Task: Explore the Antic Software Archive Needed: Web browser Time: 30-60 minutes Introduction As I mentioned in my last post about Antic Magazine, one of the great features of Antic was the software that came in each and every issue. Most of these were software
Read moreExplore Antic Magazine (30-60 mins)
Task: Explore Antic Magazine Needed: Web browser Time: 30-60 minutes Introduction I very much looked forward to each and every issue of Antic Magazine after we got our Atari 400 and then 800 in the early 1980s. These were the days before the internet, and
Read moreRead Atari News from the 1970s and 1980s (30-60 mins)
Task: Read Atari News from the 1970s and 1980s Needed: Web browser Time: 30-60 minutes Introduction A number of good books have been written about the history of Atari (e.g. Racing the Beam and Breakout). It is a fascinating story of innovation, success, and failure.
Read moreExplore KSquiggle’s Atari 8-bit Programming Shrine (15-30 mins)
Task: Explore KSquiggle’s Atari 8-bit Programming Shrine Needed: Web browser Time: 15-30 mins Introduction Bill Lange pointed me to this awesome Atari 8-bit programming resource developed and maintained by Kevin Chase (aka KSquiggle). I had seen this before but it was great to get it on
Read moreExplore the Serious Computerist Web Page (15-30 mins)
Task: Explore the Serious Computerist Web Page Needed: Web browser Time: 15-30 mins Introduction I recently came across The Serious Computerist web page that is full of useful documents on Atari 8-bit computers. It is well worth exploring to see what is there. The page is
Read moreUpload Atari Files to the Internet Archive (15-30 mins)
Task: Upload Atari Files to the Internet Archive Needed: Web browser Time: 15-30 mins Introduction The internet has expanded our Atari hobby in near limitless ways. Not only can we connect our Atari home computers to the internet but we can access tons of software,
Read moreWatch Atari Episodes of “Computer Chronicles” TV Show (1-2 hours)
Task: Watch Atari Episodes of “Computer Chronicles” TV Show Needed: Web Browser Time: 1-2 hours Introduction The “Computer Chronicles” TV show launched in 1983 at a local PBS station in California and quickly took off as word spread across the USA and people called up
Read moreRead the Atari 8-bit FAQ (15-60 mins)
Task: Read the Atari 8-bit FAQ Needed: Web Browser Time: 15-60 minutes Introduction If you were “online” in the 1980s you probably accessed Usenet newsgroups for posting on discussion threads about various topics including Atari. There was (is) a comp.sys.atari.8bit newsgroup that was quite active
Read moreExplore Best Electronics Website (10-15 mins)
Task: Explore the Best Electronics Website Needed: Web browser Time: 10-15 mins Introduction Inevitably, you will need to purchase one of more pieces of hardware to support your Atari 8-bit computer hobby. eBay is of course a great source but can be expensive and you
Read moreJoin Atari Age (5-10 mins)
Task: Join Atari Age Needed: Web browser Time: 5-10 mins Introduction As I have rediscovered my love for Atari home computers and video game systems I have found Atari Age to be a great place to participate in and learn from the community of enthusiasts
Read morePurchase an Atari 8-Bit Computer (1-2 hours)
Task: Purchase an Atari 8-Bit Computer Needed: $ Time: 1-2 hours (or longer) Introduction If you are reading this website it is very likely that you already have one or more Atari 8-bit computers. However, if you don’t own an Atari, and would like to,
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