Software for “Micro File - At Home with the Technology”
This is the BBC Micro software used in the programme. The programs can be run in your browser. Select one and then follow the on-screen instructions.
Return to Micro File - At Home with the Technology .
BASE3
Runs an animated display of how computer databases are organised as files, records and fields, how these fields might be defined PLUS the concept of a relational database
Instructions
Pressing the Space bar will progress you through this multi-part graphic until its end, then repeats the whole sequence again with further presses of <Space>
COMMSA2
Runs a graphic that demonstrates how modems work with each key-press from your micro's keyboard reaching the modem and the remote mainframe computer
Instructions
The software loads the graphic. Pressing any letter key on your keyboard will show this letter and its ASCII 8 bit representation on-screen. Pressing the Space bar will then add sound to this demonstration, one tone for a '0', a second tone for a '1' when you press any subsequent key
COMMSC2
Runs a program that helps to illustrate the workings of the 'Parity Bit'
Instructions
The software loads to any empty blue screen. Press <Space> to reveal a character display with the character matching what you input from the keyboard and its matching eight ASCII character bits. Press 'P' to reveal the parity bit, which will change to a '1' for any odd number of bits in the 8 bits of the ASCII character and '0' for 'evens'
DISC12
Runs an animated graphic that shows what makes up a floppy disc, from taking the cover off, to reading a directory, and then reading the data with the floppy drive's read head
Instructions
This program loads a graphic of a floppy disc. Pressing the Space bar progresses through the demonstration of the tracks, sectors, directory and read head involved in accessing data from a floppy disc. Continuing to press <Space> will repeat this whole graphic sequence
DISC22
Runs an animated graphic that shows what makes up a floppy disc's internal workings: Tracks, sectors, sides, and data density can all be increased to improve the amount of data one floppy can hold
Instructions
This program loads a graphic of the recording surface of a floppy disc. Pressing the Space bar progresses through the demonstration of the tracks, sides, and density improvements possible in a floppy disc. Continuing to press <Space> will repeat this whole graphic sequence