Technology of the 1980s -- available here and now
♠ Classic.
Run classic games and legacy BASIC applications designed for MS-DOS systems, IBM PC, PCjr or Tandy 1000.
♦ Faithful.
PC-BASIC aims for bug-for-bug compatibility with Microsoft GW-BASIC.
It runs ASCII, tokenised and protected BASIC programs and supports the Microsoft Binary Format for full interchangeability of data files.
♣ Versatile.
PC-BASIC supports GW-BASIC, BASICA, PCjr Cartridge BASIC and Tandy 1000 BASIC.
It runs on every platform that supports Python.
♥ Yours.
PC-BASIC is free & open source software, released under the GNU General Public Licence version 3.
Compatibility
Graphics
MDPA, CGA, EGA, or VGA; PCjr or Tandy; or even Hercules or Olivetti graphics - PC-BASIC can emulate all of them.
Music
Tandy and PCjr 3-voice music and noise generation are fully supported. As are IBM PC beeps.
Printing
No helper programs or difficult settings needed: printing through LPRINT and LPT1: works out of the box.
Comms
Full support for 2 serial ports included -- no matter whether they are real serial ports or emulated through sockets.
Convenience
Languages
PC-BASIC understands a large number of MS-DOS code pages and supports all Unicode scripts natively. BASIC program in Chinese? Not a problem for PC-BASIC.
Tapes
Have old IBM PC audio cassette recordings in WAV format? PC-BASIC will open your files though its CAS1: device.
Scripting
Script a quick few lines of BASIC on the Unix or Windows command line with PC-BASIC's command-line interface.
New Stuff
PC-BASIC is under active development and new features are implemented regularly. Comments, requests and suggestions are always welcome!