Gregory Naçu continues to push the limits of his operating system with C64OS Features Expanded, a fresh batch of demonstrations that show just how versatile the Commodore 64 can be. Each video highlights creative tools and clever performance tweaks that make everyday tasks faster, smoother, and more enjoyable on this classic computer. These features prove that innovation on 8-bit hardware is still alive and thriving.
Reading HiScore Files in BASIC
Ever wondered how those old high score tables worked? Gregory takes a nostalgic look back and demonstrates how to read a high score file from the game Vortex Crystals using a simple BASIC program. After inspecting the file, he reveals that it’s essentially a direct dump of screen memory. The BASIC routine opens the file, reads the load address, clears the screen, and loops through each character, placing it right back where it belongs on the screen. The result? A perfect re-creation of the score table, just as it appeared in the game. This not only demystifies old-school file storage but also highlights how straightforward file handling can be with a bit of C64 know-how.
Playing Solitaire with SID Music
The enhanced version of Solitaire by Andrew Gillham brings multitasking fun to C64OS. Using the SID Preview utility, users can now play their favorite SIDs in the background while enjoying a card game. Gregory demonstrates just how seamlessly this integration works. After launching SID Preview and placing its window conveniently, he selects a track, switches back to the file manager, and copies the reference for easy access. With a few quick keystrokes, a new track can be selected and played without ever leaving Solitaire. The ability to enjoy music from the SID chip while playing any game that doesn’t natively support sound is a delight for both gamers and music fans.
TextView+ Running Twice
TextView+ by Paul Hocker, a robust text editing application for C64OS, gets a clever twist in Gregory’s hands. By duplicating the application bundle, much like old-school Mac OS users could, he manages to run two independent instances of TextView+ simultaneously. Each instance opens a different file, and the Switcher utility makes it easy to toggle between them. This feature dramatically improves multitasking, letting users work with multiple text files at once—an ability rarely seen on the Commodore 64.
SuperCPU, TeensyROM, and High-Speed Networking
C64OS offers a native Wikipedia client, and it’s surprisingly nimble, even at 1MHz with just 64KB of memory. This client runs smoothly at modem speeds as low as 1200 bps, making it genuinely usable on original hardware. Gregory demonstrates this by firing up his SuperCPU and connecting a TeensyROM cartridge equipped with an Ethernet port. C64OS includes a dedicated networking driver for the TeensyROM, making internet tasks feel almost modern.
In the video, the Wikipedia client springs to life, pulling down pages at a pace rarely seen on the Commodore 64. With both the SuperCPU and TeensyROM working together, downloads happen at an eye-popping rate. Even if you drop the SuperCPU and run with just the TeensyROM, you get great performance, but nothing quite matches the raw speed when both are in play. Watching Wikipedia load this fast on a C64 feels a bit surreal, showing just how far this setup can stretch the hardware.
DragZoom in Image Search
Visual exploration gets an upgrade with the DragZoom feature in C64OS’s image search. Gregory showcases how easy it is to search for images—say, from a Star Trek wedding—and zoom in on specific faces with just a drag of the mouse. Select a region, and the tool downloads a higher-resolution zoomed version. Clicking once reverts to the original view. This approach gives a modern, interactive feel to viewing images, making the process both intuitive and fun. The grayscale-to-color loading effect is a charming touch that reminds everyone they’re still working with classic hardware.
360 Degree Panoramas on the C64
Another highlight features a full 360-degree panorama created in the Commodore graphics file format. Gregory invites viewers to take the panorama for a spin, using the keyboard to rotate smoothly in either direction. The animation mode, activated with a keypress, sweeps around the scene automatically. Users can even split the screen for different perspectives. Watching such smooth, interactive graphics on the C64 feels like a magic trick, and it underlines just how far software development for this platform has come.
C64OS: Practical Features in Action
C64OS Features Expanded brings together a range of enhancements seen in Gregory Naçu’s recent video batch. From reading high score files and multitasking with SID music, to robust text editing and impressive network speeds, each feature draws on decades of Commodore 64 creativity while opening the door to new experiences. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned C64 fan, these videos highlight just how practical and innovative C64OS has become, shaped by feedback from a passionate community.
If you want to see these features in action, Gregory’s videos are a must-watch. For anyone interested in learning more or getting a copy of the software, check out c64os.com.
