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BEGINNERS BASIC COURSES
Mike Aston's Basic Course will be starting again around about the
second meeting in September and if you did not attend the previous
course make sure that you get along to this one if you want to make a
start on writing your own programs. The course is aimed at the
absolute novice so don't stay away thinking you are not clever enough.
There will be something like seven talks altogether beginning with an
understanding of the Basic commands and building up to more complex
applications. If you have a little knowledge of Basic, why not sit in
on the later talks?
FUTURE TALKS
If you have a reasonable knowledge about a particular subject and
perhaps can write a few demonstration programs why not consider giving
a talk at a future meeting? It may seem daunting but remember that
many of the Club members would like to see and hear practical
demonstrations of many of the things they read in the magazines.
Perhaps Display Lists, PlayerMissiles, Game Design, Sound Effects are
your forte? Whatever, other Club members would like to hear from you.
Please have a word with Mike Aston at the next meeting to organise a
little talk. We seem to have run a little short of ideas over the
summer. YOU can help.
MODEMS
Does any member have a Modem? We would be interested in discussing
future projects involving communication and again please see Mike
Aston in the first instance if you are interested. There are several
GPO engineers in the membership who could no doubt give some good
technical advice. How about it?
SOFTWARE LIBRARY
This report from Steve Gould:
Having now dropped my position as Treasurer, I can devote all my
attention to the Software Library and second-hand software board.
I must say that both of these have been very successful, more so
than I imagined. We now have approx. 80 items in the Library with new
programs/books arriving every meeting. Latest ,additions include
Zaxxon, Defender and Miner 2049er which have all been graciously
donated by members as their 'membership fee' of the Library or
purchased from funds generated at the meetings. All programs are only
purchased for the scheme as unwanted software from members as we do
not wish to offend retailers who provide members with generous
discounts.
For the benefit of any Club members who are not members of the
Library, the rules are quite simple. A Club member may join the
Library by donating a program or paying a once only fee of £5.00.
Thereafter, cassettes or disks can be hired for £1.50 per 2 week
period with a maximum loan of 1 month. ROMs are £2.00 for 2 weeks and
books 50p. If you have not joined why not do so, but remember you must
be a Club Member.
The second-hand software board is working very well and most
programs don't stay 'pinned up' for long. Such bargains as Star
Raiders for £10.00 and Jumbo Jet Pilot for £15.00 have been seen in
recent weeks. We don't charge for this scheme, it's simply another
service for members.
As far as the Software Library is concerned there is enthusiasm
amongst the members, it just needs the right spark to light the fire.
Signing off for now-see you all at the next meeting.
Steve Gould.
PLEASE NOTE THAT AT PRESENT THE LIBRARY FACILITIES ARE ONLY
AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS WHO ATTEND CLUB MEETINGS.
TECHNICAL LIBRARY
The Club has almost all of the technical reference books for the
Atari which are available for members' consultation. Please see Colin
Boswell who can also supply you with disks at a very reasonable cost.
SHARE IT WITH OTHERS - THAT'S WHAT THE CLUB IS ALL ABOUT.
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