Commodore
Installation
Linux
Install the VICE Emulator e.g. via Applications > Ubuntu Software Center (or sudo apt-get install vice)
mkdir ~/.vice
launching x64 will fail saying C64MEM: Error - Couldn't load kernal ROM `kernal'. Machine initialization failed.
Note which version of VICE actually got installed, e.g. from first line printed in CLI, or Help / About VICE in UI.
Get the MATCHING source archive from http://ftp.funet.fi/pub/cbm/crossplatform/emulators/VICE/ (which redirects to http://www.zimmers.net/anonftp/pub/cbm/crossplatform/emulators/VICE/ at the time of writing this), e.g. http://www.zimmers.net/anonftp/pub/cbm/crossplatform/emulators/VICE/vice-2.2.tar.gz, and then:
tar xfzv vice-1.5-roms.tar.gz
sudo cp -vR vice-1.5-roms/data/* /usr/lib/vice
Note: You really must use the sources exactly matching the version of VICE you've installed. If you "blindly" follow /usr/share/doc/vice/README.ROMsand use the v1.5 *roms.tar.gz on a v2.2 VICE then e.g. x128 will fail to start due to some "Loading system file `/usr/lib/vice/C128/kernal'. ROM /usr/lib/vice/C128/kernal: short file." error.
You can now start x64 and x128 etc. (e.g. from CLI or Applications > Other menu).
Windows / Mac OS X
TBD... ;-)
Tips & Tricks
Keyboard & Joystick
ESC = RUN/STOP
http://vicekb.trikaliotis.net/03-001
Screen Size
Use Settings > Save Settings to create a ~/.vice/vicerc
edit ~/.vice/vicerc and change VICIIDoubleSize from 0 to 1
Use Settings > Load Settings to activate
More in the VICE Manual chapter 6 on Settings & Resources.
Commodore 128 specific
Either press F1-X or F7 and Reset or Run/Stop-RESTORE to change over to the other monitor from the 40 to the 80 columns mode on x128
How to get stuff in and out of the emulator
Use petcat to convert BASIC files into PC-readable format
Fun Stuff - Remember the days?
California Games
File > Smart Attach Disk/Tape
change from Tape File Images (*.t64 / *.tap) to Disk Image Files (*.d64)
pick cagames1.d64
click Autostart (NOT Open)
press Space, then Enter, then ESC, Y, R keys
when asked to insert disk 2, again like above but pick cagames2.d64
press Space, 4, 1, 3 (Surfing) keys
and now... ToDo, please help by leaving a comment below to explain: To actually play, WHICH ARE THE RIGHT KEYS NOW? HOW TO USE THE JOYSTICK? :-(
To Do (TBD)
Apps I coded, how to transfer from the old floppies?!
DIY
HW best presumably via a RS 232 null modem cable
using the REX 9626 RS 232 Interface I have on Commodore side (does it work?)
using USB adapter from my MIT Scratch board (is that RS 232 ??)
need a 9 pin to 24 pin RS-232 adapter
need a "null modem" cable
SW
how to make the Commodore send a disk image?
DIY, using http://www.scribd.com/doc/55326265/60/PROGRAM-TRANSFER ??
how to make the PC create a disk image file from the received bytes?
pay http://www.retrofloppy.com/ some $$$ ?
copies files and disks to PC from external Commodore 1541, 1570, 1571 and 1581 drives, using a "XEP, XAP, or XMP cable (serial/parallel combination)", and Star Commander software. (This apparently can work even for the 1571 built into the 128D.)
how to get such a cable?
how to run star commander on a PC with DOS and a parellel port - I don't have one anymore!Â
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commodore_64_peripherals#RS-232_port
http://www.zimmers.net/anonftp/pub/cbm/crossplatform/transfer/transfer.html
The Great Giana Sisters, remember it by watching Giana Sisters Video on YouTube
Android Apps "Mobile C64" & VICE
GEOS, possible?!
Cut some Screencast YouTube Videos ;-)
Links
General
Disk Images (Games)
Other Related Nerdy Retro Stuff ;-)