Goto 10: The Newsletter for Atari Enthusiasts

Goto 10: The Newsletter for Atari Enthusiasts covers various aspects of Atari systems, including software enhancements, development tools, hardware features, and the impact of piracy. It also highlights retro computing elements like product naming conventions, use of floppy disks, and the evolution of the technology from past to present.

Software Development Hardware Features Retro Computing Programming Languages Computer History Technology Evolution

The hottest Substack posts of Goto 10: The Newsletter for Atari Enthusiasts

And their main takeaways

Comparing the Names of Various Retro Computers

117 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Computers Brands Graphics Innovations
  1. Product naming can be challenging even today, as seen in the variety of names given to retro computers.
  2. Using numbers was a common naming convention for retro computers, such as Apple II, Commodore 64, and Atari 520ST.
  3. The name of a product plays a significant role in its success and recognition, with memorable names like Atari and Amiga standing out.

NeoDesk, the Desktop Alternative for the Atari ST

137 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Software Operating System Hardware
  1. NeoDesk was a desktop alternative for the Atari ST with enhanced features and better functionality.
  2. Key features of NeoDesk included improved memory usage, custom app icons, better window handling, and desktop background picture.
  3. NeoDesk versions like 3 and 4 continued to enhance functionality with features like low-resolution support, draggable dialog boxes, and drag-and-drop file launching.

Primordial USB on Atari 8-bits

117 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Computers Connectivity Design History
  1. Atari 8-bit computers were more advanced than other personal computers of the late 1970s, with superior graphics and design.
  2. Atari used a well-designed Serial Input/Output (SIO) connector for peripherals, allowing easy connection and daisy-chaining of devices.
  3. The Atari SIO connector, developed by Joe Decuir, served as a predecessor to the USB standard due to its single-port, plug-and-play design.

Turbo Pascal for the Atari ST

117 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Programming Computers Software History
  1. Turbo Pascal became popular in the 1980s for its role in structured programming.
  2. Borland's Turbo Pascal for DOS in 1983 made Pascal more accessible with its affordability.
  3. Atari ST had various Pascal implementations, including Pure Pascal, which was like Turbo Pascal for the ST.

Fun with Floppy Disks

78 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Computing
  1. In the early days of personal computing, having a floppy disk was a luxury
  2. There were various types of floppy disks like 8 inch, 5 1/4 inch, and 3.5 inch
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Atari Coding Fonts

78 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Fonts Design Software
  1. There are Atari-themed fonts available for modern computers, resembling the classic 8-bit Atari font.
  2. You can try out Atari ST fonts, like the 8x16 high-resolution font, for a nostalgic feel.
  3. Experimenting with retro fonts in your code editor can bring back fun memories, but may not be a permanent change.

Prospero Pascal for the Atari ST

78 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Programming Software Development Hardware Tools
  1. Prospero Software made compilers for Atari ST and other systems like Sinclair QL and OS/2.
  2. Prospero Pascal was an extensive system with manuals totaling 718 pages, making it one of the most detailed ST development tools.
  3. The integration capability of Prospero compilers allowed for sharing libraries between Prospero Pascal, C, and Fortran, giving a unique advantage in the market.

Pascal Cross-Reference Utility

58 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Programming
  1. The post discusses a Pascal Cross-Reference Utility program that scans a source file and creates a cross-reference of variables in the program.
  2. The program was shared on platforms like Delphi, Genie, and some Public Domain libraries in the past.
  3. Goto 10: The Newsletter for Atari Enthusiasts is reader-supported, and readers can subscribe for more content and support the work.

More DeskCart Details

58 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Hardware Software Newsletter
  1. DeskCart! software provided by a kind reader allowed testing, revealing it works well.
  2. Swapping the CR2023 battery for the DeskCart! did not require soldering, just used electrical tape.
  3. DeskCart! from Atari ST served as a battery-backed clock and had built-in accessories.

How did Piracy Affect Atari computers?

19 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🕹 Technology
  1. Software piracy has been an issue since the beginning of personal computers.
  2. The debate around free software versus paid software dates back to the early days of computing.
  3. Even though software piracy was a concern for new companies like Microsoft, it wasn't widely known or cared about by most people.