Compute!'s Gazette
Premiere issue, July 1983 | |
| Categories | Computer magazine |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Monthly |
| Format | Print and online |
| Publisher | COMPUTE! Publications, Inc. |
| Founder | Small System Services |
| Founded | 1983 |
| First issue | July 1983 |
| Final issue | February 1995 (original run) |
| Country | United States |
| Based in | Greensboro, North Carolina (1983–1995) Leander, Texas (2025–present) |
| Language | English |
| ISSN | 3067-5782 (print) 3067-5790 (web) |
Compute!'s Gazette is an American computer magazine that was first published from 1983 to 1995 and relaunched in 2025. Originally dedicated to users of Commodore's 8-bit home computers, the revived magazine now covers the broader retro computing landscape, including Apple II, Atari 8-bit, Amiga, Tandy, MS-DOS, and other classic platforms.
History
Original run (1983–1995)
The magazine debuted in July 1983 as a Commodore-only spin-off of Compute!.[1] It quickly gained popularity for its type-in programs, technical tutorials, and software reviews.
Programs were written in BASIC or 6502 machine language, often spanning multiple pages. To support users, the magazine published utilities such as the Automatic Proofreader (October 1983) and MLX, a machine-language entry tool. Beginning in May 1984, subscribers could order a monthly disk containing all the programs from each issue.[2]
The magazine's most popular application was SpeedScript, a word processor introduced in January 1984.[3]
Gazette also featured regular columns like "The VIC Magician" by Michael Tomczyk and the reader Q&A section "CAPUTE!". It reached a peak monthly circulation of over 200,000 copies and was reported to be profitable from its first issue.[4]
In June 1990, the final stand-alone issue was published. After a three-month hiatus, Gazette was folded into Compute! as a section. In December 1993, the print version ended; the publication continued in disk-only format until February 12, 1995.[5]
Revival (2025–present)
On April 11, 2025, COMPUTE! Publications, Inc., based in Leander, Texas, announced the revival of Compute!'s Gazette as a modern retro computing magazine.[6] The first new issue was published in July 2025, marking the beginning of a monthly print and digital format.
The updated publication covers a wide spectrum of vintage computing platforms beyond Commodore, including Apple, Atari, Tandy, IBM PC compatibles, and more. The editorial vision emphasizes hands-on programming, historical preservation, emulator usage, and the modern retro hardware scene.
Content
Original and current editions of Compute!'s Gazette feature:
- Type-in software – Programs written in BASIC and assembly, often full-featured games or utilities.
- Utility tools – Including MLX and the Automatic Proofreader.
- Columns – Historical coverage of "The VIC Magician", modern content addressing broader retro computing platforms.
- Hardware and emulator features – Tutorials on floppy disk imaging, serial interfaces, and FPGA-based recreations.
Legacy
Compute!'s Gazette is considered one of the most influential Commodore-related publications of the 1980s. Its extensive archive remains widely referenced in retro computing communities and emulator documentation.
References
- ^ Bagnall, Brian (2006). On the Edge: The Spectacular Rise and Fall of Commodore. Variant Press. p. 283. ISBN 9780973864908.
- ^ "Disk Companion Debuts". Compute!'s Gazette. May 1984.
- ^ "SpeedScript: A Full-featured Word Processor". Compute!'s Gazette. January 1984.
- ^ Tuller, David (November 16, 1986). "ABC's Axe-Wielding Publisher: Robert G. Burton". The New York Times. Retrieved July 8, 2025.
- ^ "Compute!'s Gazette Disk Archive". Internet Archive. Retrieved July 8, 2025.
- ^ "Iconic Compute!'s Gazette Magazine Returns After 35 Years". Compute’s Gazette. April 11, 2025. Retrieved July 8, 2025.