Atomic (magazine)
Encyclopedia
Atomic is a monthly Australian magazine and online community dedicated to computing
and technology
, with an emphasis on gaming, modding
and computer hardware
. Atomic is marketed at technology enthusiasts and covers a number of topics that are not normally found in mainstream PC publications. Such topics include, but are not limited to, video card and CPU overclocking
, Windows registry
tweaking and programming. The magazine's strapline is 'Maximum Power Computing', reflecting the broad nature of its technology content.
Atomic was originally published by AJB Publishing, but in July 2004 AJB was acquired by UK publisher Haymarket Media
. The magazine was edited in 2005 and 2006 by Ashton Mills, who in the past has contributed to PC Authority, Atomic's sister publication. In 2006, Logan Booker took over as editor. In April, 2005 Atomic reached the milestone of 50 issues, and the January 2006 issue celebrated its fifth birthday. Logan Booker announced at the end of August 2007 he would be stepping down, issue 81 being his last as editor. In October 2007, David Hollingworth introduced himself to the Atomic community as the new Editor of the magazine.
Ben Mansill announced in October 2007 that he would be leaving Haymarket Media to pursue other interests in the publishing industry.
Atomic recently celebrated the release of their 100th issue on April 8, 2009.
Readers and subscribers to the magazine, as well as members of the online Atomic community are colloquially referred to as Atomicans.
In mid-2005 the site was revamped to include regular content, both unique to the site and taken from the magazine. Now, daily reviews and news feature on the Atomic site.
Due to the essentially corporate aspect of the forums, moderation is necessary to protect certain interests of Haymarket Media, in order to ensure that illegal or distasteful content is not posted. Moreover, the administrators and moderators of Atomic strive to foster a secure, welcoming environment for all ages, in which personal attacks, racism, sexism and pornography are forbidden.
Although a subsequent Atomic Live was announced in early 2006, it was postponed due to key product launch delays in the PC and gaming industry.
Computing
Computing is usually defined as the activity of using and improving computer hardware and software. It is the computer-specific part of information technology...
and technology
Technology
Technology is the making, usage, and knowledge of tools, machines, techniques, crafts, systems or methods of organization in order to solve a problem or perform a specific function. It can also refer to the collection of such tools, machinery, and procedures. The word technology comes ;...
, with an emphasis on gaming, modding
Modding
Modding is a slang expression that is derived from the verb "modify". Modding refers to the act of modifying a piece of hardware or software or anything else for that matter, to perform a function not originally conceived or intended by the designer...
and computer hardware
Computer hardware
Personal computer hardware are component devices which are typically installed into or peripheral to a computer case to create a personal computer upon which system software is installed including a firmware interface such as a BIOS and an operating system which supports application software that...
. Atomic is marketed at technology enthusiasts and covers a number of topics that are not normally found in mainstream PC publications. Such topics include, but are not limited to, video card and CPU overclocking
Overclocking
Overclocking is the process of operating a computer component at a higher clock rate than it was designed for or was specified by the manufacturer, but some manufacturers purposely underclock their components to improve battery life. Many people just overclock or 'rightclock' their hardware to...
, Windows registry
Windows registry
The Windows Registry is a hierarchical database that stores configuration settings and options on Microsoft Windows operating systems. It contains settings for low-level operating system components as well as the applications running on the platform: the kernel, device drivers, services, SAM, user...
tweaking and programming. The magazine's strapline is 'Maximum Power Computing', reflecting the broad nature of its technology content.
History
With a small team of writers led by magazine founder and ex-editor Ben Mansill, who is ironically also the founder of the magazine's only competitor, PC Powerplay, the first issue of Atomic was published in February 2001. This team consisted of John Gillooly, Bennett Ring, Tim Dean and Daniel Rutter. John Gillooly and Bennett Ring have since left the magazine.Atomic was originally published by AJB Publishing, but in July 2004 AJB was acquired by UK publisher Haymarket Media
Haymarket Group
Haymarket Media Group is a privately owned media company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It has offices in Australia, Belgium, China, Germany, India, Japan, Singapore and the United States....
. The magazine was edited in 2005 and 2006 by Ashton Mills, who in the past has contributed to PC Authority, Atomic's sister publication. In 2006, Logan Booker took over as editor. In April, 2005 Atomic reached the milestone of 50 issues, and the January 2006 issue celebrated its fifth birthday. Logan Booker announced at the end of August 2007 he would be stepping down, issue 81 being his last as editor. In October 2007, David Hollingworth introduced himself to the Atomic community as the new Editor of the magazine.
Ben Mansill announced in October 2007 that he would be leaving Haymarket Media to pursue other interests in the publishing industry.
Atomic recently celebrated the release of their 100th issue on April 8, 2009.
Staff & contributors
The magazine has a wide range of writers, both freelance and full-time staff. As of issue 88 (published April 2008), they included:Staff
- Editor : David Hollingworth - Hawkeye
- Online Editor :
- Technical Writer : Justin Robinson - TheFrunj
- Sub Editor : James Macleod
- Art Director : David West
- Creative Director : Sam Grimmer
- Product Photography : Jason Busch
- Production Manager : Angela Jenkins
- Advertising Manager : Joanne Nichols
Contributors
- Christopher Taylor
- Daniel Rutter
- Hulkster
- Kate Inabinet
- Leigh Dyer
- Nathan Davis
- Ron Prouse
- Tim Dean
- Maurice 'Moz' Ford
- James 'Amiga4Eva' Matson
- Zara Baxter
- Jake 'Zebra' Carroll
The Atomic site and forums
Atomic's online forums were launched on the same day as the magazine. They have various PC gaming and technology sections, as well as a general chat area known as the "Green Room". As of January 2006, approximately 3,600,000 posts had been made across the forums' 21 sections. An active community section organises 'meets' and other events regularly.Readers and subscribers to the magazine, as well as members of the online Atomic community are colloquially referred to as Atomicans.
In mid-2005 the site was revamped to include regular content, both unique to the site and taken from the magazine. Now, daily reviews and news feature on the Atomic site.
Due to the essentially corporate aspect of the forums, moderation is necessary to protect certain interests of Haymarket Media, in order to ensure that illegal or distasteful content is not posted. Moreover, the administrators and moderators of Atomic strive to foster a secure, welcoming environment for all ages, in which personal attacks, racism, sexism and pornography are forbidden.
Atomic events
At the end of 2005 Atomic ventured into new territory by hosting "Atomic Live", a PC gaming and technology expo in Sydney, Australia. The event culminated in the evening with a presentation of industry awards and a celebration of the magazine's 5th birthday.Although a subsequent Atomic Live was announced in early 2006, it was postponed due to key product launch delays in the PC and gaming industry.