Contents tagged with Retro
What’s Wrong with this Picture?
Parts.Common.Body.Summary.cshtml – The template for summary of a content item's body.Do you see anything unusual about this electrical outlet?
The C64 Turns 30
Parts.Common.Body.Summary.cshtml – The template for summary of a content item's body.This week the Commodore 64 turns 30. That’s right, it was 30 years ago this week that the C64 made its public debut at CES.
The original 'breadbox' Commodore 64 design
Source: WikimediaThe C64 holds the record as the most successful 8-bit home PC, with the last one rolling off the assembly line in 1989.
RegHardware has a great write up on what made the C64 so successful, with a particular focus on its graphics capabilities.
The Machine that Launched Careers
While I have a chance to be nostalgic, I’ll take a moment to mention how incredibly influential this machine has been, both during and after its product lifespan.
From the Demo Scene to home gaming, this little machine did way more than just be a home computer. The Commodore 64 was the first home computer that was within the reach of the average family. It brought computer ownership to the masses and introduced a generation of kids to the joys of computer science.
While most kids in school were content to play games on it, I wanted to dissect the games to see how they worked. Mention the C64 at a code camp, user group, or anywhere geeks gather and you’re sure to get a euphoric wave of nostalgia.
The C64 launched thousands of careers. A lot of folks in the industry today are in it because they hacked on their C64 or its predecessor the VIC20 and developed a love for computer science.
While it’s no longer made today, you can enjoy 8-bit bliss with a number of emulators, including Pete Brown’s Silverlight emulator.
So, for all you Millenial kids that grew up with a computer in the home, whether it be a PC or Mac, remember this: you were not the first to grow up with a home computer.
Respect your elders.
A VIC-20 in Your Browser
Parts.Common.Body.Summary.cshtml – The template for summary of a content item's body.Just when you thought I had my weekly quota of nostalgia over the C64’s 30th birthday, I stumbled across this: an in-browser VIC20 Emulator.
[found via Scott Hanselman’s Twitter feed]
