements.
Unfortunately, we have to admit
that people are professional (or at least
semi-professionally) engaged in Spect-
There are practically no rum technologies left.
Those few who remain will be given
preference - that’s what I would like
invite to cooperation.
The authors of publications may be management
Spectrum clubs' parents. Special Interest
represents the exchange of real experiences on
pages of "Amateur Radio" between specialists
those using Spectrum clones in
quality of technological controllers. There will be
interesting methodological developments of teaching
workers using technology in the process
training. Articles dedicated to software
products that have confirmed their
the need for appropriate commercial
return on the market.
Those. Everyone is invited to cooperate,
who has a professional relationship with
Spectrum is ready, - because of this, pre-
deliver publications of the relevant
level, based on practical
experience of real use of machines.
Based on the fact that a typical device
display in Spectrum is tele-
receiver, materials on TV will be interesting
problems, in that part, inwhat is she like
is directly related to Spect-
rum'u.
It must be remembered that everything that can
can be done, can be done
only by you at the expense of the funds that you
users pay. These funds are more
than modest, but the very fact of their presence inspires
there is cautious optimism. You can work -
although it is difficult.
Even if it is not possible to
to collect an editorial portfolio, company
(c) Nemo has a volume of quality
materials for one to two years in advance.
A news section is also planned,
dedicated to general problems of information
technologies in the form of banknotes (reprints) from
publications that are slightly dependent on the IBM platform
PC - and, accordingly, due to this deserved
living trust. Moreover, in cases where
whether the issues raised in them are for any reason
for reasons they did not receive proper coverage
in computer periodicals
IBM PC platforms.
5. About the procedure for working with the editors.
Letters with materials, wishes, questions
dew on Spectrum topics is necessary
send to:
198261, St. Petersburg, PO Box 213, (c) Nemo.
To all letters from real users
Spectrum machines are given an informative
vet. The answer to the first letter is free,
- repeated and all subsequent letters are necessary
we need to pay. To avoid accusations
in concealing information, all letters - so
the same as the answers to them, without any
censorshipare converted into electronic form and
are sent (for a fee) on floppy disks to Spect-
rum format. Over the past few years
Several hundred have been processed this way.
letters, therefore it is recommended to
but familiarize yourself with the existing correspondence with
users in order to avoid repeated
questions.
Materials worthy of publication in
magazine "Radio Amateur", are subject to re-
editorial edits and sent to the author. B
in case of disagreement, publication is canceled
without any further discussion. Hell-
Authors' information is published only with their permission
decisions or at their request.
6. Conclusion.
There are no guarantees that home
computers in general, and Spectrum in particular
news - this is serious and for a long time. Thanks
excessive commercialization, opportunistic
moods and unbridled advertising, reigning
the latest in information technology
several years, any objective judgments
Denia is very difficult. It is quite probable
such an outcome that Home machines will stop
their existence as platforms
(socio-cultural-economic education-
niy). I would like to make an effort like this
way to prevent this from happening. But even
if this happens, then
the efforts made will not be in vain, because
this is a completely unique real experience and
completely unique results, get
which would otherwise be impossible. Between
thoseoriginated in information technology
problems sooner or later, one way or another,
but you have to decide. It's better to do it now
hour, without delay. Then it will be
more expensive and more painful, because you'll have to cut it
alive."
* * *
For a shortened version, see:
"Radio Amateur" N9/2001, p. 17...18.
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