ATARI USERS
UNITE!
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By Facundo <http://www.atari.org/> on 2001-10-04
Atari community goes international with new organization to promote Atari
computers
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October 4, 2001 -- A group of users and programmers from around the world have
collected their skills and resources to create Atari International, a global,
Internet based organization dedicated to supporting the users and developers of
Atari hardware and software, as well as to promote the platform.
The new organization seeks to show the world that its perception of the Atari
as "The bygone days of" or as "outdated" or "retro", is a misconception.
Thousands of people across the globe regularly use Atari machines, emulators,
or modernized clones for everyday computer uses, and even some business ones.
They see that, while most of the hardware may be outdated by today's
specifications, Atari machines where built so well, and the programs written so
efficiently, that you don't need today's super-powerful machines to get the
same work done.
Atari International (A.I.) exists to serve several needs. One is that existing
Atari users are frequently at a loss when it came to getting answers, parts, or
programs for their Atari computers or game systems. Another is that computer
companies like Milan Computers and Medusa do not make it easy for people
outside their respective countries (Germany and Switzerland) to obtain their
Atari related products, which is of concern to Atari users everywhere since
these companies make the most advanced Atari-clone computers available today.
The third need, and possibly the most important, is Atari's public image. Most
people see the Atari world as being nothing more than some fond memories of Pac
Man or Pong. In truth, not only do people use these computers for modern uses
(Internet, business, etc), but that there are also companies (like the ones
previously mentioned) that are continuing to develop the Atari architecture and
operating systems, or clones thereof. The members of A.I. believe that with
sufficient support, these companies could produce exceptional machines that
could satisfy most if not all the needs of most home computer users, and many
business ones as well.
A.I. seeks to perform many tasks to these ends. They will provide informative
articles directed at the common computer user telling them about the current
state of Atari computer systems, what they are capable of, and how to get them.
There will be information connecting existing Atari users to the resources they
require to use and update their systems. Also, dialogues will be established
with Atari related companies (including the current owner of the Atari name,
Infogrammes), encouraging them to continue to develop and support their
products, and to broaden their marketing to outside their native counties, if
that appears to be a problem with them. There will also be workshops and
tutorials for those wishing to learn how use Atari computers, or even program
for them.
The primary contact point for Atari International is their web page:
www.atari-international.org
They can be reached via e-mail at ai@atari-international.org.
"Atari International is a non-profit organization working to educate the public
about the Atari platform as a feasible alternative for many computer needs, as
well as be a resource for those interested in acquiring Atari hardware,
software, and support."
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