The Amiga User Group Switzerland (AUGS)
Today’s AUGS is a modern relaunch of the Swiss Amiga community and is organizationally independent from the former AUGS. The original AUGS operated an active Amiga-related website between 1996 and 2013. After several inactive years, the domain was taken over by a domain squatter in 2019 and offered for sale. It was only in July 2023 that the present-day AUGS was able to recover it.
This not only preserved a piece of Swiss Amiga history, but also laid the foundation for rebuilding the community.
Who We Are
The Amiga User Group Switzerland – or AUGS for short – is a Swiss association for everyone interested in the classic Commodore Amiga and retro computing.
The Amiga was one of the most technologically advanced home computers of the 1980s and 1990s and remains well known today for its graphics, sound, and multitasking capabilities.
AUGS brings together people who:
* collect and restore classic Amiga systems
* develop hardware and software
* enjoy retro games, demos, and applications
* are interested in computer history and digital culture
It does not matter whether you are a beginner, hobbyist, developer, or long-time Amiga enthusiast.
Membership
AUGS is a non-profit association. The focus is on community, knowledge sharing, and a shared passion for the Amiga.
Meetings and Events
The main focus of AUGS is on community gatherings and retro events.
### AUGS Meetings
At the annual AUGS meeting, members and guests come together to:
* present systems and projects
* try out games and demos
* bring along hardware and software
* exchange experiences
* work together on repairs
Whenever possible, defective systems are analyzed and repaired directly on-site. In addition, some members continue to offer support after the meetings. Repairs are usually carried out in exchange for the cost of spare parts and a small contribution.
AUGS Höcks
The AUGS Höcks are informal meetups for technical discussions, exchanging ideas, and getting to know other members.
Retro Events and the Demoscene
AUGS regularly participates in retro computing events both in Switzerland and abroad.
These include:
* Vintage Computer Festivals
* international Amiga events
* retro gaming events
* demo parties
A special highlight is MountainBytes, a Swiss demo party focused on digital art, programming, and real-time demos.
The demoscene has been recognized in Switzerland as part of UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage. AUGS actively contributes to this scene and has already submitted its own demos.
Major international Amiga events include:
* Amiga 38
* Amiga 40
* Amiga 42
Looking to the Future
AUGS aims to strengthen and further expand the Swiss Amiga scene in the long term.
Planned activities include:
* workshops and presentations
* technical training sessions
* collaborative development and hardware projects
* repair and tinkering sessions
* stronger international networking
The goal is to preserve knowledge about the Amiga and pass it on to future generations.
Conclusion
AUGS is a meeting place for people who want to share their enthusiasm for the Amiga, retro computing, and digital culture.
Here, you can bring old systems back to life, learn new things, make connections, and become part of an active Swiss retro computing community.
Today’s AUGS is a modern relaunch of the Swiss Amiga community and is organizationally independent from the former AUGS. The original AUGS operated an active Amiga-related website between 1996 and 2013. After several inactive years, the domain was taken over by a domain squatter in 2019 and offered for sale. It was only in July 2023 that the present-day AUGS was able to recover it.
This not only preserved a piece of Swiss Amiga history, but also laid the foundation for rebuilding the community.
Who We Are
The Amiga User Group Switzerland – or AUGS for short – is a Swiss association for everyone interested in the classic Commodore Amiga and retro computing.
The Amiga was one of the most technologically advanced home computers of the 1980s and 1990s and remains well known today for its graphics, sound, and multitasking capabilities.
AUGS brings together people who:
* collect and restore classic Amiga systems
* develop hardware and software
* enjoy retro games, demos, and applications
* are interested in computer history and digital culture
It does not matter whether you are a beginner, hobbyist, developer, or long-time Amiga enthusiast.
Membership
AUGS is a non-profit association. The focus is on community, knowledge sharing, and a shared passion for the Amiga.
Meetings and Events
The main focus of AUGS is on community gatherings and retro events.
### AUGS Meetings
At the annual AUGS meeting, members and guests come together to:
* present systems and projects
* try out games and demos
* bring along hardware and software
* exchange experiences
* work together on repairs
Whenever possible, defective systems are analyzed and repaired directly on-site. In addition, some members continue to offer support after the meetings. Repairs are usually carried out in exchange for the cost of spare parts and a small contribution.
AUGS Höcks
The AUGS Höcks are informal meetups for technical discussions, exchanging ideas, and getting to know other members.
Retro Events and the Demoscene
AUGS regularly participates in retro computing events both in Switzerland and abroad.
These include:
* Vintage Computer Festivals
* international Amiga events
* retro gaming events
* demo parties
A special highlight is MountainBytes, a Swiss demo party focused on digital art, programming, and real-time demos.
The demoscene has been recognized in Switzerland as part of UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage. AUGS actively contributes to this scene and has already submitted its own demos.
Major international Amiga events include:
* Amiga 38
* Amiga 40
* Amiga 42
Looking to the Future
AUGS aims to strengthen and further expand the Swiss Amiga scene in the long term.
Planned activities include:
* workshops and presentations
* technical training sessions
* collaborative development and hardware projects
* repair and tinkering sessions
* stronger international networking
The goal is to preserve knowledge about the Amiga and pass it on to future generations.
Conclusion
AUGS is a meeting place for people who want to share their enthusiasm for the Amiga, retro computing, and digital culture.
Here, you can bring old systems back to life, learn new things, make connections, and become part of an active Swiss retro computing community.
