Welcome to the July/August 1992 edition of ReRUN. Summer is just around the corner as I'm writing this and I can't wait for the warm weather. Here in New Hampshire, spring days that aren't uncomfortably cold are a precious commodity that few souls take for granted. By the same token, our 64/128 disk-based series is another item to treasure these days, as well.
Over the past few years, we've seen countless changes in the C-64 and C-128 marketplace and we've made adjustments accordingly in response to those changes. RUN may be a smaller publication now, but we remain the #1 resource for Commodore information and programs. Likewise, these ReRUN disks remain the best value you'll find for new C-64 and C-128 programs.
After a busy day at the office, like many of you, I seek a little peace and quiet in the not-so-quiet solitude of my home office. That's where I assemble the contents of ReRUN disks late at night, and I often use that quality time to think of our many users from multiple perspectives. There's a lot to consider.
It's during those times that I think about the level of enthusiasm for the C-64 and C-128 machines, and how the interest level seems nothing less than remarkable, considering the age of these machines. I think of how, in spite of intense competition and the introduction of alternative computers over the years, user loyalty and the attractive bargain prices of the machines keeps a steady supply of people interested in ReRUN and the other products that we sell.
As long-time Commodore enthusiasts ourselves, RUN staff members know which choice products our readers want for their computers, too. In recent months, we here at RUN have been aggressively upgrading and expanding our Special Products mail order business. We try to stock those hard-to-find programs and peripherals that we know our readers want. While our editorial offices are still located in Peterborough, New Hampshire, our Special Products division has readily outgrown this facility and now resides in scenic Salisbury, Maryland.
Our goal in this rapid expansion of our business is to serve our readers and customers by offering the lowest prices around. If you're interested in some of our other products, please give us a call at 1-800-824-5499. Outside of the U.S. and Canada, please call (410) 546-0180. Remember--we always give special consideration to ReRUN users, who remain our most valued customers.
Programs and Other Things
The July/August 1992 issue of RUN was noted for a possessing some really great programs. The first program on this disk, Look and Load, was just such a program. Wayne Martin wrote this interrupt-driven machine language program that allows you to press a function key to display the disk directory. To load a program, use the up/down cursor keys to move the highlighter over the name of the program to load and press return. That's all there is to it.
Bowl 'n Score, the next program on the list, is a bowling leaguer's dream-come-true. This score-keeper for your C-64 keeps track of your weekly game scores, averages, and it calculates the average of your first, second, and third games throughout the season. Raphael Diaz, the author of the program, also does his best to dispel the notion that all bowling league members are stereotypical in their behavior.
Next there's Leap Frog, a Tony Brantner original program. This time, Tony puts you in the perilous position of the frog, hungry to devour overhead flies buzzing about, but ever-wary of the snake at ground level that's ready to strike.
Mark Jordan comes through again with an original program for our popular 128 Mode column. Roundball Roundup lets you main scores for your favorite teams. Virtually any game requiring the compilation of scores is a candidate for this program.
Our bonus programs are a mixed bag this month. For starters, we've taken a never-before-published Tony Brantner game, Angler, and published it as a bonus program. In this game of fishing prowess, you must try to catch fish. Simple enough, right? Not so, as careful fishing pole manipulation is in order. The fish may be biting well, but you're also trying to avoid a big lurker near the surface that wants your catch as badly as you do.
Pack Rat 64 is an intelligent disk validation program by Ward Shrake. It analyzes and corrects any loose disk blocks and re-writes data to the disk in an organized fashion. The result is cleaner, better arranged files and peace of mind know your data and information is safely saved on disk.
John Kissell brings us two bonus programs for the July/August edition of ReRUN. The first, Password 64, lets you encrypt your favorite Basic programs with a password of your choice. The result is better security and less prying eyes peering at your programs.
John's second program, Renumber 64, is simply a machine language Basic program renumbering utility. It complements Password 64, which may require some Basic programs to be renumbered. Of course, you can use Renumber 64 to renumber any Basic program desired.
For C-128 aficionados, we offer Jane Jones' Profile 80. Hailing from South Australia, this 80-column utility uses 3-D windows to put messages up on the screen to perform a variety of tasks. Also included as a bonus program is Scroller 128. Scroller is a nifty little utility that scrolls a messages up to 50 characters in length across the bottom of the C-128's 80-column screen with some of the smoothest movement we've seen yet..
Incidently, the author of scroller is Bob Akerberg, who is also a computer artist whose work adorns the opening screen to this ReRUN disk. Bob also created the motorcycle graphic from the opening of the last edition of ReRUN (May/June 1992).
Letters
Needless to say, this disk just wouldn't be complete without sharing what people are talking about when it comes to ReRUN. Like many of our readers, I never tire of reading what you have to say when it comes to this disk series. That's where I get most of my ideas for improvements.
Many of our readers chose to answer the questions to the last two ReRUN disks and I'd like to recognize and thank those folks now. Here's a list of them:
Brian Ellis William Kennedy
Midlothian, VA Birmingham, AL
Edward Kaba James A. Miller
Jericho, NY Abbottstown, PA
Gilbert J. Settlage George Madison
Fort Loudon, PA Banner Elk, NC
Here's some ReRUN users of a few more words:
I like the new programs on the ReRUN disks. I find that I'm learning new things to do. I am having problem with RUN's Super Starter Pak, however. I cannot get it to load. Is that a secret that I missed?
Pearl Morrison
Vancouver, WA
Editor's Note: If you're having problems with Super Starter Pak or any other RUN product, please call our fulfillment offices at 1-800-827-5499 or 410-546-0180. We'll gladly replace any product that doesn't work for you.
I basically like the new format for the ReRUN disks. Now I don't have to worry about losing my documentation. Maybe we'll see the results in the savings on the postage, also. I have a few problems with Menu 128, though. The keyboard's top cursor keys and the Enter key on the numerical keypad are disabled.
Something that I would like to see and I'm certain that others would also is a disk or two of past and current Magic programs. Might make a nice premium, too. If you did produce such a product, be sure that ReRUN subscribers aren't the only ones who could have access to these programs, though.
Skip Royeton
Henderson, NV
I have been a subscriber to RUN and ReRUN since way back and I have not written a letter to you before. I have learned the computer by myself and am now retired. I first got a C-64 to use with genealogy, and now have a C-128 and use it for many other things.
The programs that I get from you have helped me with keeping household records, writing newsletters and so many other things. The games are fun for me when I am alone and help to entertain my grandchildren when they visit.
I like the new format and find that the documentation on disk is a convenience. I like having to need less storage space. I can also arrange it for myself and not hav
