Commodore 64

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Commodore 64

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Codename
Also known as
Developer	Commodore International
Manufacturer
Product family
Type	Home computer
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Lifespan

The Commodore 64 (C64) is an 8-bit home computer introduced in January 1982 by Commodore International. It is often regarded as one of the best-selling single personal computer models of all time, with estimates ranging from 12.5 to 17 million units sold.

History

The Commodore 64 was developed by a team led by Robert "Bob" Yannes and Al Charpentier at Commodore's MOS Technology division. The computer was designed to be affordable and accessible, with a retail price of $595 at launch. It was intended to compete with other popular home computers of the time, such as the Apple II, Atari 8-bit family, and ZX Spectrum.

Technical Specifications

The Commodore 64 is powered by the MOS Technology 6510 microprocessor, a variant of the 6502 with an integrated I/O port. It features 64 KB of RAM, which was a significant amount for its time. The C64's graphics capabilities are provided by the VIC-II chip, which supports a resolution of 320×200 pixels and 16 colors. The sound is generated by the SID chip, known for its advanced sound synthesis capabilities.

Memory

The C64's 64 KB of RAM is divided into several areas, including the BASIC program area, screen memory, and system variables. The computer also includes 20 KB of ROM, which contains the Commodore KERNAL operating system and BASIC 2.0 interpreter.

Graphics

The VIC-II chip provides the C64 with its graphical capabilities. It supports hardware sprites, smooth scrolling, and raster interrupts, which allow for advanced graphical effects. The C64's graphics were a major selling point, enabling it to run sophisticated games and applications.

Sound

The SID chip (Sound Interface Device) is one of the most celebrated features of the C64. It offers three channels of sound, each with its own waveform generator, envelope generator, and filter. The SID chip's unique sound has made it a favorite among musicians and sound designers.

Software

The Commodore 64 was known for its vast library of software, including games, productivity applications, and educational programs. Popular games included "The Last Ninja", "Impossible Mission", and "Summer Games". The C64 also supported a variety of programming languages, such as BASIC, Assembly, and Logo.

Legacy

The Commodore 64 has left a lasting legacy in the world of computing. It introduced many people to computers and programming, and its influence can still be seen in modern computing culture. The C64 community remains active, with enthusiasts continuing to develop new software and hardware for the platform.

Also see

• Commodore VIC-20
• Commodore Amiga
• Atari 8-bit family
• ZX Spectrum
• Apple II