Welcome to the first issue of the QL Hacker’s Journal. This publication is meant to fill the gap in publications already available. There are a number of good magazines that cover programming, but, due to popularity, do not cover the QL. There are also some good User Group Newletters that cover the QL, but are not the right forum for discussing in-depth programming. This Journal is designed as a forum for serious QL programmers to discuss various topics dealing with programming. In short, this journal will cover topics related to programming in general, but focusing on the QL.
My dealings with computers is not just with the QL. I use computers of various makes and operating systems when I am at work. I happen to like other Operating Systems besides QDOS, it’s just that I enjoy working with and programming on the QL. It’s got a great character that makes it a wonderfull hacker’s machine. For the price, it is still the best little computer available.
Before I go more about the Journal, I thought I would give you a little background on my background. I first bought a Sinclair ZX81, back in November of 1981. I received a B.S. Degree in Computer Science in 1987, from Cal State University, Hayward (Hayward is just south of Oakland). I have used a number of different computers in school and at work. Presently I am an officer in the USAF working in the Pentagon. I do computer support for the Office of the Secretary of Defense. I know both MS-DOS and UNIX fairly well (I do not consider myself a guru in either). I am a computer collector with my computer collection presently standing at 28 computers. I subscribe to Dr. Dobb’s Journal and the C User’s Journal at home, and Unix Today!, Unix Review, and PC-Week at work. Since I don’t do any programming at work, I must fill that craving at home. I like to program in SuperBasic, but will dabble in C.
I hope to make this Journal a fairly regular publication. Between work, home, programming, and being the editor for the Capital Area Timex Sinclair (CATS) User’s Group, I will try to find time to work on the next issue. I do hope to have a large number of readers send in their latest programs and projects. I know I find it very interesting to know what some other programmer is doing. I am always amazed at what people are doing with the QL.
As far as subscriptions go, I’m pretty flexible about this. I’m doing this for the fun of it. I’m printing only a few newsletters per issue (or is that will?). I’m not too worried about subscriptions, I’m more worried about getting good articles and programs. If you feel that you should send something my way, send an article or a program. That’s worth more than any subscriptions.
Well, enough with the introduction. I hope you find the journal interesting. Please write and let me know what you think. Your letters will help balance out the bills and junk mail I get.