A machine code monitor program for the cassette-based BBC, this certainly has features which make it a true monitor.

There are block move and copy routines, string or hex searches and logical operations on hex or binary numbers, including subtraction and addition - a flexible range of operations which the monitor can help with and can make very simple indeed.

There is one major drawback: it resides in the upper reaches of user memory (&6700 to &7C00). Try to execute a routine which changes the screen mode and the monitor will be over-written and gone. So you really do need to know your needs before buying this, or any other, monitor.

The most impressive part of the package is the excellent instruction booklet, particularly its introduction. It is very unusual for a product of this type to take you step-by-step through its capabilities. It's ideal therefore for newcomers to machine code.

In fact, that sums up the program nicely. Beginners will find this ideal for a few months but experienced machine code writers will be frustrated by its location and lack of certain facilities (e.g. single stepping).

D.C.