Cassette Computer is a retro-futuristic computer simulator inspired by the home computers people imagined in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Programs are stored on a virtual cassette tape, selected by fast-forwarding and rewinding, and executed in a version of Tiny BASIC familiar to anyone who has used classic BASIC interpreters.
The idea is simple: instead of switching between different applications, you switch between different modes, each extending BASIC with its own capabilities while keeping the same retro computer feel.
Current features include:
Tiny BASIC – write and run classic BASIC programs.
Math Mode – perform numerical calculations.
Symbolic Math Mode – manipulate symbolic mathematical expressions.
Logic Programming – experiment with logical rules and queries.
ELIZA – chat with the classic psychotherapy program.
Astrology – generate astrological charts and calculations.
Built-in speech synthesis with a classic robotic voice.
Simple text printing to the default printer directly from BASIC.
Animated cassette interface with sound effects.
Cassette Computer is not intended to be a faithful recreation of any particular vintage computer. Instead, it imagines an alternate future where the cassette-based home computer continued to evolve into a talking, intelligent machine while still keeping the charm and simplicity of classic BASIC.
If you’ve ever wondered what a “computer of tomorrow” imagined in 1978 might have looked like, Cassette Computer is one possible answer.
No installation is required. The application is distributed as a standalone Windows package. http://www.jrvideo.se/cassettecomputer.zip
