Compute!'s Gazette

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'COMPUTE!'s Gazette'
Premiere issue, July 2025
CategoriesComputer magazine
FrequencyMonthly
FormatPrint and online
PublisherCOMPUTE! Publications, Inc.
FounderSmall System Services
Founded1983
First issueJuly 1983
July 2025 (relaunched)
Final issueFebruary 1995 (original run)
CountryUnited States
Based inGreensboro, North Carolina (1983–1995)
Leander, Texas (2025–present)
LanguageEnglish
Websitecomputesgazette.com
ISSN3067-5782 (print)
3067-5790 (web)

Compute!'s Gazette is an American computer magazine originally published from 1983 to 1995 and relaunched in 2025. It was dedicated to users of Commodore 8-bit computers, notably the Commodore 64 and VIC-20. The revived edition expands its scope to cover a broad range of retro computing platforms, including Apple II, Atari 8-bit, Amiga, Tandy, and MS-DOS systems.

History

Original run (1983–1995)

Compute!'s Gazette debuted in July 1983 as a Commodore-specific offshoot of the magazine Compute!.[1] It gained popularity for its monthly type-in program listings, technical columns, and utilities aimed at Commodore users.

Early issues featured software in BASIC and 6502 machine code. To aid users, the magazine introduced tools such as the Automatic Proofreader (October 1983) and MLX, a machine-language entry system. By May 1984, subscribers could order monthly disks containing all programs from each issue.[2]

Among its best-known contributions was SpeedScript, a free word processor first published in January 1984.[3] The magazine also ran recurring features such as "The VIC Magician" by Michael Tomczyk and the "CAPUTE!" reader Q&A section. It reached a peak circulation of over 200,000 and was reportedly profitable from its first issue.[4]

The stand-alone magazine ceased publication in June 1990. It was then folded into Compute! as a recurring section, continuing until the print edition ended in December 1993. The disk-only format persisted until February 12, 1995.[5]

Revival (2025–present)

On April 11, 2025, COMPUTE! Publications, Inc., based in Leander, Texas, announced the relaunch of Compute!'s Gazette with a broader focus on retro computing culture.[6]

The magazine’s first new issue was released on July 12, 2025. Issue #1 featured:

  • An exclusive interview with the CEO of the newly relaunched Commodore International
  • A detailed review of the Commodore 64 Ultimate, a modern reinterpretation of the C64 with Wi-Fi, HDMI, SD card support, and cycle-accurate emulation of the C64, C128, and Amiga systems
  • The return of type-in programs
  • Columns from returning and new contributors
  • A spotlight on indie developers creating modern retro software[7]

The relaunch was met with enthusiasm from the retro computing community, with strong demand for both digital and collectible print editions.

COMPUTE!’s Ultimate Challenge

In July 2025, the magazine launched the COMPUTE!’s Ultimate Challenge, a programming contest focused on the Commodore 64 Ultimate. Developers are invited to create new games, tools, or demos that harness the hardware’s extended features. Winners receive limited-edition C64U models, one-year subscriptions, and publishing contracts for their entries.[8]

Editorial team

As of 2025, the editorial and contributor team includes:[9]

  • Edwin J. Nagle – Founder and President
  • Marlena Nagle – Co-Founder and Vice President
  • Patrick Bass – Editorial Director and Columnist
  • Jerry Bonner – Columnist
  • Ray Carlsen – "Ask Ray Carlsen"
  • Thomas Cherryhomes – "The FujiNet Report"
  • Chad Essley – Artist and Columnist
  • Andrew Fisher – "Everything Commodore"
  • Arto J. Heino – Columnist (TI/99)
  • Sellam Ismail – Columnist
  • Steve Lewis (Xiphod/voidstar tech) – Programmer
  • Dan Sanderson – "MEGA Horizons"
  • Jerry White – Columnist (Atari)

See also

References

  1. ↑ Bagnall, Brian (2006). On the Edge: The Spectacular Rise and Fall of Commodore. Variant Press. p. 283. ISBN 9780973864908.
  2. ↑ "Disk Companion Debuts". Compute!'s Gazette. May 1984.
  3. ↑ "SpeedScript: A Full-featured Word Processor". Compute!'s Gazette. January 1984.
  4. ↑ Tuller, David (November 16, 1986). "ABC's Axe-Wielding Publisher: Robert G. Burton". The New York Times. Retrieved July 8, 2025.
  5. ↑ "Compute!'s Gazette Disk Archive". Internet Archive. Retrieved July 8, 2025.
  6. ↑ "Iconic Compute!'s Gazette Magazine Returns After 35 Years". Compute’s Gazette. April 11, 2025. Retrieved July 25, 2025.
  7. ↑ "The Legend is Back". Compute!'s Gazette. July 12, 2025. Retrieved July 25, 2025.
  8. ↑ "COMPUTE!'s Ultimate Challenge". Compute!’s Gazette. July 26, 2025. Retrieved August 12, 2025.
  9. ↑ "Contributors". Compute!'s Gazette. Retrieved July 25, 2025.

External links

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