The BBC and Master Computer Public Domain Library
Emulators
When reading this article, please remember to bear in mind the date this was written. As I type this in 2021, emulators are really very good and although they still are not like the real thing, they are not far off and have a lot of advantages over the real thing
21/08/98
As good as emulators are, it is never like using the *REAL* thing. It just
feels somehow *different*. Here are a few hints and tips to make the experience
a bit more genuine.
Next, the sound. Modern computers can handle the bleeping quite nicely,
and have the added benefit that you can use a pair of headphones without
having to fit the socket yourself, thus avoiding your neighbours breaking
into your house and throttling you when you loudly play Firetrack at 3.15AM.
BUT, something is missing... Yes, those weird fuzzy buzzing and whistling
noises which emanate from the BBC speaker, which start very quiet but get
louder and louder as the computer warms up. To recreate these bizarre,
low-pitched groaning noises, why not play any album from Radiohead or Oasis
with the volume turned really low?
And how about the keyboard? Nowadays we have ergonomically designed keyboards designed to allow the input of data with the minimum of stress to the operator, as the keyboards are designed around the human body. However, as I grew up with the BBC, my body changed to suit the keyboard and my arms naturally sit perpendicular to my body in a fashion completely unlike anyone else I know. To authentically recreate past times, give consideration to the possibility of wearing oven gloves while typing. If you used to own a Spectrum 48K, then no matter how hard you try you will never forget the feel and texture of its keyboard - ugh. To recreate this experience, then simply place a dead fish between your fingers and the keyboard.
Finally, in the golden years of the BBC, we were all 10-15 years younger. Unfortunately, there is not much to be done about *this* difference...