Tips and Suggestions

[LeoNigro]

Tips and Suggestions
==================

These tips are available at any time from the menu:
System ---> Commodore OS ---> Tips and Suggestions

Emulation
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Free open source Commodore system ROMs are included with Commodore OS to provide C64 and Amiga emulation as the original Commodore system ROMs are not free for distribution. System ROMs for other CBM machines could also not be included. As these Open Source ROMs are not 100% compatible with all classic software you may want to obtain the original system ROMs from Cloanto (see procedure below), who own the distribution rights. C64 cartridge ROM files only can be executed with the free ROMS. Amiga disk files can be executed using the free AROS kickstart ROM providing some level of compatibility.

For information and tips on how to obtain and integrate the essential ROMs please open the Commodore OS Settings manager via the menu:
System ---> Commodore OS ---> Commodore OS Settings
Select "Emulation Settings" from the menu.
Select "Cloanto Commodore ROM Settings" from the menu
Follow the prompts.

Commodore and Amiga computer emulators are available from menu:
Applications ---> Commodore Emulators

To quickly run classic C64 and Amiga games and demos you can click the Commodore logo in the dock. This opens a file browser where software for various systems can be launched by simply clicking on their disk files. You will also find an assortment of Amiga MOD and C64 SID music.

You may wish to include your game ROMs, MOD and SID files in the folders where Commodore OS does:
/usr/share/commodoreos/systems

Cloanto's C64 Forever software (for Windows only and cannot run under Wine) includes the original system ROMs for Commodore's 8-bit machines. A purchasable and *FREE* Express edition can be found at:
https://www.c64forever.com

Cloanto's Amiga Forever software for Windows(only) includes the original Kickstart system ROMs for Commodore's Amiga 16/32-bit machines. Plus and Premium editions as well as an affordable Value edition can be found at:
https://www.amigaforever.com


Commodore 8-bit system emulation is provided via the Vice emulator.
Amiga emulation can be accomodated via FS-UAE, WinUAE or Amiberry. WinUAE and Amiberry provide a GUI where multiple disk images can be attached and keyboard and joystick settings can be configured.

A universal ROM launcher (LOAD) provides superior launching of ROMs for all supported classic systems directly from the filemanager, automatically configuring emulation for each system and detecting and attaching multiple disk files.
If you encounter a ROM file that doesn't run please ensure it associated with the LOAD command by right clicking the file and selecting "Open with" and then "Other Application".
Visit http://forum.commodoreos.net for information on future updates on emulation configuration.

Gamebases are databases of classic computer and console software created by the retro community.
The Demobases for classic Commodore 8-bit systems are available from the menu:
Applications --> Emulators --> jGameBase

Gamebase software ROMs for each system are not included and will need to be added to appropriate folders by users manually.
Gamebases can be added under the following (home) menu:
Commodore / .jgamebase (press CONTROL + "h" to see hidden folders)

Emulators for other classic consoles and computer systems have also been included but their configuration is beyond the scope of this document.


Software
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The software included within Commodore OS has been curated from the free open source world, providing a solution to most common tasks, with many of the apps chosen either for being retro inspired and oriented or for their compatability with the MATE desktop environment.

Hundreds of freeware Linux, Windows and DOS games are provided within Commodore OS separated by genre. These games are accessible via the menu:
Applications ---> Games

Commodore OS Central is intended to provide a portal to online Commodore related retro resources, recommended by community suggestions. It is an application intended to undergo continual development and hopes to one day contain a game Installer/launcher and store.
System --> Commodore OS --> Commodore OS Central

The Synaptic Package Manager is available in the dock, allowing you to select additional software for installation from the Debian software repositories. Note that Commodore OS uses the Debian linux packaging system (.deb) exclusively. Attempting to utilise any other software managers is not recommended.

Other than games and applications, please take special care with what you install, as some software may be incompatible or inconsistent with the workings of Commodore OS and it's MATE/Compiz desktop. Use at your own risk. Be sure to peruse the Commodore OS menus before attempting to install an application, as you may frequently discover that the software for a particular use is already installed.

The Steam gaming service for Linux is also available in the menu:
Applications ---> Games Services and Tools ---> Steam Gaming Service

The Wine API is included and configured for running Windows software with some success. In the game menus you will see an * and ** indicated besides the games.
* A windows game being run through Wine.
** A game that requires that it is run on native hardware (not a virtual machine).