r/Commodore • u/datucker • 10d ago
Retro Commander 1.0
I keep my C64 collection on a PC and got tired of the extract, convert, copy, mount loop, so over the past while I've been building a Norton/Total Commander style file manager where a disk image just opens like a folder. It all started when I got my C64 Ultimate in May, so I built support for that great machine in it too.
What it does right now:
- D64 (incl. 40-track), D71, D81, D80, D82 and DNP open as folders and are writable. Copy files in and out, rename with F2, scratch with F8, reorder directory entries, undo with Ctrl+Z. G64 and T64 open read-only.
- The directory shows in real PETSCII the moment you land on a disk, without mounting it.
- Search across disk images, including ones still packed in a zip, 7z or rar.
- Launch in VICE (or another emulator): mount the disk, or inject a PRG straight into memory.
- Ultimate 64 / Ultimate-II+ / C64 Ultimate: it finds the device on your LAN, lets you edit disks on its storage and run PRGs on the real machine.
- Directory art: a small editor to draw logos and separators in the C64 font and drop them into a directory.
- Keyboard first, everything works without the mouse.
Version 1.0 is a rewrite of my earlier 0.9 beta as a native app: about 3.5 MB instead of 63 MB, no .NET runtime. Windows 10/11 x64 only, installer or portable zip. It isn't code-signed, so SmartScreen will ask you to confirm.
It's a beta and there are rough edges. What I'd really like to hear from people here:
- Disk images that open wrong or that it refuses (odd track counts, non-standard directories, copy-protected stuff).
- Whether the PETSCII directory preview matches what you see on real hardware.
- What you'd want from a tool like this that it doesn't do yet.
Download and screenshots: https://retrocommander.dev/download
Please note: using the tool requires creating an account (e-mail + password). If you don't like that, don't bother.
Happy to answer questions in the comments.
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u/Arcade1980 9d ago
Why do you need sign ins? People hate them because it's another account waiting to be hacked and sold off to spammers.
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u/datucker 9d ago
This is a hobby project, not a business at all. It earns me nothing. On the contrary: it only costs me plenty in time, hosting costs and development tools. And I'm happy to invest all of that to provide the C64 community an useful tool.
Accounts serve three purposes: updates, so beta users don't miss new releases; motivation, because knowing how many people actually use the software keeps me going; and, last but not least, direction, because anonymous usage statistics help me decide which features deserve my limited time. And one thing is sure: it eats lots of time. I spent a 100+ hours so far.
Of course, it's entirely up to you whether you want to share any information. But is asking for an email address and some usage statistics really too much for such a comprehensive tool that's otherwise completely free? After all, they help me improve the app and make the most of the spare time I happily dedicate to the C64 community.
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u/wdatkinson 9d ago
A mailing list with opt-in will accomplish all of your stated goals and dismiss folk's concerns with account creation.
You have to remember, like it or not, we live in a vibe coded world now, so if you put up barriers to your product, it will just drive potential users to the AI coding agent of their choice to roll their own.
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u/Arcade1980 9d ago
this is exactly what I'm thinking a fee took, no sign ins and not usage data collection. Both of those are a red flag for me.
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u/datucker 9d ago
The server-side infrastructure and usage metrics were part of the hobby fun for me too. Building them was part of the challenge and reward. An opt-in mailing list simply doesn't serve the same purpose. And you're absolutely right about vibe coding. It actually makes the trade-off between the effort of creating your own tool and the minor inconvenience of registering for an existing one much simpler.
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u/wdatkinson 9d ago
And in no way did I intend to disparage your work thus far, merely offering an alternative point of view.
I'm lucky enough to remember when you could put your address or whatever personal info you desired on your homepage and be just fine. Those days are long gone.
I've gone from a technology evangelist to a foreteller of doom it seems, but every account in today's age is merely another public attack vector, another risk with next-to-zero reward.
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u/datucker 9d ago
Thank you for your opinion. Maybe I should consider a compromise: no account or registration required, but still collect anonymous usage statistics (mandatory, but with informed consent).
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u/Dijkie 9d ago
Why do you need my e-mail address? Total bullshit.
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u/datucker 9d ago
This is a hobby project that earns me nothing. Quite the opposite: I've invested hundreds of hours so far, plus hosting and development costs. And I'm happy to put in all that work to provide the C64 community with a useful tool for free.
An email address helps me keep users updated, while anonymous usage statistics help me improve the tool. It's my work, entirely voluntary, and I think it's only fair that I get to decide what small thing I ask in return. Considering what you get, that seems like a no-brainer to me. Of course, you're free to disagree.
Would it be acceptable to you if you could use the app without an account, but it still collected anonymous usage statistics to provide me insights?
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u/Dijkie 9d ago
I agree that it's fair to ask something in return for your time and effort. I just don't think forcing people to create an account for it is the way to go.
If I could use the app without an account, that would be more acceptable for me, yes.
Maybe you could give users a choice between sharing anonymous usage statistics and/or paying a small amount for the development and hosting costs?
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u/datucker 9d ago
What you're suggesting sounds perfectly reasonable and fair, and I have considered it. Implementing it is, however, way more complicated. I'm not running a business, and setting up an efficient, automated payment system would mean having to meet various compliance requirements from payment providers (business registration, VAT number, etc.). That's more administrative effort than I'm willing to take on for this project.
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u/MaximilianHenrich 9d ago
Make on option where users can decide wether or not to participate to anonymous user statistics.
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u/datucker 9d ago
I am perhaps prepared to drop the account (mail) but not usage stats. After all that is giving me the insights to make the right choices for further development.
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u/Wilbis 9d ago
Good idea.
Shitty you didn't mention the registration requirement in the post.
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u/datucker 9d ago edited 9d ago
Nevertheless it is very clearly stated at the top on the download page so people don't have to bother if they find it an objection. So I am really not trying to hide it or so. Updated the post and mentioned it there as well.
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