Q. I have a Commodore 64 computer, an Epson MX80 printer, a parallel interface and Centronics software from Audiogenic. My dad wants to do business computing so I would like to know if there are any programs compatible with my system.

H. Tailor
Birmingham

A. There is a large amount of business software available for the Commodore 64 including databases, word processors, mail merge packages, spreadsheets, accounting, sales and purchase ledgers, stock control and so on, ad infinitum.

There are two possible problems. The first is that you don't mention a disk drive, which is necessary for most serious software.

The second - more important but less expensive - is the question of printer interfaces. Your 'parallel interface' must be simply a Centronics compatible cable, or you wouldn't need Audiogenic's software driver.

The catch with software drivers is that they take up memory - more often than not, memory which your software packages also require. So, while your printer may be compatible with the software, the interface won't be.

The answer is to get a hardware interface which avoids any memory clashes. There are any number of these around - PCN has reviewed several in the last few months. Among the best are Interpod, now being marketed by Cheetahsoft, and the Tripler 64, produced by Microperipherals in Basingstoke.