Choose sort method:

• index by filename
• index by directory/publisher
• index by date modified  use this to track new additions!
• index by file size.

Further information regarding the archive:

• running disk images under emulation
• preferred DFS ROM
• archive criteria
• keeping up to date
• transferring software to floppy disk (for use with a real BBC)
• converting software from floppy disk (for use with an emulator)
• submitting software for inclusion in the archive.

Each disk image contains a !BOOT file, which means that it should load automatically if you hold down SHIFT + F12 (which is equivalent to SHIFT + BREAK on a BBC keyboard). This applies to the most popular of BBC emulators.

Obviously, if you've changed the keyboard mappings within the emulator, then the above may not apply.

If possible, use ACORN DFS 0.9.

Not all software from the archive will load on a third-party DFS (e.g. WATFORD / OPUS).

A few points about the archive:

• all games should work - they have been tested to run on either the BeebEm or pcBBC emulators, or a real BBC.
  
  
• a tremendous amount of effort has been put into ensuring that each title is as complete (i.e. loader + instruction screens in tact) and as clean (i.e. graffiti-free) as possible. This has often entailed comparing numerous versions of the same program, from various sources. However, there's always room for improvement - if you feel you have a version of a game that is superior to the one in our archives, please get in touch and we'll try and figure out a way of getting it transferred
  
  
• special attention has been paid to picking out alternative versions of software, though there must be significant differences if a second version is to be included in the archive
  
  
• aside from files contained within the Various and Adventures directories, the archive is almost exclusively comprised of software that was commercially released. Public Domain software, or programs from books or magazines, will only be included if they are exceptionally good
  
  
• almost all disk images contain a small LOADer file that sets PAGE (useful if you use a non-&1900 DFS ROM, such as the PRES &E00 DFS) and should also iron out the other types of problems traditionally associated with booting software and converting from .INF format
  
  
• where possible, filenames have been renamed so they appear neat and ordered. The placing of files in directories (e.g. A.GAME1, B.LOADER) has been avoided where possible, as this can cause problems when transferring files between filing systems
  
  
• there has been minimal use of calls to MLOAD, MRUN and DOWNLOAD routines. Where applicable, the relevant routine has been bundled (in stand-alone format) with the game itself, so you won't have to worry about installing a utility ROM such as ADT or Disc Doctor beforehand
  
  
• an -E00 sufffix in the long filename indicates that the title will only run on a BBC or BBC Emulator with a DFS ROM installed that operates with PAGE at &E00 (e.g. this one). However, a really convenient way of running most E00-only programs is to set BeebEm to emulate the BBC Master (this will only work if a game is Master-compatible).
  
  
• Electron versions will only be included if a) they run on a BBC, b) there is a significant difference to its BBC equivalent and/or c) the BBC version of the game has yet to be added to the archive.

If you like to keep your collection in sync with the online archive then this log file will help you keep track of all removed and renamed files. It does not make reference to archives which have been merely been updated, as these can be identified by using the Index By Date Modified option above.

Fantastic as the emulators are, nothing comes close to the feel of a real Beeb. So it's understandable that you may want to transfer the disk images to BBC floppies so you can play them "properly".

Well, the good news is that this is possible. The bad news is that not all modern PCs are capable of writing to (nor reading from) single-density BBC disks.

The software required is called FDC and it's available on the Essentials page. For instructions on use, please see the guide in our Articles section. So give it a go - it might be your lucky day!

Writing disk images directly to floppy is by far and away the fastest and easiest method, but if you've tried and failed, an alternative course of action is to make a serial connection between your PC and BBC and transfer software in this fashion. The relevant software ("XFER") can be downloaded from the Essentials page and if you're struggling to make the necessary cable yourself, Chris Richardson of 8BS will knock one up for you, for £20.

FDC (see above) can also be used to make .ssd/.dsd disk images directly from BBC disks. BBC Explorer too is capable of reading from BBC floppies (see Essentials). Or you could of course use XFER (see above).

You are encouraged to submit via email any (commercial) games software you may have transferred, so it may be downloaded and enjoyed by other visitors. If you have something you feel may be of interest, but have been unsuccessful in your attempts to transfer it to PC - do still get in touch - we'll work something out.

Here are a few points that will assist me in archiving any files sent:

1. Please include the name of the publisher/software house

2. If sending files over 200k in total, please contact me before you send anything as I keep a separate email address for receiving large attachments.

3. Finally, let me know whether you wish to be credited on the site (some people don't!) and also if you have a homepage that you would like me to link to.