Bug Club Call

 

Issue 5

Sep/Oct 83

 

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This page is put aside each issue for the exclusive use of Birmingham User Group

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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