Hi all from an old computer guy

idea1407a · Post by **idea1407a** » Sun Oct 16, 2022 6:38 pm

I started digital life in 1983 when I got my 16k ZX Spectrum and I learned BASIC. That was in Madrid. I moved back to California and immediately bought a TRS-80 pocket computer just to write more BASIC. Later, I bought a Commodore 128 and enjoyed it quite a bit. I played games like Meier's Pirates and played with GEOS. Years later, I got my degree in Computer Studies and landed MS Access and VB jobs.

Now, i just play around with Python and emulators. Been watching 8-Bit Guy and the Commander X16 project with interest. I think it's a great project to keep 8-bit computers relevant. There was something magical about the C64 in its time, it bridged the gap between a machine that educated the user into a developer and a business machine and ultimately a game machine. I'm excited to see what can be done with the Commander X16. Cheers.

tmo · Post by **tmo** » Mon Oct 17, 2022 1:49 am

hey idea1407a!

I was born in 1983! ?

I am new to the forum, and am excited to see what is shared/discussed here. 8 Bit Guy is cool, and that is how I heard of C-X16, as well.

Hope we can all get our hands on the C-X16 soon!

Stay well

Strider · Post by **Strider** » Wed Oct 19, 2022 5:19 am

From one old computer guy to another, I say "Welcome to the forums @idea1407a!!!" ?

My digital life started in 1981 with the TI-99/4A. Long story short, I discovered it while visiting family, got hooked, ended up with one myself shortly after and the rest is history.

I do enjoy reading stories about how others got into computers, and I'm all about the nostalgia. When people talk about their "happy place", classic/retro tech, TV/film, and electronics are mine. Circa 70's and 80's for most of it. ?

rje · Post by **rje** » Fri Oct 21, 2022 9:49 pm

On 10/16/2022 at 1:38 PM, idea1407a said:

Now, i just play around with Python and emulators.

Just to let you know, a few of us have written scripts that will translate a "macro" version of BASIC on our home computers down to Commodore BASIC.

Apparently we've all done this independently of one another, as well. Our reasons were:

We liked using modern text editors to compose programs.

We didn't want to use line numbers if we didn't have to.

We wanted some convenience things that just aren't in X16 BASIC.

There may be other reasons, but it's all about convenience and power.

If you're interested, start a new topic, or perhaps go hunting for some of our topics (I don't even know where they are). Ah, you could start by searching on "My BASIC pre-processor".

Just in case you're interested.

TomXP411 · Post by **TomXP411** » Fri Oct 21, 2022 10:28 pm

On 10/21/2022 at 2:49 PM, rje said:

Just to let you know, a few of us have written scripts that will translate a "macro" version of BASIC on our home computers down to Commodore BASIC.

Yup. In fact, I'm thinking of building a new version, myself, but that is indeed a topic for the programming forum.