Computer Ads from the Past

Share this post

Dr. Logo

computeradsfromthepast.substack.com

Dr. Logo

The world's best computer teacher

John Paul Wohlscheid
Oct 17, 2022
3
5
Share this post

Dr. Logo

computeradsfromthepast.substack.com
From the October 1983 issue of Softalk
From the October 1983 issue of Softalk

The Company

If you have read about the history of the personal computer, you’ve probably heard the name Gary Kildall. For those who didn’t, let me fill in the blanks. In 1974, Kildall developed an operating system for his computer, Control Program/Monitor or CP/M. Kildall realized that others were interested in buying his operating system for their own system, so he created Intergalactic Digital Research to sell his products. Someone told Kildall that corporate buyers would not take his business seriously with a scifi name, so he changed the name to simply Digital Research.

For many years, CP/M was the most popular operating system for personal computers. That was until MS-DOS appeared on the scene. (That’s a larger story that I may cover in the future.) Digital Research responded by releasing CP/M-86. They followed this up with a more advanced DOS, DR-DOS. However, neither could complete with MS-DOS.

Computer Ads from the Past is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Kildall would also co-host the Computer Chronicles from 1983 to 1990. You can check out episodes of the Computer Chronicles on Archive.org.

The Product

Digital Research didn’t just product operating systems, they also ported programming languages to their operating systems. In this case their port of the Logo programming language was named Dr. Logo. (Logo was an educational programming language released in 1967.) The original version was released for the IBM PC in 1983. There was both a 8-bit and 16-bit version. Apparently, the 8-bit version was written in Lisp, but the 16-bit version was written in C.

The March 1984 issue of PC Mag finished their review of Dr. Logo with these words:

“All things considered, I’m happy to see that Dr. Logo and his turtle have come out to play with us, and hope that any shortcomings will be fixed in later versions. Doctor Logo, heal thyself!


What computer ads would you like to see in the future? Please comment below. If you enjoyed, please share with your friends and relatives. Thank you.

Computer Ads from the Past is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

5
Share this post

Dr. Logo

computeradsfromthepast.substack.com
Previous
Next
5 Comments
Geoffrey Golden
Writes Adventure Snack
Oct 17, 2022Liked by John Paul Wohlscheid

I have a feeling I know who hacked Mr. Wilson’s computer...

Expand full comment
Reply
Geoffrey Golden
Writes Adventure Snack
Oct 17, 2022

Logo and Basic were the first programming languages I learned. It’s been awhile since I’ve thought about the turtle! 🐢

Expand full comment
Reply
2 replies by John Paul Wohlscheid and others
3 more comments…
TopNewCommunity

No posts

Ready for more?

© 2023 John Paul Wohlscheid
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start WritingGet the app
Substack is the home for great writing