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.
Author Archives: Donncha
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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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!
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
Batman Forever
Batman Forever is an amazing looking Amstrad CPC demo made last year and won first place in the CPC Demo compo at Forever 2011.
Stunning artwork, great effects but perhaps a little bit of the old school yard “my computer is better than your one” in there too. Not too fond of the Commodore 64 are they? 😉
Also check out pushnpop.net, an Amstrad demoscene website! It even has an article on cross-platform development using Linux and Vim!
Thanks Keith for leaving a comment in my last post about this demo. Well worth watching!
In related news, the 1541-II I ordered last week arrived this morning. I’m waiting on the zoomfloppy USB interface to connect it to my laptop now. Fingers crossed it’ll work and it’s not too late for my 20 year old Commodore 64 5 1/4 discs. I tend to agree that if it wasn’t for piracy ancient games would be lost to history now ..
Amazing C64 and Speccy Pixel Art
Computers have always been home to amazing artwork. The C64 has so many graphics modes that artists were spoiled for choice near the end of the machine’s life. Luckily, artists are still working on the machine and releasing stuff even now!
You can find some amazing Commodore 64 artwork on c64pixels.com and it’s even sorted by graphics format like hires, FLI and others.
There’s also a comprehensive and detailed collection at CSDB of course but it does have a gallery. You’ll have to click through to each image to view it.
Here’s a wonderful ZX Spectrum gallery. The Speccy was known for attribute clash but despite this you can create really amazing work if you know what you’re doing. Check out this Binary Zone tribute to Speccy artist David Thorpe. You will recognise the loading screens!
Chrome bug: it forgets browsing sessions!
I just reported my first Chrome bug but it looks like it’s been known for quite some time, unfortunately.
When Chrome is configured to open the home page on startup it forgets any recently opened tabs if you don’t open those pages before you close the browser again. I’m fairly certain it used to do the right thing before and remember those pages but I’m not sure when that behaviour changed.
Unfortunately Firefox does the same thing. Go to History->Restore Previous Session and it will restore the home page in the same circumstances. I’m almost certain that browser did the right thing in a previous release.
If one were pedantic, the previous session was the single homepage tab and not the dozen tabs I had open before my browser was closed but it’s not what I expect. I’ll close my browser down when I’m doing something intensive but then click on a link in Tweetdeck, laugh at a rage comic and close the browser again before I realise my mistake.
The other thing Chrome has changed is when you have multiple windows open. It only shows the recently closed tabs for one of those windows. Open the home page again and you’ll see the “recently closed” link again where you can open tabs from other windows. You can also press ctrl-shift-t to restore closed windows.
If you hadn’t closed many pages before you shut your browser down you can also use the History page to open previously closed pages selectively. Unfortunately that won’t help if you had pages open for days that you just meant to read when you had time but never found the time. I find myself shoving pages into Read It Later just so I can get back to them at my leisure.
I’ve tried a few Chrome extensions that promised to save my browsing sessions but none worked in the way I’ve described. Does such an extension exist?
Humble Bundle on Android
The latest Humble Bundle is out and features Android as well as Windows/Linux and Mac versions of the following games: World of Goo, EDGE, Osmos and Anomaly Warzone Earth.
Please hack me I need it!
Just one of the many kids on ps3 who message me asking for Modern Warfare 2 hacks.
10th prestige hack anyone? There’s a ready market of players who want to cheat their way to the top!
BTW – the new WordPress app for Android kicks ass!
Mastering Machine Code on your Commodore 64
Before the internet became popular and the web was still in diapers I had a Commodore 64 at home. “Mastering Machine Code on your Commodore 64” by Mark Greenshields was the first programming book I owned that wasn’t full of BASIC listings and opened my eyes to the wonders of low level assembly development. It was a daunting task learning machine code on my own but I devoured the book and learned so much by looking at the code in demos and games of the time.
The book was originally published in 1984, and I discovered it in a small bookshop next to Paul Street Shopping Centre in Cork sometime in 1990 or 1991. I still remember the excitement I felt at finding any book on the subject. The city library had books on computers, even one or two on building robots and things you could connect to a computer but nothing that explored the C64 in depth.
Based on what I learned in that book and from hacking demos with the aid of an Action Replay I was able to do quite a bit. Nothing amazing but I’m proud of what I did along with others in my demo group way back 20 years ago. I was 16 at the time. I wonder what I’d be hacking on now if I was that age?
You can find a zip file with all our demos in this post. Commodore 64 emulator required!
While flicking through the book I stumbled upon a favourite section, the one on interrupts which I’ve scanned and posted the first two pages of in this post. Here’s another doc on this subject, with the same example code flashing the border 60 times a second. Happy memories.
What was your first programming book?
