{"id":20465,"date":"2025-01-22T15:46:47","date_gmt":"2025-01-22T20:46:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/?page_id=20465"},"modified":"2026-06-19T15:14:47","modified_gmt":"2026-06-19T19:14:47","slug":"vin49","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/vintage-computing\/item\/vin49\/","title":{"rendered":"Commodore 64"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<section class=\"w-screen px-6 cu-section cu-section--white ml-offset-center md:px-8 lg:px-14\">\n    <div class=\"space-y-6 cu-max-w-child-5xl  md:space-y-10 cu-prose-first-last\">\n\n            <div class=\"cu-textmedia flex flex-col lg:flex-row mx-auto gap-6 md:gap-10 my-6 md:my-12 first:mt-0 max-w-5xl\">\n        <div class=\"justify-start cu-textmedia-content cu-prose-first-last\" style=\"flex: 0 0 100%;\">\n            <header class=\"font-light prose-xl cu-pageheader md:prose-2xl cu-component-updated cu-prose-first-last\">\n                                    <h1 class=\"cu-prose-first-last font-semibold !mt-2 mb-4 md:mb-6 relative after:absolute after:h-px after:bottom-0 after:bg-cu-red after:left-px text-3xl md:text-4xl lg:text-5xl lg:leading-[3.5rem] pb-5 after:w-10 text-cu-black-700 not-prose\">\n                        Commodore 64\n                    <\/h1>\n                \n                                \n                            <\/header>\n\n                    <\/div>\n\n            <\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-fill\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/vintage-computing\/item\">Vintage Computing Collection<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"commodore-64\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Commodore 64<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/canada.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"160\" height=\"160\" src=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/canada-160x160.jpg\" alt=\"canada logo\" class=\"wp-image-20437\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/canada-160x160.jpg 160w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/canada-240x240.jpg 240w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/canada-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/canada-200x200.jpg 200w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/canada-360x360.jpg 360w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/canada.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 160px) 100vw, 160px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Commodore 64 was a groundbreaking 8-bit home computer introduced in January 1982 by Commodore International and stands as the best-selling single computer model of all time, with estimated sales between 12.5 and 17 million units worldwide. Released in 1982, it significantly influenced the gaming industry with its unparalleled graphics and sound capabilities for the time. Its affordability and versatility made it a favourite among hobbyists and professionals alike.&nbsp;Some Commodore 64 units were made in Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Manufacturer<\/strong>: Commodore<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Type<\/strong>: Gaming Console \/ Personal Computer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Release Date<\/strong>: 1982<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Longevity<\/strong>: Produced from 1982 to 1994<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cost at release<\/strong>: USD $595 (CAD ~$4,000 adjusted for inflation)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>MIPS<\/strong>: 0.14 &#8211; 0.49 (140 &#8211; 490 KIPS)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"technical-specifications\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Technical Specifications<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>CPU<\/strong>: MOS Technology 6510 @ 1.023 MHz (NTSC version) or 0.985 MHz (PAL version)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Memory<\/strong>: 64 KB RAM + 20 KB ROM<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Graphics<\/strong>: VIC-II chip (320 \u00d7 200 resolution, 16 colors, sprites, raster interrupt)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sound<\/strong>: SID 6581 chip (3 oscillators, 4 waveforms, filter, ADSR envelope, ring modulation)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Storage<\/strong>: Cassette tape drive, optional floppy disk drive (1541)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Operating System<\/strong>: Commodore KERNAL \/ Commodore BASIC 2.0<figure><a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20250508_131444242-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-21005\" src=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20250508_131444242-240x320.jpg\" alt=\"Commodore 64\" width=\"240\" height=\"320\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20250508_131444242-240x320.jpg 240w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20250508_131444242-160x213.jpg 160w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20250508_131444242-768x1023.jpg 768w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20250508_131444242-400x533.jpg 400w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20250508_131444242-1153x1536.jpg 1153w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20250508_131444242-1538x2048.jpg 1538w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20250508_131444242-360x479.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 240px) 100vw, 240px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"operating-system-programming-languages\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW136206418 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136206418 BCX0\">Operating System &amp; Programming Languages<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW136206418 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559685&quot;:0}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list marker:text-textOff list-disc\">\n<li><p class=\"my-0\"><strong>Operating System<\/strong>: CBM BASIC version 2.0<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p class=\"my-0\"><strong>Supported Languages<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Commodore BASIC: The default language built into the ROM, based on Microsoft 6502 BASIC<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Assembly Language (6502\/6510): Programmers could write directly in assembly for the 6510 CPU using assemblers like Turbo Macro Pro and others<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>C: C compilers such as Power C allowed C programming, though with some limitations due to hardware constraints<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pascal: Several Pascal implementations were available, including Waterloo Pascal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>FORTRAN: FORTRAN compilers existed for scientific and engineering applications<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>COBOL: COBOL was available for business-oriented programming<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>APL: The APL language, known for its mathematical notation, was also supported<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Other BASIC Variants: Enhanced BASICs and extensions, such as Simons\u2019 BASIC, provided more features<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Machine Language: Direct machine code programming was possible, often entered via monitors or loaders<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"historical-significance\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Historical Significance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Affordability: Priced at $595 at launch (equivalent to ~$4,000 CAD in 2025), it was significantly cheaper than many competitors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Availability: Sold in department stores, toy stores, and other mainstream retail outlets<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Versatility: Used for gaming, productivity, and programming<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Longevity: Produced from 1982 to 1994, with a lifespan far exceeding expectations for home computers of the time<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"notables\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Notables<figure><a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20250624_191902241-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-large wp-image-21460\" src=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20250624_191902241-400x300.jpg\" alt=\"Commodore 64 Personal Computer\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20250624_191902241-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20250624_191902241-160x120.jpg 160w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20250624_191902241-240x180.jpg 240w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20250624_191902241-768x577.jpg 768w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20250624_191902241-1536x1153.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20250624_191902241-2048x1538.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20250624_191902241-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20250624_191902241-360x270.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Commodore 64&#8217;s influence extended beyond its production years:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gaming: Boasted a library of 3,500 &#8211; 5,500 commercially released games.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Music: The SID chip became legendary for its distinctive sound, inspiring musicians and spawning a chiptune subculture.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Programming: Introduced many users to BASIC programming and computer literacy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Demo scene: Sparked a subculture of programmers pushing the hardware to its limits, creating impressive audiovisual demonstrations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite its success, the Commodore 64&#8217;s legacy is sometimes overlooked in broader computer histories, possibly due to its perception as primarily a gaming machine or its association with the eventual downfall of Commodore as a company<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Commodore 64&#8217;s unique combination of advanced graphics and sound capabilities, affordability, and widespread availability made it a defining machine of the 1980&#8217;s home computer era, leaving an indelible mark on the history of personal computing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20250122_203554455-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"240\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20250122_203554455-240x180.jpg\" alt=\"Commodore 64 made in Canada label\" class=\"wp-image-20472\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20250122_203554455-240x180.jpg 240w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20250122_203554455-160x120.jpg 160w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20250122_203554455-768x577.jpg 768w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20250122_203554455-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20250122_203554455-1536x1153.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20250122_203554455-2048x1538.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20250122_203554455-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20250122_203554455-360x270.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 240px) 100vw, 240px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-fill\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/vintage-computing\/item\">Vintage Computing Collection<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Commodore 64 The Commodore 64 was a groundbreaking 8-bit home computer introduced in January 1982 by Commodore International and stands as the best-selling single computer model of all time, with estimated sales between 12.5 and 17 million units worldwide. Released in 1982, it significantly influenced the gaming industry with its unparalleled graphics and sound capabilities [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":19704,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_cu_dining_location_slug":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"cu_page_type":[129,127,90,123],"class_list":["post-20465","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","cu_page_type-gaming","cu_page_type-pc","cu_page_type-vintage-computing","cu_page_type-vintage-inventory"],"acf":{"cu_post_thumbnail":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/20465","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20465"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/20465\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24936,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/20465\/revisions\/24936"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19704"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20465"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"cu_page_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_page_type?post=20465"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}