iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

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This Week in Retro @thisweekinretro.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

A look back at episode 50 of our storied show from September 2021, for our monthly and annual supporters. www.patreon.com/thisweekinre...

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The Retro Collective @retrocollective.co.uk · 29/09/2026

Event: "Pubs, Programming and Panic: 40-ish Years of Shipping Games and Not Losing My Mind" Join Adrian Brown who will be sharing 30 years of games development experience, here at The Retro Collective. Taking place on Sunday 18th October. Book now: www.retrocollective.co.uk/view-event.p...

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Dan Tootill @dantootill.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Here is the complete "Doctor Who - Full Circle" set for your enjoyment. I'm not how if there was much value in trying to preserve these, but it was definitely something to do... #3DViewMaster 1. Doctor Who, Romana and K9, ready for lift off

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Iain Mew @superchartisland.com · 28/09/2026

After Ocean's conversion of Technos beat-'em-up Renegade, its arcade successor Double Dragon became a huge hit... and Ocean missed out on the licence. So in true Ocean fashion, they invented their own Renegade sequel instead. New post on Target: Renegade: www.superchartisland.com/target-renegade

superchartisland.com

Target: Renegade – “The skin-heads, the Beastie Boys, the bouncers”

Yoshihisa Kishimoto and Technos set some key standards in early beat-’em-ups with 熱血硬派くにおくん, Nekketsu Kōha Kunio-kun or, as it was known in the West, Renegade. Having launched Kunio-kun as the main…

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Iain Mew @superchartisland.com · 25/09/2026

EA Sports FC 27 is out today. To commemorate, here is a previously unpublished piece about my compulsive relationship with FIFA 18's Ultimate Team mechanics, and why I'm glad I stopped playing www.superchartisland.com/fifa-18

superchartisland.com

FIFA 18 and why I stopped playing FIFA games

I wrote this article for GameTripper in 2022, but it didn’t end up being published. I have made a few minor edits but have left largely as-was. It…

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Rob Crowther @robertcrowther.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Had a root around in the loft for #RandomGameSaturday and came across my Amiga copy of Sim City Classic. Love this game, many hours spent trying to find the ideal placement of city blocks.

Sim City Classic for the CBM Amiga Platinum Edition from Hit Squad (i.e. a budget label). The label states "Off disk protection" so it's a good job I still have the manuals.

The back of the Sim City box with some screen shots on the left and some paragraphs of description, the text begins: "The original city simulator"

Also pictured: the game manual; the Terrain Editor manual; the game disk; and the Terrain Editor disk.

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Mike Dailly ™ @mdf200.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Found this in my archives. It's the source of the "dino.exe" name that #GTA1 inherited (via it's DINO.BAT) It was listed as "Darrens Dino Game" Unless this was Attack! I have no idea what this game concept was.This would have been the demo that I drew the Isometric picture for that then spawned GTA

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GigerPunk @gigerpunk.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Am not coughing anymore so wondering if I'm safe enough (and able) to get to the hospital again to see Flo, it's been SO long I've been going out of my mind and I'm sure she has too. And I need to tell her about the GoFundMe, so she's not worrying about work/bills. www.gofundme.com/f/flo-and-rob

gofundme.com

Donate to Help Flo and Rob with Flo's Stroke Recovery, organized by Emma Leadley

Flo is an artist, sci-fi and fantasy writer and regular attendee at conventio… Emma Leadley needs your support for Help Flo and Rob with Flo's Stroke Recovery

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Sinclair Research @sinclairresearch.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

The Jupiter Ace was launched this day in 1982. Happy Birthday, little plastic Forth buddy! #jupiterace

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Iain Mew @superchartisland.com · 21/09/2026

In 1980s Britain, snooker was enjoying a boom that began with colour TV. Several saw the Spectrum as a similar opportunity. CDS & Mike Lamb made a great game and brought in a world champion too, with lasting results. New post on Steve Davis Snooker: superchartisland.com/steve-davis-snooker

superchartisland.com

Steve Davis Snooker – “Colour wanted”

In 1969, the controller of BBC Two, one David Attenborough, had a bit of an issue. He had a few colour cameras, and a desire to put something unique on his channel that would maximise the use of th…

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Kate - Mac Librarian @maccy.me · 19/09/2026

New Podcast Episode ! This time we explore Vintage Computer Festival Midwest! youtu.be/LamG412IQgA

youtu.be

Kate & Veronica - E02 - VCF Midwest 2026 - The Largest Vintage Computer Festival!

YouTube video by Kate and Veronica Podcast

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Rob Crowther @robertcrowther.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Today on #RandomGameSaturday I am a little sad that I can't afford a Switch 2 to play the latest Fire Emblem game, but I'm happy that I can play Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia on my #3DS whenever I want.

Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia Limited Edition box, the front has large pictures of Alm and Celica and a small picture of every thing included in the box.

The back of the Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia box, has screenshots and descriptions of the gameplay, Alm and Celica again, and further pictures of all the extras included in the box.

All the things included in the Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia Limited Edition box (back to front, left to right): the game itself in a standard 3DS clamshell; an A4 sized Valentia Artbook; an audio CD of the soundtrack; three metal pin badges in a presentation box; an Alm Amiibo; a Celica Amiibo.

The CD sountrack opened up so the artwork is visible, both the case and the CD itself have sepia drawings of Alm and Celica. Below that the clamshell opened up showing the game cart and the instructions for downloading the manual.

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The Centre for Computing History @computinghistory.org.uk · 19/09/2026

A great start to today’s Domesday at 40 anniversary event! 👏🏼 We have heard talks from Chris Turner, Mike Tibbetts and Jardine Barrington-Cook. Our brilliant MC for the day is @delverie.bsky.social 🎙️ Looking forward to the rest of the day! #Domesdayat40

Jardine Barrington-Cook at the Centre for Computing History’s Domesday at 40 event. Standing at a lectern in front of seated people.

Mike Tibbetts, at the Centre for Computing History’s Domesday at 40 event, standing at a lectern reading notes. Standing in front of a TV screen showing an old photograph of a BBC Master Domesday system.

Chris Turner, at the Centre for Computing History Domesday at 40 event. Standing at a lectern in front of seated guests. A TV screen behind showing a web page.

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Rob Crowther @robertcrowther.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

I'm at the @computinghistory.org.uk for the Domesday at 40 event, celebrating the 1986 BBC Domesday Project (itself a celebration of 1086 Domesday Book).

Various original Domesday Project systems ready for action, we have both BBC Master and RM Nimbus available to use

A more recent system including both the original 1986 content and updated 2011 content used via a touchscreen interface

Stories sent in by people involved in gathering information for the Domesday Project in 1985 part 1

Stories sent in by people involved in gathering information for the Domesday Project in 1985 part 2

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Mr Benn @thebowlerhatman.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Here is the full packaging for the upcoming Mr Benn dvd release. All the cartoons have been restored & look Fabulous. There are loads of extras, including a cd of Mr Benn - The Music. We hope you love it!! Please pass the word...

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The Civitas Universe @thecivitasuniverse.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Working today on a BBSs to feature in my game. In this alternate universe @visitthecave.bsky.social's @retrocollective.co.uk was already a thing, and had its own BBS! I just need to figure out the old landline format for a phone based in Stroud,UK in 1989 🤔 #GlyphisIOBBSTheProxyTapes1989

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Computer Chronicles Revisited @deviledeggpress.com · 16/09/2026

It's the 40th anniversary of the Apple IIgs! Apple's Curtis Sasaki appeared in a September 1986 episode to demo EA's "Music Construction Set," which developer Will Harvey ported from his original Apple II version. www.computerchronicles.blog/computer-chr... #retrocomputing #apple #midi

computerchronicles.blog

Computer Chronicles Revisited 64 — The Music Studio, EZ-Track, Soundscape, the Apple IIgs, and the CompuSonics DSP-1000

The Computer Chronicles discusses MIDI music.

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Rhianna Pratchett @rhi.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Okay, starting a @thelongdark.bsky.social stalker survival run. I’m mostly an interloper player, which is technically the hardest mode since items are limited and the weather is worse. With stalker, the wildlife is more aggressive, but you get extra stuff, incl. guns.

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Rob Crowther @robertcrowther.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

For #RandomGameSaturday here is Interdictor Pilot for the #C64. This is an aspirational game for me, I used to see adverts for it that made think it was a 'grown up' game. Fortunately an RRP of £17.99 meant it was well out of my budget, because I'm sure 13yo me would not have enjoyed it.

Interdictor Pilot from Supersoft for the Commodore 64. The cover has the game title in an LED-style font, below that a picture of the view from a sci-fi cockpit, two hands can be seen gripping the flight yoke, a button is pressed and the screen shows lasers shooting at a hamburger shaped spaceship.

The back of the Interdictor Pilot clamshell box. There are several headings, here I present them with a summary of the content of each section:

* A space flight simulation - once we thought even flying to the moon will be unlikely, but perhaps one day space flight will be common?
* The scenario - in 2131 the first Intergalactic War began, the Interdictor Mk 2 was built but over 78% of recruits were lost during training
* The simulator - a simulator was built so that pilots could learn to pilot the new Interdictor Mk 3 in a less risky fashion
* The program - with the aid of your Commodore 64 you too can learn to pilot the Interdictor Mk 3
* This is no game.

It's amusing to me that the plot of the game shares several elements with that of the movie The Last Starfighter which had released a few months before.

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This Week in Retro @thisweekinretro.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

A wild week for retro Kickstarters, and a unique phone booth memorial opens its folding door. But first: Tron references, the big four-oh for the Amstrad PC1512 PC clone, a time capsule of Atari newsletters from Aug 1987, and Nelumbo's classic Lotus racing action. youtu.be/8lyKDPCZmEQ

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The Centre for Computing History @computinghistory.org.uk · 12/09/2026

We have opened up some more free pre-book tickets for tomorrow’s Binary Quilt event! Please book here: www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/77266/Op... Come see the Quilt in our Main Gallery, and join a workshop to make your own stitched square 🪡🧵

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Sasha's Retrobytes 🏳️‍⚧️ @sharkabytes.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

The Apple IIGS can produce mind-boggling effects. The IIGS has become my new computer fascination. It's such an fascinating mix of specific audio and visuals bolted to a woefully slow processor.

A snap from The Bard's Tale with a battle screen. The party faces off against two skeletons with red eyes and glowing red ribcage.

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The Centre for Computing History @computinghistory.org.uk · 10/09/2026

The Cambridge Festival Community Quilt is ready for display! 🧵 Join us this weekend at Stitch and Code, part of #OpenCambridge, to make your own stitched square and learn Japanese hitomezashi. Pre-booked tickets are sold out, but limited walk-ins are available. Image: @cambridgefestival.bsky.social

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Kevin Edwards ( Retro game developer ) @kevedwardsretro.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

My BBC Micro and Acorn Electron shoot 'em up 'Galaforce' is 40 years old this month. I was 19 when I started creating the game with help from former school friends Paul Proctor ( Artwork ) and Martin Galway ( Music /SFX ). I went to Superior Software in early 1986 and they agreed to publish the game

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Rob Crowther @robertcrowther.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Date yourself with a snap of your first ever computer.

A Commodore VIC-20 in an Arfon Expansion unit sitting on a desk. Next to the VIC-20 a Commodore VIC-1515 dot matrix printer. Above this on the desk shelf a Commodore datasette unit along with some stationary and books.

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Kim Justice @kimjustice.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Been sitting on this for a min but here's some news. I'm writing the official book for the fabulous Rubber-Keyed Wonder ZX Spectrum documentary! It's an honour and privilege and I hope to do it justice. The pre-launch Kickstarter page is live now :) www.kickstarter.com/projects/48k...

kickstarter.com

Coming soon: The Rubber-Keyed Wonder: The Sinclair ZX Spectrum Story

Celebrating the 45th Anniversary of the Sinclair ZX Spectrum (1982 - 2027)

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Andrew (LinuxJedi) Hutchings @linuxjedi.co.uk · 07/09/2026

Now for something even @mdf200.bsky.social didn't ask for. Two player #Amiga Lemmings over the Internet. youtu.be/wUcZPUC9SkQ

youtu.be

Lemmings Amiga 2 player internet play

YouTube video by Andrew Hutchings

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Rob Crowther @robertcrowther.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

Some time ago I started chatting online to a girl while we were both playing Shroud of the Avatar. Nine years ago this week we both went to a @computinghistory.org.uk for our first 'date', so this #RandomGameSaturday is in honour of that anniversary. Love you @angel-mhor.bsky.social ❤️

The back of the box with a column of four screenshots on the left and some scene setting advertising copy to the right.

The contents of the box:

* A cloth map
* Adventurer's Guide
* Installation disk
* Our Epic Origins booklet
* Ankh trinket
* Quick reference card

I did a quick search of my Steam screenshots and this is the only one I could find of Angel and I together. We're standing on a pier at the entry point of the player owned town Virtue Oasis. This was the home of our guild - Every Virtue is Lasting (EVL). I'm the one with the wings. Yes, both my arms are planted into my hips, the reason for this screenshot existing is probably for the bug report :)

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C64Reloaded @c64reloaded.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Welcome to September...1986! 40 years ago (I know!) Dan Dare landed on the C64. A brilliant arcade adventure with a cool comic book vibe, it scored a 9/10 C&VG Hit! and a 94% ZZAP!64 Sizzler.

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Iain Mew @superchartisland.com · 31/08/2026

Over the summer, I've written histories of 13 computer games which reached #1 in the UK charts during 1987: superchartisland.com/timeline/#1987 Here is a thread on what the British public was buying that year, with links

An edited screenshot of Barbarian for the ZX Spectrum. A goblin carries away a headless body.

Barbarian
Palace
1987
Various
Gallup combined #1
W/E 13 June 1987

An edited screenshot of The Last Ninja for the Commodore 64. A ninja stands near a canal with stepping stones.

The Last Ninja
System 3
1987
Commodore 64

Gallup combined #1
W/E 20 June 1987

An edited screenshot of Grand Prix Simulator for Amstrad CPC. A top down view of a twisting racing track, with art of two F1 cars at the top (a McLaren and a Ferrari)

Grand Prix Simulator
Code Masters
1987
Various

#1 in Gallup combined
W/E 03 October 1987

An edited screenshot of Out Run for Atari ST. A red Ferrari drives along a road with water on one side and palm trees on the other, under a blue blue sky.

Out Run
U.S. Gold
1987
Various
#1 combined
W/E 12 Dec 1987

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Somebody wake up Hicks @jonmarkhicks.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

There's an 'I Grew Up 80s' exhibition at the Northampton Museum and it's basically me.

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Rob Crowther @robertcrowther.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Possibly the last magazines I will ever buy in a newsagents. Cambridge TG Jones is closing in a few weeks. @retrogamermag.bsky.social @amigaaddict.bsky.social

The latest issues of Retro Gamer and Amiga Addict held up in front of a magazine rack at TG Jones

The inside of TG Jones in Cambridge, half empty shelves with yellow banners hanging from the ceiling. In large typeface the banners proclaim 'STORE CLOSING DOWN' and 'EVERYTHING MUST GO!'

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This Week in Retro @thisweekinretro.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

Time for retro tech trading to go mainstream? We'll find out, if reports of CeX's expansion into retro sales are accurate. We also talk end of an era for a retro podcast, cassettes return, Casio's 1980s/2020s mashup watches, the origins of Batman (game of the movie) & more. youtu.be/yrH_JwkYQIE

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Rob Crowther @robertcrowther.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

It will be my Mum's birthday next week, so in honour of that my #RandomGameSaturday is her favourite game on the VIC-20: Blitz. A nice one-button game inspired by arcade Canyon Bomber. Back in the day she was the only one in the family who could regularly land the plane.

VIC-20 Blitz Game Cassette by Commodore Computer, on the front is a screenshot from the game showing the plane flying over the city with a bomb dropping on a building behind it. Simon Taylor wrote and published the game as Vic New York before he contracted with Commodore in 1982.

The Blitz cassette tape along with the front of the cassette insert spread out front side up. The message 'NO RAM EXPANSION REQUIRED' is printed across the back tab.

The inside of the cassette insert along with the Blitz cassette tape. The instructions for use are printed on the insert, they manage to stretch them out to cover two pages, the gameplay instructions themselves (essentially: press space bar to drop bomb) take up three paragraphs, including a description of exactly where your score will appear on the screen.

My Mum playing Blitz on my VIC-20, aspect ratio is a bit off as I have it plugged directly into my modern-ish TV.

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Mike Dailly ™ @mdf200.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

I've just released my GTA 1 prototype remake, written in C# it recreates the original tech and makes it simpler to follow. Enjoy! www.patreon.com/mikedailly/p...

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Luís Correia @luiscorreia.pt · 27/08/2026

Este é o Roaming Spectrum, uma ideia do Lee Hodgson de Inglaterra, a máquina anda em viagem pelo mundo e está neste momento comigo. Vejam a playlist, se tiverem um computador Sinclair/Timex, tirem uma foto/video com ele (formato vertical), para que eu o inclua no que estou a fazer. Agradecido!

youtube.com

The Roaming Speccy - YouTube

The Roaming Speccy is a globe-trotting ZX Spectrum making its way from creator to creator, each adding their own touch and sharing a story. From bench repair...

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The Centre for Computing History @computinghistory.org.uk · 24/08/2026

BBC Domesday at 40! 📀 Tickets are LIVE for our 19 Sept event at the Centre for Computing History, Cambridge. www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/77318/Do... Explore the original system, hear from those involved & see if you can find your 1986 contribution! 🔎

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Damien McFerran @damienmcferran.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Introduced the grandson to some local culture today @rare.co.uk

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Rob Crowther @robertcrowther.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

For years I've been convinced I first played Civilization II on my flatmate's Mac in the last year of University. So sure I've not even thought to check. However I graduated in 1994, and it didn't come out until 1996, so I've been lying! Anyway, I really enjoyed this video: youtu.be/_d77ptcqbyA

youtu.be

How Civilization Made History Impossible to Put Down

YouTube video by Pixel Playback

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Iain Mew @superchartisland.com · 24/08/2026

Sega arcade racers Hang-On and Enduro Racer inspired a lot of British devs. It put some of them in the right place at the right time for Sega & Yu Suzuki's legendary next move. New post on Out Run and its deeply compromised, mega successful home computer ports: www.superchartisland.com/out-run

superchartisland.com

Out Run – “A tank full of gas and an open road”

First, a recap of the last time I wrote about Yu Suzuki and Sega. After joining Sega from university in 1983, Suzuki was the lead designer for Hang-On,…

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More Fun Making It @morefunmakingit.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Computer club day in Cambridge! @computinghistory.org.uk is a fantastic venue who lay on some brilliant interesting things for us to explore. Many of us also bring our own things to share. But the best thing is chatting with all the lovely people that turn up.

Cambridge Computer Club meeting 23rd August 2026

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Binary Dinosaurs @binarydinosaurs.co.uk · 23/08/2026

Good fun at the @computinghistory.org.uk meet up today. I took some of last year’s RetroFest exhibits to show - Sinclair QL with Schön keyboard and my CST Thor - along with something I’ve never seen at any retro event, the Mancomp replacement keyboard for the ZX Spectrum. Should do a feature on it.

My show and tell exhibits today, the Mancomp spectrum board replacement where you take the dead flesh off the top of your machine and rest it in the provided space on the lower moulding. Interface 1 space is provided and there’s a hole on the right for the PSU to poke out of.

Underneath is the QL with very excellent Schön keyboard and QL Medic disk interface WITH CASE (not many of those escaped) and the CST Thor which is a QL with a custom expansion board containing ram, serial io, floppy and hard disk (scsi) and an IBM XT keyboard.

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Rob Crowther @robertcrowther.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Another busy Retro Computer Club at @computinghistory.org.uk this morning. Read about our past meetups: morefunretro.co.uk/club

People having more fun with retro computers

An MSX2 Word Processor system running the SymbOS, a GUI driven CP/M compatible modern operating system

The Retro Computer Club from the other side of the room

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