{"id":35850,"date":"2025-08-31T14:47:59","date_gmt":"2025-08-31T18:47:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.megalextoria.com\/wordpress\/?p=35850"},"modified":"2025-09-22T23:36:44","modified_gmt":"2025-09-23T03:36:44","slug":"computes-gazette-march-1987","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.megalextoria.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/2025\/08\/31\/computes-gazette-march-1987\/","title":{"rendered":"Compute!&#8217;s Gazette (March 1987)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"\/magazines\/index.php?twg_album=Computer_Magazines%2FGazette%2Fgazette_1987-03&amp;twg_show=Compute_Gazette_Issue_45_1987_Mar-001.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Compute_Gazette_Issue_45_1987_Mar-001-753x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"753\" height=\"1024\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-35853\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.megalextoria.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Compute_Gazette_Issue_45_1987_Mar-001-753x1024.jpg 753w, http:\/\/www.megalextoria.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Compute_Gazette_Issue_45_1987_Mar-001-221x300.jpg 221w, http:\/\/www.megalextoria.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Compute_Gazette_Issue_45_1987_Mar-001-768x1045.jpg 768w, http:\/\/www.megalextoria.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Compute_Gazette_Issue_45_1987_Mar-001-1129x1536.jpg 1129w, http:\/\/www.megalextoria.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Compute_Gazette_Issue_45_1987_Mar-001-88x120.jpg 88w, http:\/\/www.megalextoria.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Compute_Gazette_Issue_45_1987_Mar-001.jpg 1174w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 753px) 100vw, 753px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Compute!&#8217;s Gazette was a spin-off of Compute! magazine that exclusively covered Commodore 8-bit computers (mostly the Commodore 64). It was probably one of the two most popular Commodore 64 magazines with RUN being the other one. The March 1987 issue includes:<\/p>\n<h1>Features<\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li><b>The Commodore Graphics Connection<\/b> &#8211; The Commodore 64 had perhaps the most advanced graphics of any 8-bit home computer. In fact, the VIC-II graphics chip (along with the SID sound chip) were originally conceived as the basis for a new video game machine.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>A Buyer&#8217;s Guide to Commodore Graphics Progams<\/b> &#8211; A brief overview of some of the many graphics applications available for the Commodore 64. Some of the titles mentioned here include Blazing Paddles (drawing and painting program), Cadpak-64 and Cadpak-128 (computer-aided design package), Certificate Maker (design and printing program), Chartpak-64 and Chartpak-128 (for creating pie, bar and line charts), ColorMe: The Computer Coloring Kit (introductory drawing package for kids), Desk Pack I (includes Graphics Grabber which converts clip-art from Print Shop, Print Master, and Newsroom to GEOS), Doodle (high res drawing program), Flexidraw Light Pen Graphics, Version 5 (advanced graphics and light-pen package), and many more.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>The Fundamentals of Commodore Graphics<\/b> &#8211; An introduction to the Commodore 64&#8217;s array of graphics modes and features.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1>Reviews<\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li><b>The Commodore 1670 Modem<\/b> &#8211; While the Commodore 64 could use most standard external modems with an adapter, Commodore&#8217;s 1670 Modem (1200bps) was an inexpensive modem that could connect directly to the user port.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Alter Ego and Mind Mirror<\/b> &#8211; Alter Ego is &#8216;what if&#8217; fantasy role playing game from Activision while Mind Mirror was designed in part with Timothy Leary (published by Electronic Arts) and is a little harder to classify.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Trinity<\/b> &#8211; The latest in interactive fiction from Infocom. In this text adventure you must, in part, survive a nuclear holocaust.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1>Games<\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Tile Trader<\/b> &#8211; A type-in puzzle game in which you must slide the tiles around to get them in the correct order.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Ringside Boxing<\/b> &#8211; A type-in two player arcade style boxing game.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1>Education\/Home Applications<\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Color Craft<\/b> &#8211; A type-in art program for the Commodore 64.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Computing for Families: Beyond the Desktop &#8211; Soap Bubbles, Forests, and Hot-Air Balloons<\/b> &#8211; Metaphors, other than the Desktop, to make computers easier to use.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"\/wordpress\/?attachment_id=35852\" class=\"attachment wp-att-35852\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Compute_Gazette_Issue_45_1987_Mar-007-741x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"741\" height=\"1024\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-35852\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.megalextoria.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Compute_Gazette_Issue_45_1987_Mar-007-741x1024.jpg 741w, http:\/\/www.megalextoria.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Compute_Gazette_Issue_45_1987_Mar-007-217x300.jpg 217w, http:\/\/www.megalextoria.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Compute_Gazette_Issue_45_1987_Mar-007-768x1061.jpg 768w, http:\/\/www.megalextoria.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Compute_Gazette_Issue_45_1987_Mar-007-1112x1536.jpg 1112w, http:\/\/www.megalextoria.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Compute_Gazette_Issue_45_1987_Mar-007-87x120.jpg 87w, http:\/\/www.megalextoria.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Compute_Gazette_Issue_45_1987_Mar-007.jpg 1166w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 741px) 100vw, 741px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h1>Programming<\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li><b>RAM Expansion for the Commodore 128<\/b> &#8211; A guide to using the new 1700 (128K) and 1750 (512K) ram expansions on the Commodore 128.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Using RAM Expansion With CP\/M<\/b> &#8211; A guide to using RAM expansion when using the Commodore 128&#8217;s CP\/M mode.<\/li>\n<li><b>Text Sequencer<\/b> &#8211; A type-in machine language program that can be used from within your own BASIC programs to print sequential files to the screen 15 times faster than with BASIC alone.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Sprite Manager<\/b> &#8211; A type-in sprite designer, editor, and animator for the Commodore 64.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>RAM Plus<\/b> &#8211; A type-in machine language routine that can free up an additional 4K of RAM for BASIC programs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>CP\/M PIP on the Commodore 128<\/b> &#8211; A detailed look at using CP\/M&#8217;s PIP command on the Commodore 128. This command can be used for file copying among other things.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Custom Keys<\/b> &#8211; A couple of type-in utility programs that let you redefine the Commodore 64&#8217;s keyboard.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>ROM Enhancer<\/b> &#8211; A short machine language program that offers improvements to BASIC 2.0.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Power BASIC: 128 Partitioner<\/b> &#8211; A type-in program that allows you to load up to four independent programs in to BASIC at once on the Commodore 128.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>BASIC for Beginners: More on IF-THEN<\/b> &#8211; Part two of a guide on using IF statements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Machine Language for Beginners: ML Mailbag<\/b> &#8211; Questions answered from readers about learning machine language, using flags, and more.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Hints &amp; Tips: Useful WAITS<\/b> &#8211; A guide to effectively using Commodore BASIC&#8217;s WAIT statement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1>Departments<\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li><b>The Editor&#8217;s Note<\/b> &#8211; Reprinted from the February issue of Compute!.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Gazette Feedback<\/b> &#8211; Letters from readers about printing biorhythms, disk problems, using exponents in BASIC, and more.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Simple Answers to Common Questions<\/b> &#8211; Questions answered about using an Apple disk drive with a Commodore 64, fixing disk drive alignment issues, and more.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Horizons: What Is Memory?<\/b> &#8211; A look at how memory works on the Commodore 64.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>News &amp; Products<\/b> &#8211; Accountant, Inc. for the Commodore 128, 128K ROMDISK with Hyperboot for the Commodore 64 and 128, Killed Until Dead from Accolade, and more.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Compute_Gazette_Issue_45_1987_Mar-136-748x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"748\" height=\"1024\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-35851\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.megalextoria.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Compute_Gazette_Issue_45_1987_Mar-136-748x1024.jpg 748w, http:\/\/www.megalextoria.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Compute_Gazette_Issue_45_1987_Mar-136-219x300.jpg 219w, http:\/\/www.megalextoria.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Compute_Gazette_Issue_45_1987_Mar-136-768x1051.jpg 768w, http:\/\/www.megalextoria.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Compute_Gazette_Issue_45_1987_Mar-136-1122x1536.jpg 1122w, http:\/\/www.megalextoria.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Compute_Gazette_Issue_45_1987_Mar-136-88x120.jpg 88w, http:\/\/www.megalextoria.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Compute_Gazette_Issue_45_1987_Mar-136.jpg 1171w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 748px) 100vw, 748px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&#8230;and more!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Compute!&#8217;s Gazette was a spin-off of Compute! magazine that exclusively covered Commodore 8-bit computers (mostly the Commodore 64). It was probably one of the two most popular Commodore 64 magazines with RUN being the other one. The March 1987 issue includes: Features The Commodore Graphics Connection &#8211; The Commodore 64 had perhaps the most advanced graphics of any 8-bit home computer. In fact, the VIC-II graphics chip (along with the SID sound chip) were originally conceived as the basis for a new video game machine. A Buyer&#8217;s Guide to Commodore Graphics Progams &#8211; A brief overview of some of the many graphics applications available for the Commodore 64. Some of the titles mentioned here include Blazing Paddles (drawing and painting program), Cadpak-64 and Cadpak-128 (computer-aided design package), Certificate Maker (design and printing program), Chartpak-64 and Chartpak-128 (for creating pie, bar and line charts), ColorMe: The Computer Coloring Kit (introductory drawing package for kids), Desk Pack I (includes Graphics Grabber which converts clip-art from Print Shop, Print Master, and Newsroom to GEOS), Doodle (high res drawing program), Flexidraw Light Pen Graphics, Version 5 (advanced graphics and light-pen package), and many more. The Fundamentals of Commodore Graphics &#8211; An introduction to the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":35853,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[44,4],"tags":[471,472,473,4173,2835,2362],"class_list":["post-35850","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-commodore-64","category-computer-arcana","tag-commodore","tag-commodore-128","tag-commodore-64","tag-gazette","tag-magazine","tag-retrocomputing"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.megalextoria.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35850","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.megalextoria.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.megalextoria.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.megalextoria.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.megalextoria.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35850"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"http:\/\/www.megalextoria.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35850\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":35958,"href":"http:\/\/www.megalextoria.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35850\/revisions\/35958"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.megalextoria.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/35853"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.megalextoria.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35850"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.megalextoria.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35850"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.megalextoria.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35850"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}