COMPUTE!
The multi-platform standard
American computing magazine that served multiple platforms from 1979 to 1994, famous for its type-in programs and technical content.
Overview
COMPUTE! was an American computing magazine that ran from 1979 to 1994, covering multiple platforms including Commodore, Apple, Atari, and IBM-compatible computers. Famous for its type-in programs with sophisticated checksum verification, COMPUTE! served both beginners and advanced programmers.
The magazine’s commitment to cross-platform coverage and quality programming content made it essential reading for serious hobbyists.
Fast Facts
- Founded: 1979 (Greensboro, NC)
- Publisher: Small System Services, later COMPUTE! Publications
- Final issue: 1994
- Spinoffs: COMPUTE!‘s Gazette (C64), COMPUTE!‘s Apple Applications
- Circulation: ~350,000 at peak
Content
COMPUTE! featured:
- Type-in programs - Multiple platforms each issue
- MLX - Machine language entry system with checksums
- Reviews - Hardware and software
- Tutorials - BASIC and assembly
- Industry coverage - News and analysis
- Technical articles - Deep dives
MLX System
COMPUTE! developed sophisticated program entry:
- Checksums - Verify each line typed correctly
- MLX loader - Enter machine language safely
- SpeedScript - Popular word processor type-in
- Error detection - Before running crashed machines
This made complex programs practical to publish.
COMPUTE!‘s Gazette
The Commodore-specific spinoff (1983-1995):
- Focused entirely on C64/128
- Deeper Commodore coverage
- More type-in programs
- Technical tutorials
- Community favourite
Notable Type-ins
The magazine published memorable programs:
- SpeedScript - Full word processor
- Games - Many complete, playable games
- Utilities - Disk tools, monitors, utilities
- Educational - Learning programs
Legacy
COMPUTE! demonstrated:
- Multi-platform coverage was viable
- Quality control (checksums) enabled complex programs
- Technical depth attracted serious users
- Community building through reader interaction