There’s a free Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 weekend running on Steam right now. I downloaded and tried it earlier this evening but judging by what I saw I think they must have sent me the original Modern Warfare by mistake.
Monthly Archives: February 2012
It’s not too late to archive old disks
I have a collection of around 300 Commodore 64 5 1/4 disks. They were last used around 1995 and were kept in an unheated, sometimes damp room in my family home. It’s not all bad, I kept them in proper disk boxes so the disks were mostly upright during that time and not horizontal and pressing down on each other. For a long time I wondered about transferring the disks to more permanent and modern media.
When I had an Amiga I joined it and the C64 together using some sort of serial cable and an ASM programme I painstakingly typed into my C64 from the Amiga. Then when PCs became popular I hooked my 1541-II disk drive to the parallel port of my 486 and transferred over some of my own demos but nothing else. Unfortunately with the passage of time parallel ports became as rare as the Dodo and more complicated cables are now required which discouraged me from trying to build them.
So I did a little shopping last month.
On Ebay France I found an old Commodore 1541-II disk drive in pristine condition. The Irish Ebay site was useless and I couldn’t find any local drives. I bought a Zoom Floppy from Jim Brain in the USA. That’s a USB interface you can use to connect the 1541 to a modern PC. You can use the ordinary IEC cable that came with the 1541 or a parallel port variant to “nibble copy” protected disks.
Shortly after ordering both of those I read this post saying it was too late to archive disks. The author, Jason Scott, warned that we had left it too long to move everything off old floppy disks and other magnetic media. Too much time had elapsed. The magnetic signature of the data would have degraded, the media dirty and unusable. I was worried.
Back in the day I had swapped disks with people all over Europe and further beyond. It was my first contact with people from Germany, Denmark, Poland, Belgium and elsewhere. Stuck on those disks were notes and personalised collections of demos and programmes that couldn’t be found online.
The disk drive arrived first, then a few days later the Zoom Floppy interface. Was it too late? Thankfully no.
I’ve transferred 243 disks now and I’m not finished yet. I couldn’t rescue all the disks I tried. In some the media had stuck to the outer covering. In others the magnetic media was so dirty it wasn’t readable. By the time I got to 180 double sided disks done the disk drive packed it in giving the ominous “74, DRIVE NOT READY” error. All it took was a swipe of an alcohol swab over the drive head and all was right with the world again. Then I retried one of Iain’s disks and it died again so that disk will remain uncopied! As luck would have it some of the disks that would inevitably fail were those I used often and had snippets of code, graphics or music on them! I guess less than 10% failed however which isn’t bad for 20 year old magnetic media.
After a number of failures I went searching online for disk images when I recognised directory listings. CSDB is invaluable, and the Binary Zone disks section lists all the disks they offered. I remember buying demos from there so it was great to get the disk images. I sent Kenz a PayPal donation to thank him for his efforts.
I found many interesting things, including stuff that isn’t online. Some of it I have to talk to a few people about but I found something called DMSREAD (and related utilities) for creating disk images. The nice thing about it was that it would break up the image into smaller files so you could squeeze in an extra disk at the end of a double sided disk. Very important when you had to pay postage! Nothing about the C64 version online that I can find.
Setting up the Zoom Floppy was easy. It comes with no documentation (beyond a copy of the GPL) but the xum1541 homepage has the required install files. I used CBMXfer and GUI4CBM4WIN, both frontends to the Open CBM library to read the disks.
Also read about Rob’s experiences with the Zoom Floppy. I definitely recommend it if you need to connect a Commodore drive to a modern PC!
Once I’m satisfied with my archive I’ll probably throw out the disks but can they be recycled? I presume so. I’ll miss them though. A directory listing of D64 images can’t hope to compete with the variety of disk covers and hand written labels!
This 5 years of my personal data amounted to less than 130MB of data. I’ll run through that amount of space today in half an hour of taking photos so I shudder to think how much storage I’ll need in another 20 years time. I use 1.6TB of the space on an external 2TB drive and I find that external USB drives fail every 2-3 years. I’m currently waiting on a new 2TB drive to replace two 1TB drives that died recently (they mirrored each other so no data lost, unless this 2TB drive dies. Gulp!) but I’ll probably go down the route of a gigabit network and a NAS when I can afford it. Any suggestions for a quiet NAS enclosure are more than welcome in the comments section please!
Three Days in Dungarvan
I spent the last few days in Dungarvan, staying in the Park Hotel with my family. It’s a really nice town, small enough that you can walk around it in half an hour but plenty of places to eat and drink.
I took my camera of course and almost always shot in b/w mode with my Canon f1.8 50mm lens. I cheated a little as I used RAW+Jpeg mode but I’m happy with the results. RAW lets me recover the colour information while the Jpeg records a useful b/w image I can check against during post processing.
I love that 50mm lens but rarely use it so a whole holiday was a challenge. With such a short depth of field it’s really important getting the focus point right. I usually used the center point or a side point rather than trust the matrix to pick out the right one!
Witchcraft in Ireland
Here’s a 39 minute podcast about Witchcraft (mp3) from the RTÉ Documentary on One series. It was first broadcast in 1976. The first half of the documentary is enlightening, explaining what and how witches worship, but the discussion on black magic is disturbing. The guy who was confident he had killed people with magic was really creepy.
The comments from the Catholic priest at the end are comical, saying witchcraft is incompatible with “true religion” as they don’t worship “all mighty god”. Ah yes. I bet she would have something to say about that! 😉
And my first WordPress.org post was …
My post on this forum thread was my first one on WordPress.org apparently.
It was 8 years ago and WordPress didn’t have a plugin system and wouldn’t have until later. I had integrated Smarty into the b2++ project, with a nifty versioned template editor and even
What was your first post on the WordPress.org forum? Look in your profile to find out!
No More Darwinians
Oh well, Darwinia was one of my favourite purchases of 2011 but Introversion are done with Darwinia however. Thanks Gnomeslair for the link.
alcohol
I never spell the word “alcohol” right. Ever. It’s a shame that word never came up in spelling competitions at school. There were chocolate bars at stake then… Will spell for chocolate.
FidoNet Lives On
I’m amazed that FidoNet is still going. I’m embarrassed to say I don’t remember my FidoNet address and my BBS isn’t listed anywhere. Must look harder I guess. Meanwhile, if you had a modem in the 90’s (in Ireland) you’ll recognise the names here!
THE ONLINE GUIDE TO:
Irelands Computer Based OnLine Services
Version 4b Date: 25.07.1994
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Service Name : Connect-Ireland (aka TOPPSI) HRS 24
Data Number : (01)-6711047 V21/22/22bis/32/HST
: (01)-6773547(Lines 2/3/4) V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
Fidonet Node : 2:263/151
Sysop : David Doyle
Note : Connect-Ireland concentrates on community, youth,
: education and social topics. Official Apogee
: distribution site. GreenNet and K-12 links.
: Lines 2 to 4 are 'banked' on the same phone number.
: Internet Email access as @toppsi.gn.apc.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Service Name : Nemesis' Dungeon HRS: 24
Data Number : (01) 832 4755 HST/V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
: (01) 832 6900* V21/22/22bis/32/32bis/V.FC
FidoNet Node : 2:263/150, 2:26/0, 2:263/0
Sysop : Andrew Mowatt
Note : Fax: (01) 832 3966. Amiga based with DLGPro. Multi
computer support. PC, Amiga, UNIX and Comms, and
Developers Echos amongst others. This unique BBS is
also home of the Region 26 FidoNet Co-Ordinator! New
Echoes added. New online games just added.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Service Name : GiBBS - Irelands Biggest BBS HRS: 24
Data Number : (01) 839-3644 (MultiLine) V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
: (01) 832-1673* HST/V21/22/22bis/32/32bis/32Terbo
: (01) 839-3649 V21/22/22bis/32/32bis/V.FastClass
FidoNet Node : 2:263/79
Sysop : Des Gibbons
Note : Largest amount of PC files in Ireland. DOS & Windows,
The latest Games, Utilities, Drivers, etc.
Many International message areas. FAX: (01) 832-1673
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Service Name : Commodore Users Group of Ireland HRS: 24
Data Number : (01) 283-2829* HST/V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
FidoNet Node : 2:263/155
Sysop : Jamie Ruane. Colin Dalton
Note : Multi computer support using an Amiga with DLG Pro.
Support for all Commodore computers. Excellent ANSI
screens, file areas and echos. New echoes added.
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Service Name : The Highway to Hell HRS: 10PM - 8AM
Data Number : (01) 847-5217* HST/V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
FidoNet Node : 2:263/154
Sysop : Iain Black
Note : Multi computer support. Amiga and C64 concentration.
The new CompuTimes Echo was added providing a link
between you and the CompuTimes journalists to voice
your opinions on general computer topics. This BBS
hosts the CompuTimes Echo.
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Service Name : Infomatique HRS: 24
Data Number : (01) 872-1232* V21/22/22bis/32/32bis/Supra
: (01) 872-1329 V21/22/22bis/32/32bis/US Robotics
FidoNet Node : 2:263/152
Sysop : Eddy Carroll. Co-Sysop Aidan Hollinshead
Note : Multi computer support. Amiga and PC concentrations.
Heavy Amiga file areas. Also PC DOS and Windows
file areas. Online games and loads of mail areas.
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Service Name : Alien Line HRS: 24
Data Number : (01) 280-0742 V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
FidoNet Node : 2:263/157
Sysop : Gavin McConnon
Note : The space cadets dream! Run on Amiga using DLG Pro.
Has excellent Star Trek Echo. New Echos have been
added recently. Excellent ANSI opening screen. Loads
of echomail areas. Soon upgrading to HST!
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Service Name : E.M.N. - Electronic Media Network HRS: 24
Data Number : (01) 661-1433* V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
FidoNet Node : 2:263/153
Sysop : Keith Whyte
Notes : Multi computer support. If you like music this is the
BBS for you. Specialises in music, entertainment, and
the Arts. Gateways for Liffey Arts and other private
gateways. The largest collection of MIDI files known
along with recently updated excellent ANSI screens.
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Service Name : Game Storm BBS HRS: 9PM - 11AM
Data Number : (01) 492-0224* V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
FidoNet Node : 2:263/156
Sysop : Declan Lynch
Note : A BBS for a computer games store. New Echo's coming
online soon. Plenty of games and public domain and
shareware files available. Uses JCQWK mailer.
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Service Name : DNA BBS HRS: 24
Data Number : (01) 454-9029 V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
Sysop : Martin Shortall. Kieran Reilly.
Note : Atari ST based. **Back online** Has more areas than
ever before. Nice online screens too!
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Service Name : S.I.X. HRS: 24
Data Number : (01) 678-9000* V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
FidoNet Node : 2:263/167
Sysop : Stephen Kearon
Note : Agents in Ireland for McAfee software, Alcom and the
Zyxel brands. EMail Internet access available.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Service Name : Infonet Services HRS: 24
Data Number : (021) 892-582* HST/V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
: (021) 29-4914 V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
FidoNet Node : 2:263/201
Sysop : Dairmaid O'Cadhla
Note : A commercial system based in Cork
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Service Name : Special Projects HRS: 24
Data Number : (051) 50-143* HST/V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
FidoNet Node : 2:263/402
Sysop : John McCormac
Note : Multi computer support. Specialises in projects for
TV,Satellite communications, and HAM radio amongst
other things.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Service Name : Reflex AV BBS HRS: 24AM-9AM
Data Number : (051) 83771
FidoNet Node : 2:263/401
Sysop : Richard Foley
Note : Waterford based BBS specialising in security issues
especially concerned with Anti-Virus topics.
ThunderByte distributor
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Service Name : STYX HRS: 24
Data Number : (061) 338-228* HST/V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
FidoNet Node : 2:263/271
Sysop : John McKeon
Note : PC Based BBS. Limerick based. Multi computer support.
Loads of iles. Now using Vfast modem!
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Service Name : Deep Space Nine/Techbase HRS: 24
Data Number : (066) 28929* V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
FidoNet Node : 2:263/250
Sysop : John Buswell
Note : A BBS dedicated to EchoMail with over 400 areas. Has
special interest areas - Star Trek, Techincal Support
and Electronics. Loads of online games and with free
access to all users.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Service Name : The Village HRS: 24
Data Number : 080-232-602972* V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
FidoNet Node : 2:443/509
Sysop : Harry Broderick
Note : Multi computer support
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Service Name : InterCommCubed HRS: 24
Data Number : 080-504-372925* V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
FidoNet Node : 2:443/333
Sysop : Desmond O Connor
Note : A Toppsi mirror board in Derry
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Service Name : Yukon Ho! HRS: 24
Data Number : 080-232-768163* HST/V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
: 080-232-763639 V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
FidoNet Node : 2:443/59
Sysop : Mark Kerr
Note : Multi computer support. Belfast based. Loads of new
files every week direct from the USA and other places
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Service Name : Quasar HRS: 24
Data Number : 080-846-693067* HST/V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
FidoNet Node : 2:443/10
Sysop : David Byrne
Note : Multi computer support. Co.Down based BBS
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Service Name : Starship Enterprise HRS: 24
Data Number : 080-232-763014* HST/V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
FidoNet Node : 2:443/21
Sysop : Gerry Martin
Note : Multi computer support. Belfast based
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Service Name : NIBBS HRS: 24
Data Number : 080-662-247291* V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
FidoNet Node : 2:443/70
Sysop : John Marrow
Note : Multi computer support. Co. Tyrone based.
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Service Name : Nautilus HRS: 24
Data Number : 080-232-431514
FidoNet Node : 2:243/510
Sysop : Ian Moran
Note : This is a ** MAIL ONLY SYSTEM ** in Belfast not a
Bulletin Board.
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Service Name : The Heart of Gold HRS: 24
Data Number : 080-247-274919 HST/V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
FidoNet Node : 2:443/13.0
Sysop : Colin Turner
Note : Bangor based BBS. Very nice!Extremely helpfull sysop.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Service Name : Ireland On Line HRS: 24
Data Number : (091) 592722 ZYXEL/V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
Sysop : Barry Flanagan
Note : A commercial system based in Galway
Full Internet access available
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Service Name : Ireland On Line [Dublin Access Number] HRS: 24
Data Number : (01) 671-5185 ZYXEL/V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
Sysop : Barry Flanagan
Note : As for Ireland On Line in Galway
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Service Name : BIX ONLINE SERVICE [Dublin Access Number] HRS: 24
Data Number : (01) 661-4466 V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
Sysop : BIX USA
Note : Full duplex, 9600bps, 8 data bits, no parity.
You must register with BIX to get access. Register
for BIX now by using your modem on +001-617-4915410.
Have your AMEX, Visa or Access card handy! Limited
EMail Internet Access available free WHEN REGISTERED.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Service Name : FrEd Mail HRS: 24
Data Number : (01) 288-9783 V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
Sysop : Conor McHale. Tom O'Brian. Damien Cox
Note : Mac BBS with Multi computer support. Specialises in
Free Educational Mail for schools between European,
Australian and Atlantic sites. Educational Use Only.
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Service Name : Horizon/AST Support On Line HRS: 24
Data Number : (01) 671-6755 ****PROBABLY OFFLINE****
Sysop : Unknown
Note : Terminal Emulation=VT100 or compatible at 9600bps.
Provides AST technical bulletins, system utilities,
flash bios updates and useful utilities for AST users
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Service Name : DELL Support BBS HRS: 24
Data Number : (01) 286-6902
Sysop : Unknown
Note : A Dell Corp. BBS service for users and specifiers of
Dell computer based equipment. Do not call between
2am-3.30am as it is processing Dell's Intermail.
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Service Name : Gateway Support BBS HRS: 24
Data Number : (01) 867-0433
Sysop : Unknown
Note : A Gateway BBS service for users and specifiers of
Gateway computer based equipment.
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Service Name : Moretec Support BBS HRS: 24
Data Number : (01) 450-9644 V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
Sysop : Georges Vancauwenbergh
Note : A support BBS for users/purchasers of Moretec equip.
Members only are able to download shareware files.
Excellent ANSI colour screens right the way through.
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Service Name : EXEC HRS: 24
Data Number : (061) 229-998 V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
Sysop : Donal O Beirne
Note : Multi computer support. Concentrates on mix of Home
and Games users. Loads of files available. Agents for
Moretec in West/Midlands of Ireland.
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Service Name : i-Com Gateway HRS: 24
Data Number : (01) 679-8924 V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
Sysop : Unknown
Note : A commercial gateway to the USA at $25 per hour. When
connected type 'o' then 'i-com' to sign up. Leased
Lines direct to USA allowing you to log onto many of
the BBS in the USA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Service Name : CAD On Line HRS: 24
Data Number : (021) 500-632
Sysop : David Burke
Note : Provides support for AutoDesk and CADCO product
ranges for Registered Users
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Service Name : QuarterDeck International HRS: 24
Data Number : (01) 284-4381 V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
Sysop : George Hanratty
Note : International QuarterDeck Support Board. Has patches,
utilities for DesqView, XApps, etc. Technical
Bulletins and customer fixes. Facility for different
languages online - French, German or English.
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Service Name : Creative Labs BBS HRS: 24
Data Number : (01) 820-3784 V21/22/22bis/32/32bis
FidoNet Node : 2:263/158.0
Sysop : Marcel Evans
Note : Technical Support Board connected to FidoNet!
Latest drivers and utilities for Creative's products
---------------------------------------------------------------------
PLEASE NOTE:
* = DO NOT call these marked numbers during ZMH
ZMH = Zone Mailing Hour is currently 3.30am to 4.30am. Do not call
FidoNet Nodes during these hours.
HRS = Times available. Do not call outside of these hours
Sysops have a life too.
All systems are 8-N-1 [8 Data Bits-No Parity-1 Stop Bit) unless
stated. Data numbers are in local area format. Outside of Rep.
of Ireland please use +353--.
If you are new to computing/comms, please read the New User Bulletins
carefully. You can access a FidoNet Node in a different Zone with
Credits - see your Sysop for information. Zones are divided into
world regions. Grateful thanks to all who actively participated in
compiling this list especially users and the Sysop of 2:263/150 and
to those Sysops/BBS that currently have this file. Permission to
reproduce this list is granted as long as the source is acknowledged
(c)1994 Aidan Henderson. E+OE.
Any corrections/updates please netmail me at FidoNet Node 2:263/150
You will be dizzy
The hula hoop view of twirling a hula hoop. Play in full screen.
blow my mind
It makes me happy that images like this can blow my mind and give me pause for thought.