Shows
The Retrobits PodcastShow 133: An Interview with Stewart Cheifet, Part IRun. Stop. Restore.
Welcome to Show #133! This episode's topic: An Interview with Stewart Cheifet, Part I!
In part I of this interview, Stewart Cheifet discusses the genesis and some favorite moments from the Computer Chronicles program, which he anchored for two decades.(Note: The Commodore 64 series will resume after this two-parter with Stewart Cheifet. Stay tuned...)Want a full-featured command-line based mail agent? Check out Heirloom Mailx!Talk Geek to Me, an Internet Radio program by Deepgeek.A Tandy CoCo, connected to the Internet as a client and server? You be...
2010-06-0145 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 132: The Commodore 64, Part IComputers for the masses, not the classes...
Welcome to Show #132! This episode's topic: The Commodore 64, Part I!
In part I of this series on the Commodore 64, I cover my initial experiences with the machine (back in "the day"), and also provide an overview of the C64 hardware specifications.
Have an old 680x0 based Mac? Interested in them? If so, be sure to visit the 68K Macintosh Liberation Army site!Commodore reborn, again? Have a look at the article on The Register, and the website itself at Commodore USA, LLC, and you be the...
2010-04-2530 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 131: Ten Years Of RetrocomputingYay! We're BACK!
Welcome to Show #131! This episode's topic: Ten Years Of Retrocomputing!
In this episode, I discuss some observations on the time that I've spent in the retrocomputing hobby, which coincidentally turns out to be 10 years. It's been a fun ride, and more fun to come!
The SIDStick is a portable SID chiptunes player. More information at the Gadget Gangster website...Old retro plastics yellowed with age? Take a look at Retr0bright to see if it might be a solution!
Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedb...
2010-03-1639 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 130: Enhancing the TRS-80 Model 100I found the Enter key. Where's the Exit key?Welcome to Show #130! This episode's topic: Enhancing the TRS-80 Model 100!
In this episode, I cover two add-on products for the Tandy Model 100/102/200 computers - the REX flash module, and the NADSBox SD-card storage system.
Both of the products discussed in this episode can be found at the Club100 site!
Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gmail.com.
For online discussions on Retrobits Podcast topics, check out the Retrobits Podcast forum on the PETSCII Fo...
2009-12-0423 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 129: Connecting with the Atari 800Have you hugged your retro computer today?Welcome to Show #129! This episode's topic: Connecting with the Atari 800!
In this episode, I cover several of the Atari 8-bit add-on products from Atarimax, including the SIO2PC/ProSystem adapter, the Atari Peripheral Emulator for Windows software package, and the MaxFlash 8 Mbit flash memory cartridge! It's loads of 8-bit modern day fun.
The full range of Atarimax products can be found here, at their website...A new game for the Atari 8-bit systems, Kolony 2106, available for download, with manual!The game was an...
2009-11-1231 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 128: An Interview With Chuck Peddle, Part IVPart IV!Welcome to Show #128! This episode's topic: An Interview With Chuck Peddle, Part IV!
In this final, part IV of the interview series with Chuck Peddle, he discusses being among the first to bring hard drive technology to personal computing, portable hard drive systems, industry trends, and his current endeavors with flash memory. He ends with a tribute to many of the engineers and industry players that he worked with throughout the years.
Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gmail.com.
For online di...
2009-09-0243 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 127: An Interview With Chuck Peddle, Part IIIThis just in at the news desk - computers are cool!Welcome to Show #127! This episode's topic: An Interview With Chuck Peddle, Part III!
In part III of this interview series, Chuck Peddle discusses further market considerations for the Commodore 8-bit machines, and leaving Commodore to produce business-class personal computers at Victor/Sirius.
Look for Part IV, the conclusion, sometime around August 31st!
Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gmail.com.
For online discussions on Retrobits Podcast topics, check out the Retrobits P...
2009-08-2233 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 126: The Vintage Computer Festival East 6.0We will serve no bits before their time.Welcome to Show #126! This episode's topic: The Vintage Computer Festival East 6.0!
In this episode of Retrobits, Evan Koblentz, producer of the Vintage Computer Festival East, and President and Co-Founder of MARCH (the Mid Atlantic Retro Computing Hobbyists), joins us to discuss the Vintage Computer Festival East 6.0 event!More information on the Vintage Computer Festival can be found at www.vintage.org...And here is a flyer (PDF format) for this year's VCF East 6.0 event!Be sure to send any comments, questions o...
2009-08-1822 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 125: An Interview With Chuck Peddle, Part IIHi again!Welcome to Show #125! This episode's topic: An Interview With Chuck Peddle, Part II!
In this episode, Chuck Peddle, lead creator of the 6502 microprocessor and the Commodore PET, continues our conversation on the early history of the 6502 and Commodore computers, and the market dynamics of the day! It's a great conversation.
A modern-day Commodore 64 laptop, created by the famous "Ben Heck", is auctioned for $6,000 for charity!Juiced.GS, the last remaining print magazine for the Apple II, continues in 2010 for another publication year!Win994a, a TI 99/4A simulator fo...
2009-08-1137 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 124: KansasFest 2009 Special ReportPress Enter to exit...Welcome to Show #124! This episode's topic: KansasFest 2009 Special Report!
In this installment of Retrobits, Ken Gagne, Editor-In-Chief of Juiced.GS and longtime KansasFest attendee joins us from KansasFest 2009, an annual Apple II convention event.For more information on KansasFest, head over to www.kansasfest.org!Check out Sheppyware, home of much Apple goodness, including the Sweet16 Apple IIGS emulator...A Twitter client for the Apple IIGS? And more, at ryansapplesoftware.com!And for all things Apple II, browse to A2Central!Be sure to sen...
2009-07-2934 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 123: An Interview With Chuck Peddle, Part IHi there!Welcome to Show #123! This episode's topic: An Interview With Chuck Peddle, Part I!
In this episode, I'm happy to bring you the first part of an interview with Chuck Peddle, lead designer of the 6502 microprocessor, Commodore PET, and many other innovations in the computing industry. In Part I, Chuck talks about his early history in computing, distributed intelligence, and the development and launch of the 6502.
Enjoy!
Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gmail.com.
For online discussions on Retrobits Podcast to...
2009-07-2034 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 122: A Brief History Of ProgrammingHigh level languages sold here. No assembly required.Welcome to Show #122! This episode's topic: A Brief History Of Programming!
The Carte Blanche expansion card for the Apple II uses an FPGA chip and can have many personalities!For a brief history of Fortran, have a look at this document on the ibiblio.org site...Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gmail.com.
For online discussions on Retrobits Podcast topics, check out the Retrobits Podcast forum on the PETSCII Forums page!
Our Theme Song is...
2009-06-0929 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 121: The Forth Programming Language, Part II: podcast prepare record upload listen ;Welcome to Show #121! This episode's topic: The Forth Programming Language, Part II!
Check out www.zophar.net, an interesting emulator resource!Don't miss out on the Commodore Vegas Expo (CommVEX) 5.0, happening July 25-26 2009 at the Plaza Hotel, Las Vegas, NV...Looking for Atari retro resources and discussions? Then hop on over to AtariAge!The book "Starting Forth" by Leo Brodie is a Forth language classic, and Thinking Forth is the excellent sequel!An account of the history of Forth can be found on the Fort...
2009-05-2129 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 120: The Forth Programming Language, Part INo computers were harmed in the making of this podcast.Welcome to Show #120! This episode's topic: The Forth Programming Language, Part I!
Check out the excellent Commodore 64 laptop project by Ben Heck!To the moon Alice! Here's an emulator for the Apollo AGC system, the computer for the Apollo spacecraft...Computers are in movies all over the place, including many of our retro computer favorites. For full coverage, check out the "Starring the Computer" site!The Breakpoint 2009 demo party is over, but videos, photo collections, and reports are there for tho...
2009-04-2129 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 119: Retro RoundupThis podcast produced with WYHIWYG (what you hear is what you get).Welcome to Show #119! This episode's topic: Retro Roundup!
The 8-bit TV Computer - 6502 based, Famicom/NES compatible, programmable, on the Maker Shed site...Playpower is promoting the use of the 8-bit TV Computer as an educational game development system! After having a look at their site, check out this Wired article on what Playpower is up to...Have a look at the Rare and Old Computers blog, where you can see information on production numbers and current sales of ra...
2009-04-0229 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 118: The Commodore PET 2001(A)bort, (R)etry, (S)mash with large hammer? _Welcome to Show #118! This week's topic: The Commodore PET 2001!
Check out the Wiki page for the N8VEM single board computer, an exciting new CP/M system with lots of activity going on!The VICE Emulator supports the Commodore PET series very well. Give it a try...Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gmail.com.
For online discussions on Retrobits Podcast topics, check out the Retrobits Podcast forum on the PETSCII Forums page!
Our Th...
2009-03-0430 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 117: The Texas Instruments Compact Computer 40"TI's new Compact Computer. It takes over your work, not your desk."(an ad from 1983)Welcome to Show #117! This week's topic: The Texas Instruments Compact Computer 40!
Radio Shack catalogs of the past! Too cool!The Ultimate Commodore 64 presentation - video and notes...Tex*In Treasures - a great place to find your TI 99/4A and TI CC-40 gear!Here is some general info on the CC-40 from 99er.net...and from Wikipedia......and more detailed technical info at this FTP site!
Be sure to send any co...
2009-01-2224 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 116: The Apple II, Part 3 (the Apple IIGS)The Apple IIGS - a computer with appeal.Welcome to Show #116! This week's topic: The Apple II, Part 3 (the Apple IIGS)!
A Commodore 65 prototype recently sold for over $9,000 on eBay! Read about the elusive C65 at the Secret Weapons Of Commodore site...Club100 is a long-time resource for owners of Tandy Model 100, 102 and 200 computers - while you're there, check out the NADSBox, the New Age Digital Storage system for the Model "T" computers!Apple II Adventures is a fun new blog with info and links for the Apple II series of computers...
2008-12-2232 minThe Retrobits PodcastSpecial Message: November 15, 2008Sorry for the delay! All work and no play makes my podcast late...I'm caught in a work transition, and have been working a ton of hours. The timing is a bit unfortunate, as I just got myself back in the driver's seat for my weekly schedule again. However, this is only going to last for two more weeks!!!Thanks for listening, and I will chat with you all soon! Hopefully I'll be able to put together an episode during this crunch time, but if not, at the latest in a couple of weeks when I'm out...
2008-11-1501 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 115: The Retro Spirit, Part II"What kind of man owns his own computer?"(Apple II ad, 1980)Welcome to Show #115! This week's topic: The Retro Spirit - Part II!
Check out the Pandora project - a handheld computing/gaming unit designed by the community!The One Laptop Per Child "XO" is an example of modern day innovation in personal computing...here is the Wikipedia page...Rob Barnaby, developer of WordStar, visits the Digibarn!
Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gmail.com.
For online discussions on Retrobits Pod...
2008-10-2326 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 114: The Retro SpiritI don't really want to "surf" the web. The idea of the web crashing down on me is, honestly, frightening...Welcome to Show #114! This week's topic: The Retro Spirit - Part I!
Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gmail.com.
For online discussions on Retrobits Podcast topics, check out the Retrobits Podcast forum on the PETSCII Forums page!
Our Theme Song is "Sweet" from the "Re-Think" album by Galigan.
Thanks for listening!
- Earl
This work is licensed un...
2008-10-1430 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 113: The Apple II Part 2Computing is as computing does.Welcome to Show #113! This week's topic: The Apple II - Part 2!
A first-person perspective game on the Apple II, written in low-res graphics? Yep, here's a YouTube video, and here's a link to the site where you can actually pick up the game (HBCC)!Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gmail.com.
For online discussions on Retrobits Podcast topics, check out the Retrobits Podcast forum on the PETSCII Forums page!
Our Theme Song is "Sweet" from the "Re-Think" al...
2008-08-0922 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 112: The Apple II - Part II'm back!Welcome to Show #112! This week's topic: The Apple II - Part I!
Want to build a digital computer with not much more than paper clips? Have a look at these plans from June 1967...New development on the VIC-20? Absolutely! And check out the Denial site, a fantastic resource for the VIC-20!Up for a retro challenge? Then check out Retrochallenge 2008 - happening next month! Sign up soon...
Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gmail.com.
For online discussions on Retrobits Podcas...
2008-06-2626 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 111: The Epson HX-20 computerBinary - you either like it, or you don't.Welcome to Show #111! This week's topic: The Epson HX-20 portable computer!
Have a look at this BBC article and video regarding the reunion of the creators of the BBC Micro!Using a PX-8 laptop as a terminal for Mac OS X? Leave it to Byte Cellar...Back In Time Live Stockholm 2008 is coming up in September! If you are into the Commodore 64 music scene, check out the website for more info!For a user-supported information resource on the Amstrad CPC, have a l...
2008-04-0325 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 110: My Scott Adams Adventure AdventureThere are two ways to write error-free programs; only the third one works.Welcome to Show #110! This week's topic: My Scott Adams Adventure Adventure!
Check out the Scott Adams official site, where you can download Scott Adams adventure games to play on your Windows system!Or, play the games directly online at the ifiction.org website...
Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gmail.com.
For online discussions on Retrobits Podcast topics, check out the Retrobits Podcast forum on the PETSCII Forums page!
2008-03-1425 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 109: Building BlocksBinary - for those who try a bit harder.Welcome to Show #109! This week's topic: Building Blocks!
An Apple //c, new in the box? And now it's opened? Here are the pictures...Jump aboard the Mac Mothership for a variety of Apple historical info!
Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gmail.com.
For online discussions on Retrobits Podcast topics, check out the Retrobits Podcast forum on the PETSCII Forums page!
Our Theme Song is "Sweet" from the "Re-Think" album by Galigan.
...
2008-02-1926 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 108: Book Review - What The Dormouse SaidDOWN WITH CYBERCRUD!!!Welcome to Show #108! This week's topic: Book Review: What The Dormouse Said
Vintage Technology Magzine, exploring vintage computers, calculators, watches, and more!Want to put a breadboarded circuit directly into a card slot of your Apple II? Then have a look at the LittleProto II...Here is the Amazon link to "What The Dormouse Said".And here is the YouTube link to Doug Englebart's "Mother of all demos" (video will play when link is clicked).Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gmail.co...
2008-02-0120 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 107: Windows 3.0C:\>WINWelcome to Show #107! This week's topic: Windows 3.0!
If you're a Spectrum enthusiast, then be sure to check out the update of the Free Unix Spectrum Emulator (FUSE), hosted at SourceForge!Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gmail.com.
For online discussions on Retrobits Podcast topics, check out the Retrobits Podcast forum on the PETSCII Forums page!
Our Theme Song is "Sweet" from the "Re-Think" album by Galigan.
Thanks for listening!
- Earl
This work is licensed u...
2008-01-2225 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 106: Random BitsHAPPY Y2K8!Welcome to Show #106! This week's topic: Random Bits (a variety show)!
JoyBubbles, one of the first phone "phreaks", passed away in August of 2007. Here's a New York Times article about him, as well as the Wikipedia page.See Philo Farnsworth, the inventor of electronic TV, in his only personal TV appearance (warning, YouTube video will start playing immediately). Here's the Wikipedia page on Farnsworth - he was one impressive inventor!The SIMH simulator can simulate a lot of systems! Definitely worth a look...Here is the home page of R...
2008-01-1030 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 105: The 68000 MicroprocessorHappy Birthday C64! Many happy returns...Welcome to Show #105! This week's topic: The 68000 Microprocessor!
The Commodore 64 gets some mainstream press on CNN! Happy birthday C64!And to commemorate 25 years of the C64, here is page including a video (warning, 200 Mb) for a Computer History Museum celebration event which included, among other notable figures, Jack Tramiel! Here's a YouTube posting of the same video.Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gmail.com.
For online discussions on Retrobits Podcast topics, check out the Retrobits Podcast forum on the...
2007-12-2026 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 104: The Unix Operating Systemcat retrobits.txt > /dev/listenerWelcome to Show #104! This week's topic: The Unix Operating System!
RetroGamer Magazine caters to the vintage gamer - have a look at their web site!A Computer Called LEO - a business thinking about automation - in the 1930s? Here's an Amazon link for the book...Virtual II, an Apple II/II+/IIe emulator for Mac OS, has just released a new version!Haven't heard about the SCO/Linux controversy? You can read about it at Wikipedia...Wikipedia also has a very comprehensive article on Uni...
2007-11-3032 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 103: The Commodore AmigaAmiga gives you a creative edge. (From a 1985 ad...)Welcome to Show #103! This week's topic: The Commodore Amiga!
How did we view computers in the 1960s? Not too much differently than today! See for yourself in this YouTube video...(will start playing on launch of the URL).The Computer History Museum will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Commodore 64 in December - the lineup includes Jack Tramiel, founder and CEO of Commodore. More info here on the Museum's events page.The full-blown, unabridged history of the Amiga can be found on the Am...
2007-11-1332 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 102: An Interview with Bil Herd, Part IIIBeware the Chickenhead!Welcome to Show #102! This week's topic: An Interview with Bil Herd, former Commodore Engineer (Part III)!
Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gmail.com.
For online discussions on Retrobits Podcast topics, check out the Retrobits Podcast forum on the PETSCII Forums page!
Our Theme Song is "Sweet" from the "Re-Think" album by Galigan.
Thanks for listening!
- Earl
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 2.5 License.
2007-10-3158 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 101: An Interview with Bil Herd, Part IIAll Hail the Chickenhead!Welcome to Show #101! This week's topic: An Interview with Bil Herd, former Commodore Engineer (Part II)!
Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gmail.com.
For online discussions on Retrobits Podcast topics, check out the Retrobits Podcast forum on the PETSCII Forums page!
Our Theme Song is "Sweet" from the "Re-Think" album by Galigan.
Thanks for listening!
- Earl
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 2.5 License.
2007-10-2434 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 100: An Interview with Bil Herd, former Commodore Engineer (Part I)Long live the Chickenhead!Welcome to Show 100! Thanks for another great year!
This week's topic: An Interview with Bil Herd, former Commodore Engineer (Part I)!
Links discussed on today's show:Two entertaining videos on YouTube - witness PDP 11 programming along with some campy acting! Also, check out this British computer history documentary, with the tagline GIGO - we all know that acronym...Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gmail.com.
For online discussions on Retrobits Podcast topics, check out th...
2007-10-1645 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 099: The 2007 State Of The PodcastRemember, wherever you went, there you were.Welcome to Show 099! This week's topic: The 2007 State Of The Podcast!
Links discussed on today's show:z80pack 1.14 is released - a Z80 cross-development / simulator package with simulation of many virtual CP/M machine components!Missed the Vintage Computer Festival East 4.0? Videos clips are on YouTube...Gamasutra has a nice article on Star Raiders, "Video Game's First Space Opera"!Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gmail.com.
For online discussions on Retrobits Podcast topics, check out...
2007-10-1024 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 098: My Koala Pad AdventureWe're BACK!!!Welcome to Show 098! This week's topic: My Koala Pad Adventure!
Links discussed on today's show:Check out the nicely scanned 1984 review of the Epson PX-8 on the Byte Cellar blog site!Happy 30th birthday, Atari 2600! Here's an article at Retro Thing commemorating the occasion...Vintage Computer Festival 10.0? Really? Yep, have a look! Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gmail.com.
For online discussions on Retrobits Podcast topics, check out the Retrobits Podcast forum on the PETSCII Forums page!
Our...
2007-10-0223 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 097: EthernetI pressed the End key, and it was all over.Welcome to Show 097! This week's topic: Ethernet!
Direct link to the Retrobits Podcast Forum (until the URL is repaired)...Have a look at the site for the Dick Smith System 80 (a TRS-80 clone, but with a style of its own!)
Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gmail.com.
For online discussions on Retrobits Podcast topics, check out the Retrobits Podcast forum on the PETSCII Forums page!
Our Theme Song is "Sweet" f...
2007-09-1230 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 096: Retro Computer StyleBeauty is only case-deep.Welcome to Show 096! This week's topic: Retro Computer Style!
Direct link to the Retrobits Podcast Forum (until the URL is repaired)...There's a new Commodore free online magazine - Commodore Free! Have a look - downloadable PDF, text, or D64 (disk image) versions available.
Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gmail.com.
For online discussions on Retrobits Podcast topics, check out the Retrobits Podcast forum on the PETSCII Forums page!
Our Theme Song is "Sweet" from the "Re...
2007-08-2826 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 095: Retro Computer RestorationRelax...it's only 1s and 0s...Welcome to Show 095! This week's topic: Retro Computer Restoration!
Direct link to the Retrobits Podcast Forum (until the URL is repaired)...These Sharp pocket computers sure are fun - like the Sharp Pocket Computer PC-1211...An Amiga cooked up in an FPGA circuit? Cool! Check out the Minimig!Writing games for a retro computer is good for you. Entering a contest is even better, like the Minigame Compo...The VAXMAN has an awesome museum of large systems - wow, the dedication. You should see i...
2007-08-1437 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 094: The Sharp PC-1500 Pocket ComputerProgrammer - an organism that turns coffee into software.Welcome to Show 094! This week's topic: The Sharp PC-1500 Pocket Computer!
Direct link to the Retrobits Podcast Forum (until the URL is repaired)...Want to learn about the Mattel Aquarius? Here's a page that could get you started...Have a look at Emma's GameIntro video blog, video game intros with many retro/vintage titles!Sites with info on the PC-1500: the Pocket Computer Museum site, the Sharp PC-1500 computer (TRS-80 PC-2) resource page, Old computers dot com, and the Vintage Computers we...
2007-07-3132 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 093: The IBM System/360When you get to the point where you really understand your computer, it's probably obsolete.Welcome to Show 093! This week's topic: The IBM System/360!
Direct link to the Retrobits Podcast Forum (until the URL is repaired)...Check out what's happening at KansasFest, and all the other great stuff, at the A2Central.com portal!A very interesting piece of history - an article describing the design motivations behind one of the most successful computer architectures ever - the System/360. (PDF format...)Want to convert from your old system to...
2007-07-2428 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 092: A Close Encounter - The CompuColor IIThe only problem with troubleshooting is that sometimes trouble shoots back.Welcome to Show 092! This week's topic: A Close Encounter - The CompuColor II!
Direct link to the Retrobits Podcast Forum (until the URL is repaired)...Gamasutra's History Of Zork can be found here...And, an alternate history of Zork, written by Tim Anderson and Stu Galley, from The New Zork Times, 1985!Jason Scott, creator of the BBS Documentary, is making a documentary, called "Get Lamp" on text-based interactive fiction games...Here are links with information on the CompuColor I...
2007-07-0922 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 091: The Users Group"...you might like to come to a gathering of people with likeminded interests. Exchange information, swap ideas, talk shop, help work on a project, whatever..." - excerpt from the original Homebrew Computer Club newsletter, March 15, 1975Welcome to Show 091! This week's topic: The Users Group!
Direct link to the Retrobits Podcast Forum (until the URL is repaired)...Here's info on the Vintage Computer Festival Midwest 3.0, coming up July 14th and Sunday, July 15th!
Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gmail.com.
For online discussions on...
2007-07-0229 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 090: Random BitsNever trust a computer you can't throw out a window. -Steve WozniakWelcome to Show 090! This week's topic: Random Bits (a variety show)!
Direct link to the Retrobits Podcast Forum (until the URL is repaired)...ADTPro (Apple Disk Transfer Pro) goes 1.0! Read about it here!Need a USB-based solution for connecting your 8-bit Atari system to your PC? They've got just the thing at AtariMax...Only a few lucky people were original owners of a Kenbak-1, recognized by many as the first personal computer. But the Kenbak Kit is a faith...
2007-06-2517 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 089: A Book Review - "iWoz"I keep hitting the "Home" key, but I'm still not home.Welcome to Show 089! This week's topic: A Book Review - "iWoz"
If you're having trouble getting to the PETSCII Forums (including the Retrobits Forum), here's an alternate link...SNOBOL? Yep, back when we used Fortran and loved it, SNOBOL was moving strings ahead, getting us ready for more sophisticated string processing in languages and tools to come. Have a look at the SNOBOL4 site for some more info!
Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gma...
2007-06-1226 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 088: My OS/2 AdventureIs it the espresso or OS/2 Warp Connect?(from a 1995 IBM marketing ad...)Welcome to Show 088! This week's topic: My OS/2 Adventure!
Can you find retrocomputing items on the Freecycle mailing list? You can, I did! Plus, it looks to be a very good resource in general! Changing the world, one gift at a time...The history of OS/2 is long and respectable. Have a look!
Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gmail.com.
For online discussions on Retrobits Podcast topics, check out t...
2007-06-0729 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 087: Retro Project TimeA floppy saved is a floppy earned.Welcome to Show 087! This week's topic: Retro Project Time!
Steve Wozniak - always a treat to see him speak. Here's a recent presentation by the Woz himself, on YouTube.Want to see the insides of an ASR 33 teletype? I thought you did! Digibarn has just the video for you.
Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gmail.com.
For online discussions on Retrobits Podcast topics, check out the Retrobits Podcast forum on the PETSCII Forums page!
Ou...
2007-05-2834 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 086: My Favorite Terminals10 Characters Per Second - Terminal Velocity.Welcome to Show 086! This week's topic: My Favorite Terminals!
Zork, on a cell phone? Yep, check it out here...Erik Klein's Vintage Computers site - a great resource, and be sure to check out the forums!Wikipedia's page on the ASR33 terminal (be sure to check out the bigger picture that they link to...)Another good info resource on the ASR33, on the PDP8.net site!The DECwriter II LA36 - now that's my kind of printing terminal. Here's some DECwriter II info on...
2007-05-1425 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 085: PC Support MemoriesWarning: OHS Error at line 10 (Operator Head Space)Welcome to Show 085! This week's topic: PC Support Memories!
Check out the RetroMacCast, a great show where great old Macs live again!
Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gmail.com.
For online discussions on Retrobits Podcast topics, check out the Retrobits Podcast forum on the PETSCII Forums page!
Our Theme Song is "Sweet" from the "Re-Think" album by Galigan.
Thanks for listening!
- Earl
This work is licensed u...
2007-05-0739 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 084: Book Review - Basic APPLE BASICFOR retrobits = 1 to 84: NEXT]_Welcome to Show 084! This week's topic: A Book Review: Basic APPLE BASIC!
Gaby's Homepage for CP/M and Computer History - a source for information on CP/M and more!A remake of Colossus - The Forbin Project? Really? Will the humans get to win this time?
Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gmail.com.
For online discussions on Retrobits Podcast topics, check out the Retrobits Podcast forum on the PETSCII Forums page!
Our Theme Song is...
2007-04-3029 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 083: WordStarShow Complete - Ctrl-K D XA>_Welcome to Show 083! This week's topic: WordStar!
Star Voyager - an NES game that looks like, hmmm, Star Raiders? See for yourself...Here's are some TI 99/4 videos, including a programming video presentation for the aspiring 99er!Want some help getting your Lisa Emulator up and running? Have a look at this step by step guide...if you need StuffIt Expander, check here...WordStar.org has some interesting history and other resources for modern WordStar users!
Be sure to send any com...
2007-04-2529 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 082: Star RaidersIs that a Zylon behind you? LOOK OUT!Welcome to Show 082! This week's topic: Star Raiders!
Which of the top 6 best buys in personal computing (from January 1982) is right for you? Have a look at this old article from Popular Mechanics to find out!Star Raiders, one of the top ten most important games of all time, has a tribute page here, and Wikipedia page here...
Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gmail.com.
For online discussions on Retrobits Podcast topics, check out...
2007-04-1631 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 081: Yad Sloof LirpaTo err is computer.Welcome to Show 081! This week's Topic: Yad Sloof Lirpa!
No topics or links were discussed in this week's podcast. Why? Heh, you've got to listen to find out...
Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gmail.com.
For online discussions on Retrobits Podcast topics, check out the Retrobits Podcast forum on the PETSCII Forums page!
Our Theme Song is "Sweet" from the "Re-Think" album by Galigan.
Thanks for listening!
- Earl
This work is...
2007-04-0214 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 080: The UNIVAC I"Where a calculator on the Eniac is equipped with 18,000 vacuum tubes andweighs 30 tons, computers in the future may have only 1,000 vacuum tubes andperhaps weigh 1-1/2 tons" - Popular Mechanics, March, 1949Welcome to Show 080! This week's Topic: The UNIVAC I!Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
What are the 10 worst PCs of all time? See what PC World thinks...Wikipedia has a page on the UNIVAC I - thanks as always for their great info...also check out the page on the innovative mercury delay li...
2007-03-2627 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 079: The Commodore 16A chocolate VIC-20? Yum!Welcome to Show 079! This week's Topic: The Commodore 16!
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
Commodore Gaming plans to release a new line of super-powered gaming systems - check it out at their web site...Retro Roundup - a one-stop site for retro computing and gaming news!Atari 2600 programming? You bet! With Batari BASIC...Commodore 16.com and Plus/4 World - two great sites with Commodore 16 and Plus/4 information, games, forums, the works!Want to emulate a C16 or Plus/4? Try YAPE, or the emula...
2007-03-1930 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 078: Book Review - 10 Starter Programs From Family ComputingThere's no key like Home. There's no key like Home.Welcome to Show 078! This week's Topic: A Book Review - 10 Starter Programs From Family Computer!
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
Check out Evan Koblentz's new blog on ComputerWorld!And new episodes of the Boring Beige Box Podcast!
Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gmail.com.
For online discussions on Retrobits Podcast topics, check out the Retrobits Podcast forum on the PETSCII Forums page!
Our Theme So...
2007-03-1224 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 077: Retro Roundup$110 per megabyte. That's when we walked to school uphill. 10 miles. In the snow.Welcome to Show 077! This week's Topic: Retro Roundup!
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
Aprigliano's blog entries on his father and the (formerly) mysterious CDC machine can be found here, and the Commodore 129 remix of the Bach tune that Commodore used in the 80s can be found here...DTACK Grounded? A helicopter? No, a 68000 information newsleter, of course, with archives here...
C4 Expo 2007 info
To make hotel reservations for the C=4 Ex...
2007-03-0525 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 076: The Commodore SuperPET and APLFaster than a speeding mainframe! More powerful than a uniprocessor! It's the SuperPET!Welcome to Show 076! This week's Topic: The Commodore SuperPET, and the APL Programming Language
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
Wikipedia's page on APL, some good info and links here...
Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gmail.com.
For online discussions on Retrobits Podcast topics, check out the Retrobits Podcast forum on the PETSCII Forums page!
Our Theme Song is "Sweet" from the "Re-Think" album by Gal...
2007-02-2626 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 075: The Year 1975World's First Minicomputer Kit to Rival Commercial Models... "Altair 8800" (1975...what a year!)Welcome to Show 075! This week's Topic: The Year 1975!
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
A new full-color book for the Commodore 64 is available for pre-order - have a look at this site for more details. Brought to you by the same folks as the ZX Spectrum Book!Check out online videos of some PET programs in action!I love to hear Woz tell the tales of the old days - here is a show on IT Con...
2007-02-1223 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 074: The Apple LisaGooey and Whizzywhig. Don't they sound like ice cream flavors?Welcome to Show 074! This week's Topic: The Apple Lisa!
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
A Commodore 64 PDA? Excellent! Can it sync with my e-mail system? No, but it is way cool!Visit a website hosted by a real Lisa 2! No kidding!For a great multimedia resource on the Lisa, have a look at the Graphical User Interface Gallery site!Want to read the Lisa user's manual? You can, but watch out - this is a 60+ Mb PDF dow...
2007-01-2925 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 073: Retro RoundupSHOW = RND(0) * TOPICSWelcome to Show 073! This week's Topic: Retro Roundup (Variety Show)!
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
Visit a website hosted by a real Lisa 2! No kidding! This is a bonus link, I didn't talk about it on the show... By the way, this is a hint at next week's podcast...Why is my vintage computer turning yellow? Find out from this fantastic write-up on vintagecomputing.com!Want to turn your retro computer into a information kiosk? Now you can! Check out startty.com...
Be sure...
2007-01-2417 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 072: An Interview With Rob O'Hara, Part IIIt's sunny and cold here! Perfect weather for a podcast...Welcome to Show 072! This week's Topic: An Interview with Rob O'Hara, Author of Commodork: Sordid Tales From A BBS Junkie, Part II!
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
The official site for the book "Commodork: Sordid Tales From A BBS Junkie"!BBSMates - where you can rejoin your lost comrades from the BBS generation!
Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gmail.com.
For online discussions on Retrobits Podcast topics, check ou...
2007-01-1545 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 071: An Interview With Rob O'Hara, Part IYippee, it's a New Year! Happy 2007!Welcome to Show 071! This week's Topic: An Interview with Rob O'Hara, Author of Commodork: Sordid Tales From A BBS Junkie, Part I
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
The official site for the book "Commodork: Sordid Tales From A BBS Junkie"!
Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gmail.com.
For online discussions on Retrobits Podcast topics, check out the Retrobits Podcast forum on the PETSCII Forums page!
Our Theme Song is "Sweet" from th...
2007-01-0843 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 070: The HP 41C Programmable Calculator
A show on a calculator? Yep, it all adds up.Welcome to Show 070! This week's Topic: The HP-41C Programmable Scientific Calculator!
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
What's Dan Bricklin, creator of VisiCalc, up to these days? Find out in an online interview at LowEndMac.com!Check out the HP41 page on The Museum of HP Calculators for a good write-up on the 41!The HP41.org site has emulators, software, manuals and more!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND A FANTASTIC NEW YEAR! See you in 2007!
2006-12-1830 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 069: Perspectives On Networking
What we have here is a successful way to communicate.Welcome to Show 069! This week's Topic: Perspectives On Networking!
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
Check out the 8bitsunplugged blog, another happy retrocomputing spot on the World Wide Web...Apple II Forever? You bet! Computer Chronicles had it right all along...
Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gmail.com.
For online discussions on Retrobits Podcast topics, check out the Retrobits Podcast forum on the PETSCII Forums page!
Ou...
2006-12-1132 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 068: The World Of Commodore 2006
Our friends up north are having a party! (Well, they're north of me...)Welcome to Show 068! This week's Topic: The World Of Commodore 2006, from Toronto, Canada!
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
The "Atari Landfill" legend - fact or fiction? You decide! All the details uncovered (unfortunately, none of the cartridges can ever be "uncovered"...)Have a look at the DOS section of the Paterson Technology site, and take a look at this page for info on the humble beginnings of MS-DOS!Be sure to check out th...
2006-12-0324 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 067: Retro Mix
It's Retro Deja Vu all over again...Welcome to Show 067! This week's Topic: Retro Mix (a variety show)!
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
Want to test your Amiga skill and cunning? Then take the Amiga Quiz! Let us know how you do. I scored a 37%. It's not pretty, but I confess it anyhow.When you're ready to hook up your Commodore drives to your Windows or Linux system, make sure you look at the OpenCBM software package!About Woz, by Woz - iWoz, the new autobi...
2006-11-2720 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 066: Great Inventions In Computing
"If you would understand anything, observe its beginning and its development." (Aristotle)Welcome to Show 066! This week's Topic: Great Inventions In Computing!
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
Play the adventure that started it all - The Colossal Cave Adventure!Commodore 128 fan? Then check out Commodore 128 Alive...PBS had a show on the Transistor called "Transistorized" - their site has lots of info on that device that changed the world!The 4004 (Wikipedia page and Intel page) chip had about that many transistors. Boy have times chang...
2006-11-2031 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 065: The C Programming Language, Part II
Floating point numbers keep it real.Welcome to Show 065! This week's Topic: The C Programming Language, Part II!
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
The World of Commodore 2006 is coming on Dec 2, 2006 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada! Check out the info at the TPUG web site.If you want to try C/C++ (or C#, or VB.NET), have a look at the free Visual Studio 2005 Express Editions from Microsoft.Another great option for C/C++ on Windows and DOS is OpenWatcom!If C for the 6502 is...
2006-11-1338 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 064: The C Programming Language
Integers just don't get the point.Welcome to Show 064! This week's Topic: The C Programming Language!
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
The October edition of the 1 MHz podcast is out. Don't miss it!Wikipedia, as usual, a good place to start - this time, on the C Programming Language.Here's an article written by Dennis Ritchie on the history of C. Nothing like getting your history straight from the source!Here's some info on the book: The C Programming Language - note the various huma...
2006-11-0631 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 063: The Joystick
What if computers programmed us?Welcome to Show 063! This week's Topic: The Joystick!
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
Want to take your retro hobby into your virtual reality world? Now you can buy retro computer models for Second Life. No, really.The DECWriter printing terminal. Whether it's black and white or color, it's prettay. It's so prettay...Now you can play Centipedes anywhere you've got Java and a web browser. Check out Atari's Games site!If you need a CompactFlash card for your Apple II, you...
2006-10-2329 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 062: The PDP-11 Minicomputer
RSTS PDP - find out what it means to meWelcome to Show 062! This week's Topic: The PDP-11 Minicomputer!
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
It's not retro, but you can hook it up to retro stuff (that's one of my main purposes)...the Propeller 32-bit 8 core microcontroller! Electronics super-fun...Another interactive fiction environment - have a look at Eamon, and the many games available for it!The Wikipedia page on the PDP-11 - a good starting point. And one for RSTS as well...Here's a ni...
2006-10-1630 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 061: Retro Mix
1 cup retro, 2 tbsp computer nostalgia. Stir and enjoy.Welcome to Show 061! This week's Topic: Retro Mix (A Variety Episode)
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
Play Zork online? Sure!The Emergency Chicagoland Commodore Convention was held Sep 30, 2006. Pictures and descriptions are here and here...A self aware computer that doesn't take over the world or threaten global thermonuclear war? KITT is just such a hero!If you look over, and the car next to you doesn't have a driver, maybe it's a DARPA winner...A webs...
2006-10-0921 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 060: Zork - The Great Underground Empire
You are standing in a thick forest. There is a podcast playing.Welcome to Show 060! This week's Topic: Zork - The Great Underground Empire!
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
Wikipedia link list - Zork, Infocom, and Interactive Fiction. Check it out!The American Radio Relay League - find out about hamfests (where you might find some cool retro computers), and the ham radio hobby in general...An Apple I, for only $666.66? Not any more. But have a look at the vintage ad, it's great!"Shall...
2006-10-0230 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 059: Colossus - The Forbin Project
ASR33s and Global Domination. It's all here on Retrobits.Welcome to Show 059! This week's Topic: The movie - Colossus, The Forbin Project!
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
See the Wikipedia page for the movie "Colossus - The Forbin Project"...Also, have a look at their page for the IBM 1620, the panels of which were used extensively in the film!
Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gmail.com.
For online discussions on Retrobits Podcast topics, check out the...
2006-09-1821 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 058: The Oric Atmos
PRESS PLAY ON RETROBITS
Welcome to Show 058! This week's Topic: The Oric Atmos!
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
Want to learn TI 99/4 BASIC? How about a series of videos of the TI 99/4 running the BASIC tutorial? See it now at Google Video...MMM, tasty, Mac on a Stick. Wait, no, it's not food, it's a classic Mac emulator and OS small enough to fit on a USB memory stick! Yum! (It's not food I said!)Here's a video podcast of Amiga demos, and links to...
2006-09-1125 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 057: The Future of Vintage Computing
Retro in the future. That's a time twister for ya.Welcome to Show 057! This week's Topic: The Future of Vintage Computing!
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
Here's a video containing an interview with Jack Tramiel - this is during his Atari (post-Commodore) days, promoting the new Atari ST line. Interesting. Stoic. (Note - link is to Google Video - it will start playing immediately after clicking...)
Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retrobits@gmail.com.
For online discussions on Retrob...
2006-08-2125 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 056: Paper Tape and Punch Cards
We used to program computers by punching them out.Welcome to Show 056! This week's Topic: Paper Tape and Punch Cards!
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
Two Apple II podcasts! Woo hoo! Check out the maiden voyage of A2Unplugged, and don't miss 1 Mhz, the Apple II Podcast, now with four monthly episodes to catch up on! Good stuff...Bought a PX-8, and wish you could word process? New in box Portable Wordstar, Calc and Scheduler can now be purchased from Star Technology. I don't know how many th...
2006-08-1427 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 055: Retro Mix
Add mixed retro. Stir and Serve.Welcome to Show 055! This week's Topic: Retro Mix (A Variety Episode)!
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
Check out A2Central for info on the recent KansasFest 2006, and all your Apple II needs!Also check out the official KFest site - it's never too early to plan for 2007...Here's a presentation on SymbOS by the creator (Google Video - note that the intro is in Spanish, but the presentation is in English).The History Of Computing project - from 30,000 yea...
2006-08-0931 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 054: The Tandy Model 100 Portable Computer
Your retro computer runs on 4 AA batteries? Cool!Welcome to Show 054! This week's Topic: The Tandy 100 Portable Computer!
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
Here's a Bill Gates interview on the Smithsonian Institution website, very interesting reading! The Model 100 BASIC and ROM are some of the last products that Bill Gates programmed himself...Wikipedia's page on the TRS-80 Model 100 line is a good place to start...Follow that up with the old-computer.com page for the Model 100...Then check out Club 100 - an oasis for your...
2006-07-3036 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 053: The 6502 Microprocessor, Part II
65,536 memory locations - it's like a dream come true.Welcome to Show 053! This week's Topic: The 6502 Microprocessor, Part II.
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
Want to see a cool prototype? Here's the Commodore 65 page at the Secret Weapons of Commodore...The Atari Archives site has a few books on Atari 8 bit (w/6502 of course) assembly language programming!Check out Issue #1 of the C=Hacking magazine - more 6502 info that you can shake a stick at.6502 cross-compilation (write it on a PC, run it on you...
2006-07-2434 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 052: The 6502 Microprocessor, Part I
Special bonus feature today! Don't touch that dial...Welcome to Show 052! This week's Topic: The 6502 Microprocessor, Part I.
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
Once again, Wikipedia doesn't dissapoint - check out their info on the 6502 Microprocessor...ClassicCmp is a resource for enthusiasts of classic computer hardware, software, and documentation!New stuff for your CoCo? Have a look at Cloud-9!Sample chapters on MOS Technology and the TIM/KIM systems (under the bonus section), you can see them today at the commodorebook.com site (home of O...
2006-07-1727 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 051: My PX-8 Virtual Disk Drive Adventure!
Another retro adventure. It's a fun hobby!Welcome to Show 051! This week's Topic: My PX-8 Virtual Disk Drive Adventure!
This week I cover the trials and tribulations of setting up a floppy disk emulator program for the Epson PX-8 laptop. It involves soldering and creative software trickery. What more could you ask for in a retro computing project?
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
A while back I did a book review on Digital Retro. It's a great book, and here's the webpage for the author, Gordon...
2006-07-1035 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 050: The 2006 State of the Podcast
I can tell you - time flies when you're having fun!Welcome to Show 050! This week's Topic: The 2006 State of the Podcast!
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
A new PX-8? Sweet! Check out the PX-8 page on Star Technology...Are you an Apple II extreme coder? Need a challenge - a contest, perhaps? Have a look at the Call A.P.P.L.E. 2006 Apple II Programming Contest!
Thanks to all of you for a great podcast year! Looking forward to lots more fun to come...
2006-07-0331 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 049: The Epson PX-8 Laptop Computer
CP/M in a laptop? And they said it couldn't be done...Welcome to Show 049! This week's Topic: The Epson PX-8 Laptop Computer!
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
Programmable calculators are fun! I loved mine way back when. Here's a website for TI calculator enthusiasts - programs, connectivity, and more!Intellivision Lives! Indeed it does. I can't wait to play Sea Battle again...Want a review on the latest retro computer game? Oldschool Gaming may have what you need...Here's the old-computers.com site for the...
2006-06-2629 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 048: Book Review - Digital Retro
I can't run Linux on my Atari 800. But it plays a mean game of Missile Command. 'Nuff said...Welcome to Show 048! This week's Topic: Book Review: Digital Retro!
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
Here's the site for the book Digital Retro!Pictures from the C4 Expo - you missed the fun? Here are some pictures. Read 'em and weep...And this is a direct link to the Z80 inside - whoa, they popped the top off that chip!The Apple II Game Server is being...
2006-06-1923 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 047: The Z80 Microprocessor
This witty comment intentionally left blank.Welcome to Show 047! This week's Topic: The Z80 Microprocessor!
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
Apple history abounds, courtesy of The Apple Computer History Weblog, and the Apple II History site!Obsolete Technology? We love it! Check out the Obsolete Technology Website at oldcomputers.net.Computer Collector Newsletter is now Technology Rewind. Congratulations on the new site!How many computers used the Z80? Well, at least more than 200, and this site has them listed...Yes, Zilog still makes Z80s! ...
2006-06-1426 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 046: Live from the C4 Expo in Cincinnati, Ohio
My other computer is a Commodore :-)Welcome to Show 046! This week's Topic: Live from the C4 Expo in Cincinnati, Ohio!
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
Need more retrocomputing listening goodness? Well, then, head over to the Boring Beige Box!Issue #25 of Retrogaming Times - hot off the presses!Commvex v2 is coming up in July, and - it's Vegas, Baby! And, the World of Commodore 2006 is this December in Toronto! Alas, so much retrocomputing, so little time...Have a look at The Cincinnati Commo...
2006-06-0524 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 045: The IBM PC Junior
It would take about 250 Atari 800s to hold this podcast MP3 file.(Honestly, I compressed it as much as I could.)Welcome to Show 045! This week's Topic: The IBM PC Junior!
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
The Apple Game Server - load software onto your Apple II with just a serial connection to your PC!The Cincinnati Commodore Computer Club is having their C4 Expo on June 3rd and 4th, 2006. Better hurry and make those reservations!SymbOS, a multitasking operating system for the Amst...
2006-05-2926 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 044: Retro Assortment
LOAD "RETROBITS",8,1RUNWelcome to Show 044! This week's Topic: Retro Assortment (Variety Show)!
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
Do kids still program? Join in on this discussion forum topic at the PETSCII Forums, and let us know!Speaking of which, here's a programming environment designed for kids - the Kids Programming Language.The Commodore16.com site revived my excitement for one of my favorite computers, the Commodore 16.What do you do with that old, non-functional Commodore CBM 3032? Well, turn it into the coolest PC c...
2006-05-2226 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 043: The Floppy Disk Drive
This week, take your favorite floppy drive out for a spin.Welcome to Show 043! This week's Topic: The Floppy Disk Drive!
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
Do you know what types of computers these are? If so, please drop a line to the e-mail address below - we'd like to find out!Wikipedia - did I mention to check them out? And this week, have a look at their page on the Floppy Disk.
Be sure to send any comments, questions or feedback to retr...
2006-05-1434 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 042: The TRS-80 Model I
Ever wonder what the "TRS" in "TRS-80" stands for? Tune in, you'll find out here!Welcome to Show 042! This week's Topic: The TRS-80 Model I microcomputer!
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
Do you know what types of computers these are? If so, please drop a line to the e-mail address below - we'd like to find out!Here's Peter Jenning's site, with info on his creation Microchess, and also great history on VisiCalc.Want to know more about Microchess? Well, go straight to the source. The so...
2006-05-0831 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 041: The Logo programming language
The past is a wonderful present.Welcome to Show 041! This week's Topic: The Logo programming language!
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
The Arpanet documentary on Google Video is back! This is retro about retro. Sweet!Another retrocomputing podcast! Check out the Boring Beige Box, it's a great listen!Wikipedia to the rescue again - here's their article on the Logo Programming Language.There are magazine reviews of Logo for the Commodore and Atari at the Atari Magazines site - here, and here.
Be sure to se...
2006-05-0124 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 040: My Classic Mac Adventure
To Mac, or not to Mac. That is the question.Welcome to Show 040! This week's Topic: My Classic Mac Adventure!
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
A PICAXE - what's that? It's a microcontroller - a programmable single-chip processor with cool inputs and outputs. Have a look!Information on the Macintosh SE/30 from old-computers.com.Watch out for classic Macintosh CRTs - if you open your Mac Plus, SE, SE/30, etc. up, there are high voltages! Luckily, there are ways to discharge the CRT before it gets you.
...
2006-04-2431 minThe Retrobits PodcastSpring Break this week - be back in a week! Stay tuned!
Spring Break!Hi! I'm celebrating the Easter holiday with my family today, and taking a one-week spring break from the podcast. But stay tuned, as I'll be back next week with more retrocomputing goodness.
I'd like to take the opportunity to thank all of you who listen to Retrobits. It's a lot of fun to connect with so many people who have an interest in the bits and bytes of ye olde.
In the meantime, jump on over to the forum (link below) and join in! See you soon, and have a GRE...
2006-04-1700 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 029: The IBM PC, Part I
640KB. RAM heaven.
Welcome to Show 029! This week's Topic: The IBM Personal Computer, Part
I.
Thanks to my son, Joshua, for helping me out with this week's podcast!
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
Digital Retro - a book with info
and pictures about a wide variety of retro computers. Check it out!
Is your favorite in there? Some of mine are...
A non retro link? Sure, why not? The
BoltTalk podcast and blog covers the San Diego Chargers, a US professional
football team. And, the host listens t...
2006-01-3034 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 027: BASIC
10 PRINT "Hello, Retrobits Listeners!"
20 GOTO 10
Welcome to Show 027! This week's Topic: The Beginner's All-Purpose
Symbolic Instruction Code (or BASIC, for short...)
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
More Commodore news - here's
an interview with Bil Herd
on the Commodore Plus/4 World
website!
Check out the Vintage Computing and
Gaming website for "adventures in collecting, playing, and hacking vintage
computing and gaming devices."
If you're in the US and interested in products from Individual Computers (e.g.,
the Retro Replay), then have a look at the
C64 Re...
2006-01-1535 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 019: The ZX Spectrum +3
Is it "Zee", or "Zed"? I am having letter anxiety.
Welcome to Show 019! This week's topic: The ZX Spectrum +3!
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
QuantumLink Reloaded was
on display at the Vintage
Computer Festival 8.0!
There is now a Retrobits Podcast
Discussion Forum, courtesy of Jeff Ledger and the PETSCII Forum!
Thanks Jeff!
The World Of Spectrum has a file
archive, technical docs, links, and more!
If you want to run a Spectrum emulator straight from your Java-enabled web
browser, then Jasper may be just
the thing for...
2005-11-0727 minThe Retrobits PodcastShow 014: Retrobits Behind The Scenes
8 bit computers aren't slower. They're just more relaxed.
Welcome to Show 014! This week we go "behind the scenes" at Retrobits!
Topics and links discussed in the podcast...
Syndicomm Online members get access to exclusive forums, which include
bulletin boards, chat rooms, and file libraries. Membership also includes an
email address, personal web site, and optional business features such as DNS
service and full-service hosting.
http://www.syndicomm.com
Not much by way of links this week! Stay tuned for more exciting
retro-URLs in the next show!
Be s...
2005-10-0245 min