TStewart@massey.ac.nz (T.M. Stewart) (02/19/90)
Hello Netfolks, I recently bought a CBM 64 (Commodore 64) together with a tape drive and some games as a home entertainment package. Having started with TRS-80's and then moved onto IBM PC's it's not a machine I know very much about and I would appreciate anyone giving me some help with the following questions 1. Is it possible to use a standard IBM-type 40 or 80 track disk drive for this machine rather than the infamous 1540's (i.e. is there an interface available) 2. Can you hook a hard disk up to a C64 2. Are there archiving utilities around for CBM software? 3. In your opinion, what piece of software (game I guess?) demonstrates the C64's graphics and sound capabilities to the full. I must say that the graphics and sound capabilities surprised me, especially from games software written recently. My IBM AT doesn't seem capable of these dazzling displays. Perhaps I just don't have the right software? Yours in anticipation Terry Stewart Massey University Palmerston North New Zealand P.S. I was also given a VIC 20. Same as above for that
varneyml@clutx.clarkson.edu (,215 Hamlin,,2684032) (02/19/90)
From article <566@massey.ac.nz>, by TStewart@massey.ac.nz (T.M. Stewart): > 1. Is it possible to use a standard IBM-type 40 or 80 track > disk drive for this machine rather than the infamous > 1540's (i.e. is there an interface available) No there isn't, and I don't think C= has anything like this (but it would be cool!) planned. > 2. Can you hook a hard disk up to a C64 Yes, they do make C= hard drives. They are rather expensive though... take an IBM drive and multiply the price by 2.... > 2. Are there archiving utilities around for CBM software? Yes...lots of them are available through local BBS's public domain. > 3. In your opinion, what piece of software (game I guess?) > demonstrates the C64's graphics and sound capabilities to > the full. Wow I haven't used my C=64 in a while. Possibly someone else could give you idea....i've been gaming on my IBM.>
wbks@tygra.UUCP (Sean Burke) (02/19/90)
In article <566@massey.ac.nz>, TStewart@massey.ac.nz (T.M. Stewart) writes: > > 1. Is it possible to use a standard IBM-type 40 or 80 track > disk drive for this machine rather than the infamous > 1540's (i.e. is there an interface available) > Nope, but i you don't like the 154/41 series (I can see why, I've got one) you can get a 1571, a 1581, or a third party drive for it. Or, if you want to improve a 1541, get WarpSpeed by Cinemaware. I've got that, and it speeds up drive access on a 1541 by 600-1000% and adds many useful commands. > 2. Can you hook a hard disk up to a C64 Yes, but the prices for a good one range from $600 for a 20 meg to 1300 for a 100 meg, and that's the cheapest I've found. > 2. Are there archiving utilities around for CBM software? Yes, any good bbs has one, or just ask around. The most common ones are the sda (self dissolving arc), lynx, and zip (for entire disk arc-ing). > > 3. In your opinion, what piece of software (game I guess?) > demonstrates the C64's graphics and sound capabilities to > the full. For graphics, I'd find someone with the GEOS system for a 64 and borrow it GEOS does some superb things with a little 64. For sound, either any good video game, or take a look at some of the latest SIDplayer from your local BBS or Quantum Link. > > I must say that the graphics and sound capabilities surprised > me, especially from games software written recently. My IBM > AT doesn't seem capable of these dazzling displays. Perhaps > I just don't have the right software? No, the commodore-64 is a very adaptable computer. Software writers are always coming out with something that pushes its limits one step farther. > P.S. I was also given a VIC 20. Same as above for that With the VIC, either lock it away in a closet or sell it to some unknowing sucker, it's not worth the electricity to run it anymore. When it came out, it was a decent computer, but now about the only thing it's good for is typing practice. =========================================================================== Sean Burke -- Cat-Talk Conferencing System / Save your Commie 8-bit 1-800-825-3069 / It Still Kicks #$$ =========================================================================== -- = CAT-TALK Conferencing Network, Prototype Computer Conferencing System = - 1-800-825-3069, 300/1200/2400/9600 baud, 8/N/1. New users use 'new' - = as a login id. <<Redistribution to GEnie PROHIBITED!!!>>> = E-MAIL Address: wbks%tygra.uucp@sharkey.cc.umich.edu