World of Spectrum
The Spectrum archive
World of Spectrum became the definitive online archive for ZX Spectrum software, preserving thousands of games, utilities, and documents for future generations.
Overview
World of Spectrum began as a hobby project and became the essential resource for ZX Spectrum preservation. Housing over 25,000 titles with documentation, screenshots, and historical information, WoS ensured that the Spectrum’s software library would survive the death of physical media.
Fast facts
- Founded: 1995.
- Founder: Martijn van der Heide.
- Content: 25,000+ titles.
- Focus: Complete Spectrum preservation.
Archive contents
| Category | Scope |
|---|---|
| Games | Commercial and homebrew |
| Utilities | Programming tools, editors |
| Documentation | Manuals, maps, instructions |
| Media scans | Inlays, adverts, magazines |
| Screenshots | Multiple per game |
Technical features
| Feature | Purpose |
|---|---|
| TAP/TZX files | Tape images |
| SNA/Z80 | Snapshot formats |
| Screenshots | Visual identification |
| Metadata | Credits, publishers, dates |
Database quality
| Standard | Implementation |
|---|---|
| Credits | Accurate attribution |
| Dating | Release year verification |
| Versions | Multiple releases tracked |
| Completeness | Missing items identified |
Community features
| Section | Content |
|---|---|
| Forums | Discussion, research |
| Reviews | User ratings |
| Cheats | Tips and solutions |
| Links | Related resources |
Preservation philosophy
| Principle | Practice |
|---|---|
| Comprehensiveness | Every release matters |
| Accuracy | Correct information |
| Accessibility | Free access |
| Collaboration | Community contributions |
Legal approach
Handled carefully:
- Rights holder contact
- Takedown compliance
- Abandonware consideration
- Preservation arguments
Impact
WoS enabled:
- Emulation accessibility
- Historical research
- Nostalgia satisfaction
- Spectrum continued life
Related projects
| Project | Focus |
|---|---|
| Spectrum Computing | Modern continuation |
| ZXDB | Database backend |
| RZX Archive | Gameplay recordings |
Community contribution
Volunteers provided:
- Software rips
- Documentation scans
- Research and verification
- Technical expertise
Legacy
World of Spectrum demonstrated:
- Community preservation works
- Archives ensure survival
- Volunteers maintain history
- Digital heritage matters