Atari 400 Basic Reference Manual

Computer:
Concatenation:
Control Characters:
CRT:
Cursor:
Data:
Debug:
Default:
Digital:
Diskette:
DOS:
Editing:
Execute:
Expression:
Format:
Hard Copy:
G-.2 Appendix
Any device that can receive and then follow instructions to
manipulate information. Both the instructions and the information
may be varied from moment to moment. The distinction between a
computer and a programmable calculator lies in the computer's abili-
ty to manipulate text as well as numbers. Most calculators can only
handle numbers.
The process of joining two or more strings together to form one
longer string.
Characters produced by holding down the key labeled &mJ while
simultaneously pressing another key.
Abbreviation for "cathrode ray tube" (the tube used in a TV set). In
practice, this is often used to describe the television receiver used to
display computer output. Also called a "monitor" .
A
square displayed on the TV monitor that shows where the next
typed character will be displayed.
Information of any kind.
The process of locating and correcting mistakes and errors in a pro-
gram.
A mode or condition "assumed" by the computer until it is told to do
something else. For example, it will " default " to screen and keyboard
unless told to use other I/0 devices.
Information that can be represented by a collection ofbits. Virtually
all modern computers, especially microcomputers, use the digital ap-
proach.
A small disk. A record/pla y back medium like tape, but made in the
shape of a flat disk that is placed inside a stiff envelope for protection.
The advantage of the disk over cassette or other tape for memory
storage is that access to any part of the disk is virtually immediate.
The Atari 800 Personal Computer System can control up to 4 diskette
drive peripherals simultaneously. In this manual, disk and diskette
are used interchangeably.
Abbreviation for " disk operating system". The software or pro-
grams which facilitate use of a disk - drive system. DOS is pronounced
either "dee oh ess" or "doss ".
Making corrections or changes in a program or data.
To do what a command or program specifies. To R UN a program or
portion thereof.
A combination of variables, numb e rs , and oper at ors Oike +, -, etc .)
that can be evaluated to a single quantity . The quantity may be a
string or a number.
To specify the form in which som et hing is to appear.
Printed output as opposed to temporary TV monitor display .

Atari 400 Specifications

General

Manufacturer	Atari
Model	400
Type	Home Computer
Release Year	1979
CPU	MOS Technology 6502
CPU Speed	1.79 MHz
ROM	10 KB
Operating System	Atari OS
Keyboard	Membrane keyboard
RAM	8 KB (expandable to 48 KB)
Graphics	ANTIC and GTIA chips
Sound	4 channels
Display	RF output for connection to TV
Storage	Optional cassette tape drive or floppy disk drive
Ports	Cartridge
Display Resolution	320x192 (16 colors)