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 autobiography.  I must read this soon...
Build your own, brand new Altair 8800 kit?  Impossible you say?  Not so, with the new Altair 8800 replica!

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

"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 changed!

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

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 your goal, then cc65 has just the compiler for you...
Specifically for the Commodore 64 and 128, here's some information on a popular compiler, Power C!
Brian Kernighan, co-author of The C Programming Language, has a website here.  You can read about him on Wikipedia here...
Dennis Ritchie, creator of C and co-author of The C Programming Language, has a website here, and Wikipedia info here...
The GE-600 (otherwise known as Honeywell 6000) with the funky 36 bit C variables?  Read about it at Wikipedia here...
Finally, some history of the evolution of the C language can be found at faqs.org!

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

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 human languages it's been translated into...
BDS C for CP/M - for free!  What a deal.
Turbo C 2.01 for DOS, also free, courtesy of the Borland Antique Software collection.  Thanks Borland!

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

Hi there,

Retrobits is taking a break this week. Be sure to tune in next week for more retrocomputing goodness!

Coming up next week - The C Programming Language!

- Earl

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're in luck.  And, for the Apple I.  Yes, you read that right!
A2Unplugged is coming out with new episodes - they are at #4 and counting...

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

RSTS PDP - find out what it means to me

Welcome 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 nice picture of a PDP-11/20 front panel.  See those switches?  Remind you of an IMSAI?
Man, Bitsavers.org has an incredibly impressive collection of vintage computer manuals, in PDF format.  Nice.
I know, you want to play with a PDP-11 emulator, don't you?  Admit it!  And then, have a look at SIMH...
FAQ on the PDP-11, lots of reading here!  Make sure to check out the models that were made!
More info sources on the PDP-11, here, and here...
For a look at the PDP-11's big brother, point your browser to PDP Planet!

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

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 website hosted on a Lisa?  Serious?  Yep!
Byte Cellar - The Vintage Computing Weblog - a good read...
Now it's time to learn TI Extended BASIC - with videos on Google!
Pong Story - an extensive history/memorial site to early video games.  Fun stuff...
Retrogaming Times Monthly - now coming to you for 109 months running!  This is commitment!
The Vintage Computer Festival 9.0 is coming up - check out www.vintage.org for details...
Digibarn is planning an Apple 30th birthday event at the VCF 9.0 - more info 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 Galigan.

Thanks for listening!

- Earl

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 we play a game?"  No scarier words were ever spoken by a sentient computer system - and you could hook up to it with an IMSAI.  Check out the IMSAI page dedicated to the movie Wargames (in which an IMSAI system is used quite prominently...)
Be sure to download and enjoy the debut edition of the Classic Computing Podcast by David Greelish!
And while you are podcast surfing, do not miss the September edition of 1 MHz, the Apple II Podcast - Carrington Vanston covers Ballyhoo, an Infocom game.  (And yes, it inspired me for this week's show...and to start playing Zork I once again!  Thanks Carrington!)

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

Hi there,

I'm still under the weather, so I will be taking a break this week from the show.  Thanks for listening, and please do check back next week.

Chat with you soon,

- Earl

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 Retrobits Podcast forum on the PETSCII Forums page!

Our Theme Song is "Sweet" from the "Re-Think" album by Galigan.

Thanks for listening!

- Earl

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 the software also!  Check out the Amiga Demo Podcast...
This is the English version of the site Oric World.  Don't miss the great history of Oric (Oric, the Story So Far) on the site!
The newsgroup comp.sys.oric is one spot to tune in on Modern Day Fun for the Oric systems.
Defence Force has info, software and more for the Oric, and a discussion forum as well!

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

Hi everybody,

Episode 058 is coming soon!  My best guess is tomorrow (9/5) evening.

Several emergencies popped up this weekend, and I've been fighting to stay afloat.  But things are getting back to normal, so I'll be able to get Retrobits back on the air in the next day or two.

Thanks for your patience, and chat with you soon!

- Earl

August 27, 2006...

Hi there...

Retrobits is taking a break this week.  Be sure to tune in next week for more retrocomputing goodness!  And as always - thanks for listening!

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 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

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 they have, so you might want to check it out soon if you're interested...
Enjoy the trailing edge like I do?  Then check out the Trailing Edge website, Computing's Last Stand!
So you're not one of the lucky dozen or two that has a real Apple I computer.  Still, you can have a very nice replica, the Replica 1!  According to the website, orders are now being taken for the Replica 1 SE, the latest version from Briel Computers.
The ECMA standard for Paper Tape - now, this is some extreme reading...
An ASR33 is a spring-loaded thing of beauty - have a look (and check out the videos) at the Online PDP-8 Home Page!
Here's the required reading from Wikipedia on Paper Tape and Punch Cards...
 

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

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 years ago to today, computing is exciting!
ADTPro - the latest incarnation of Apple Disk Transfer - check it out today on their SourceForge project page...

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

Hi everybody!

Show 055 will be a day or two delayed this week.  Sorry about that!  Tune in Tuesday or Wednesday for this week's show!

Chat with you soon,

- Earl

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 Model 100 needs!
Want to stay "in the know" for the Model 100?  Club 100 has a listserv...
Interesting in playing with a Model 100 emulator?  VirtualT might be just what you need!

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

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 your favorite 6502-based 8-bit) can be performed with CC65.  Also check out the CA65 macro assembler!
The 6502.org site - deep info the 6502, both hardware and software...
The Western Design Center - home of the current 6502-based chips and systems!

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

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 On The Edge).

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

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 Laing...
There is more to retro than computing - check out Retro Thing, the independent guide to retro technology.  And definitely have a look at the section on Classic Computing!

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

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!

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

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 PX-8 - don't forget to have a look at the pictures!
Creative Computing had a review of the PX-8.  They liked it, mostly.  Have a look...
Need tech manuals for the PX-8?  Or a utility that makes a PC emulate a disk drive (cool)?  Then wander on over to the Yet Another Computer Museum pages on the PX-8.
Broken PX-8?  Need more technical docs?  The Epson CP/M Computer Technical Manuals page may have the answer...

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

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 actively worked on - stay tuned!
Magnetc tape in the gigabits per square inch?  Wow!  That's better than my C2N datasette...

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 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!  Excellent!
Wikipedia's Z80 page has good stuff.
The Z80 Official Support Page will give you years of Z80 reading pleasure.
MyZ80 will give you the Z80 experience on a modern day PC.  It is one of many Z80 / CP/M emulator solutions out there.
Check out the WinApe Amstrad emulator for a Z80 experience in a mainstream home retrocomputer emulation.
If all of this is not enough for you, and you want a Z80 FPGA core (for free!), have at look at the T80 page on the Opencores.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 "Sweet" from the "Re-Think" album by Galigan.

Thanks for listening!

- Earl

Hi!

Show 047 (The Z80 Microprocessor) will be a day or two late...sorry about that.  I've been under the weather this weekend, and needed to rest.  The behind-the-scenes work is mostly done, so drop by in a day or two for the next Retrobits Podcast!

Chat with you all soon,

- Earl

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 Commodore Computer Club website for more information on the group that brought you the C4 Expo...

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

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 Amstrad CPC, goes 1.0!  Check it out at http://www.symbos.de/.
Want to do Commodore emulation on a Macintosh?  ThinkCommodore will show you how.
Wikipedia covers the IBM PC Jr...
And for super extensive coverage of the Junior, check out Mike's PC Jr page.
Of course, Old Computers Dot Com covers the Junior as well, good info, good links.

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

LOAD "RETROBITS",8,1
RUN

Welcome 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 case ever invented, of course!
CompactFlash for the Apple II - Flash memory is not just for the new stuff, folks!
Also, CompactFlash and IDE drives for your Commodore 64?  Believe it!  Check out the ide64.org site for more details.
For fun music and retrocomputing goodness, nothing beats the C64 remixes and SID tunes on The C64 Takeaway!

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 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 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

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 source code, that is, on 6502.org.
Digibarn has some good info on Microchess as well!
Enhance the enjoyment of your Amiga emulation with AmiKit, a large bundling of shareware and freeware packages.
Curious about Southwest Technical Products, one of the early computer kit makers?  The swtpc.com site has so much info, you'll never read it all!
Ira Goldklang's TRS-80 Revived website is an absolute gold mine for TRS-80 enthusiasts.
Want to play with a virtual TRS-80 Model I, III or IV?  Well, check out Matthew Reed's TRS32 emulator!
Never forget old-computers.com or Wikipedia when it's time to research that favorite vintage computer.

Hey, I never said what TRS stood for!  It's Tandy Radio Shack.  Yep.  Not "Trash-80", you funny folks.

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

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 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

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.

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

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 GREAT week.

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

Variety is the spice of life!

Welcome to Show 039!  This week's Topic: Random Access (A Variety Show).

Topics and links discussed in the podcast...

Check out the home page for The Woz himself!  Great information and links, plus answers to frequently asked questions!
Man, the videos just keep on coming.  Here's one from the 1984 Apple Shareholder's Meeting.  This video is hosted on the Mac Essentials site (note, mostly German language).  See Sculley and Jobs on the same stage, and hear about their exciting new milestone product, the Macintosh!
Happy 30th anniversary, Apple!  Have a listen to episode 48 of the This Week In Tech podcast, as many early Apple employees, including The Woz, chat about Apple's formative days.
The DigiBarn Computer Museum site.  Wow!  This is great stuff.  I wish I had a barn for my microcomputer collection.
A PICAXE - what's that?  It's a microcontroller - a programmable single-chip processor with cool inputs and outputs.  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 Theme Song is "Sweet" from the "Re-Think" album by Galigan.

Thanks for listening!

- Earl

The Apple /// Personal Computer System.  The Most Powerful Professional Computer System In Its Class.

Welcome to Show 038!  This week's Topic - you guessed it: The Apple III personal computer!

Topics and links discussed in the podcast...

The Amstrad CPC 6128, reborn in new hardware, and with a cool new OS?  Oh yeah!  That's some modern day fun!
Keep those (Atari) XL's/XE's humming, with these fine utilities...
Oscar's Vintage Computer Collection has some great stuff on CP/M computers, including one of my favorites, the Epson PX-8!
Here's the Apple III page on Wikipedia...
...and the Apple III pages on Washington Apple Pi's website, a great resource!

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

HTTP.  FTP.  SMTP.  NNTP.  Many letters, one heritage...

Welcome to Show 037!  This week's Topic: The ARPANET!

Topics and links discussed in the podcast...

Electronics that act like a physical disk drive - awesome idea.  Check it out at the Semi-Virtual Diskette site!
It's Vegas, Baby!  And Commodore fun!  The Commodore Vegas Expo (CommVex) 2.0 will be held on July 29 and 30, 2006...
An Internet Pioneer Ponders the Next Revolution - an interview with Robert Taylor on nytimes.com!
Here's a tribute to J C R Licklider, including a link to a PDF of two of his seminal papers on man-computer synergy that inspired the Internet.
Wikipedia articles on the ARPANET and Licklider - always a great place to start.
And here's an online history of the Internet, including it's ARPANET heritage, on the Internet Society 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!

Our Theme Song is "Sweet" from the "Re-Think" album by Galigan.

Thanks for listening!

- Earl

I keep hitting the Control key, but I'm still not in control.

Welcome to Show 036!  This week's Topic: The Dot Matrix Printer!

Topics and links discussed in the podcast...

Old Skool Arcade, Modern Day Fun - In Portland, my home town!  Check out the Ground Kontrol site...
Need to fix up your Commodore computer?  Have a look at Ray Carlsen's homepage!
More TI 99/4A links - a Yahoo! group, and the TI 99ers online User's Group!
A Wikipedia article on the Dot Matrix Printer...

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

It's not 8 bits, but it's retro.  And it talks...

Welcome to Show 035!  This week's Topic: The Texas Instruments 99/4A Microcomputer!

Topics and links discussed in the podcast...

Use your old DOS PC as a Commodore hard drive.  How?  With 64HDD...
A 21st century recreation of a 1960s educational computer toy?  Now, that's retro!  Check out the DigiComp I v 2.0 from Minds-On Toys.
If you're like me, and you think an Altair looked cooler than your modern-day LAN party case, have a look at the AltairPC project at Briel Computers.
Commodore 64 native code, cooked on a SuperCPU C64 or PC.  Interested?  Check out Slang, recently updated!
Wikipedia article on the TI 99/4A - great info, as always.
Another of my favorite sites, Old Computers Dot Com, with their coverage of the 99/4A.  Check out the forums.
An early 80s review of the 99/4A, from Creative Computing, on the Atari Magazines site.  Cool!
Want to see some photos of the 99/4A, and it's various stuff?  Here's a Flickr site that will get you hooked up.
The TI 99/4A Tech Pages - bits, bytes, schematics, pinouts - it's all here!
There are several emulators for the 99/4A, including the Win994a simulator.
The excitement continues with an annual fair in Chicago - couldn't find a main site, but there are videos of the event for your viewing enjoyment.

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

One retro computer, over easy.  Would you like some chips with that?

Welcome to Show 034!  This week's Topic: Retro Du Jour!

Topics and links discussed in the podcast...

Have a look at The Giant List of Classic Game Programmers, The Source for Video and Computer Game History since 1997!
Peter Naur wins ACM'S Turing Award for his work on ALGOL 60 (Wikipedia Link).
If you've got time, they've got videos - extensive Computer History Museum footage at Google Video!  Lots of topics, great information.
C64 HQ - Welcome to the world of C64 nostalgia.  Check out the Interview section and Audio/Video links, talked about on the show.

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

SID!  VIC-II!  6510!  64K!  It's demo writer heaven...part II...

Welcome to Show 033!  This week's topic: The Commodore 64 Demo Scene Part II!

Topics and links discussed in the podcast...

The Music Animation Machine, software originally produced on an Atari 800!
Lots of Atari info this week - have a look at the website for the documentary, Once Upon Atari.
And, check out the Tech Roundup episode with a look at the Game On video game exhibit!
Bo Zimmerman's site has an extensive archive of NTSC demos for the C64.
The C64 Scene Database has lots of info and demo scene releases.
Have a look at Driven Online, a main focal point of the ongoing C64 NTSC demo scene!

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

SID!  VIC-II!  6510!  64K!  It's demo writer heaven...

Welcome to Show 032!  This week's topic: The Commodore 64 Demo Scene Part I!

Topics and links discussed in the podcast...

PDP-10 lives!  Of course, we had no doubt.  Check out PDP Planet, the portal into Paul Allen's collection of DEC systems!
If you get an account on the PDP-10, you'll need documentation, which you can find at the Manuals for DEC 36-bit Computers site.  This site links to bitsavers.org, an extensive and impressive preservation site for systems documentation and software.
A lost interview with ENIAC co-inventor J. Presper Eckert, can be found on the computerworld.com site.
Jeri Ellsworth, creator of the C64 DTV and other interesting hardware, gives a talk at Stanford University on the Google Video link.  (Note that the video will begin playing immediately on the linked page.)
Bo Zimmerman's site has an extensive archive of NTSC demos for the C64.
The C64 Scene Database has lots of info and demo scene releases.
Have a look at Driven Online, a main focal point of the ongoing C64 NTSC demo scene!

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

01001000 01001001 !

Welcome to Show 031!  This week's Topic: A book review - Fire In The Valley, The Collector's Edition

Topics and links discussed in the podcast...

8 bit parallel processing?  Leave it to the Apple II enthusiasts!  Have a look at the AppleCrate!
Yes, you can build your own computer.  And I mean from scratch.  Check out the Magic-1 Homebrew CPU, and be sure to look at the "my other projects" page as well.
It's The Woz!  In person, on video, at an event hosted by the Computer History Museum.  (When you click on the link, the video will start streaming right away.)
Atari is apparently not doing so well financially, according to this article.  It's kind of sad to see it in dire straits yet again.
Ralph Baer, developer of Pong and Simon, will be honored at a White House ceremony this month.
The Computer Museums and Retrocomputing Culture webring has some links that I will have to take a look at!
Official Website for Fire In The Valley...

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

(A)bort, (R)etry, (I)gnore?

Welcome to Show 030!  This week's Topic: The IBM Personal Computer, Part II!

Topics and links discussed in the podcast...

A binary wristwatch, eh?  That's a "bit" unique!
Here's an article on SID music and music makers from Cyclic Defrost.
Want to see a video of an original IBM 5150 rendering full screen video with color graphics and sound?  And they said it couldn't be done...
Here are Wikipedia articles on the IBM PC, and the CGA color graphics adapter.

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

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 to Retrobits...
The London-based Science Museum announces a £1 million partnership with Nintendo.  Excellent!
The IT Crowd from Channel 4 in the UK - funny, and retrocomputing aware!
More fun stuff on the Byte Cellar vintage computing blog...Amigas in FPGA, Sharp X68000, and more!
As usual, great entry on Wikipedia for the topic of the week, the IBM PC!  Check out some of the corresponding links also!

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

Just flew in from LA, and boy are my arms tired...

Welcome to Show 028!  This week's Topic: Random Bits and Bytes!

Topics and links discussed in the podcast...

Always wanted to use a Cray?  Give it a try!
Check out the Commodore Article Index - lots of interesting reading!
The NorthWest Classic Games Enthusiasts Expo 2006 - how about that, a retro event up my way!  (Seattle, WA)
Ads from old computers - they're fun to look at!  Have a look at some at the Computer History site.
GameBase 64 - an online effort to preserve Commodore 64 software.  Excellent!

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

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 Reloaded Store.
As always, it's all there on Wikipedia - articles on the BASIC programming language, Dartmouth BASIC, and the Dartmouth Timesharing System!
Want to program in BASIC on modern day systems?  Have a look at FreeBASIC, DarkBASIC, BlitzBASIC, or Visual BASIC.NET 2005.

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

Happy New Year!

Welcome to Show 026!  This week's Topic: A Book Review: On The Edge - The Spectacular Rise And Fall Of Commodore!

Topics and links discussed in the podcast...

Check this out - an Atari Paddle Controller with 13 Built-in Games from Jakks Pacific!
The galleries of GUIs, have a look at various GUIs in all their point and click glory, here, and here.
Classic Computers Of The Past 2006 Calendar, your time may be running out to grab one of these beauties!
The web site for the main show topic, On The Edge...

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

Happy Holidays!

Just a reminder that I'm on vacation this week, and I wanted to wish you and yours the happiest of holidays, and a safe and prosperous 2006! See you next year with more retrocomputing fun!

Earl and the Evans Family

Sorry if you get show 025 twice. Libsyn did something strange with my RSS feed, and the end of the MP3 file got cut off, so I had to post the file again with a new name. This may result in a handful of folks getting the show twice. I apologize if this happens, and I have a workaround to ensure it won't happen again.

Happy Holidays, and a Great 2006!

- Earl

Happy Holidays and a Wonderful New Year!

Welcome to Show 025!  This week is a variety show!

Topics and links discussed in the podcast...

Commodore Returns? Not quite, but the brand name and logo live on! Check it out at the Commodore web site.
Have a look at the Space-Time Productions Single Board Computer, a Z80 single board system from 1982! (Link revised Feb 2006)
Need a multitasking OS with windowing UI for your Amstrad CPC? Well, you are in luck, check out the SymbOS web site for more details!
Ars Technica has a neat multi-page article on the history of microcomputers and their associated market share. You can see it here.
The inventor of the mouse and many other key components of modern computing, Doug Englebart, is the guest for the current episode of NerdTV. Very interesting episode.
Wonder how retro games were made? Read the diary of a game developer from the mid 80s during the creation of a very popular game, Paradroid! You can find this at the most excellent ZZAP 64 web 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 "Sweet" from the "Re-Think" album by Galigan.

Thanks for listening!

- Earl

Short Podcast Delay!

Hi there! The Dec 18th podcast will be a bit late, and will be published sometime on Dec 19th. Sorry for the delay! Please check back in the afternoon (Pacific Time) for episode 25!

- Earl

Four thousand and ninety-six bytes of RAM.  Don't spend it all in one place!

Welcome to Show 024!  This week we cover the Tandy MC-10 Micro Color Computer!

Topics and links discussed in the podcast...

See photos from the World Of Commodore show here and here!
Wikipedia has a page on the MC-10.  I love that site!
And old-computers.com has a great MC-10 page also!
Charlie’s TRS-80 MC-10 web page has software and links for the MC-10.
The trs80mc10club can be found on Yahoo! Groups (membership is free, but requires registration).
Lots of techy specs on the MC-10 can be found at the "Inside the Radio Shack MC-10" page!
Don't have a MC-10?  No problem!  Visit the "James the Animal Tamer's Emulators" page, and pick up Virtual MC-10!
For cool software, extended BASIC, other software mods and info, check out The MC10 Archive.

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

Big Iron and Small Iron, living together in peace.  It's a wonderful world.

Welcome to Show 023!  This week's topic: Recollections Of Big Iron.

Topics and links discussed in the podcast...

The IBM 1130 site has great information about this older system, including an emulator and some MP3s of a fun presentation.  Check it out!
Have a look at a Teletype ASR33.  Wish you could hear the sound they made!
With the SIMH emulator, you can visit many systems of the past, including a PDP-11 running RSTS!

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