Atari 800 User Manual

Installation and Operation of Atar i Computers 31
In the next 17 sections, we will discuss the usage of all of the keys
on
the Atari keyboard . We reco mmend that you exper im ent
with these keys as you read these sections. Do not worry about
damaging the computer. Any error situ ation caused by keyboard
entries can be corrected by merely turning the Atari off and then
on aga in.
System Reset Key
each of the four keys located to the right of the keyboard allows
the user
to select a different starting position within a cartr idge.
The System Reset key
is located at the top of the yell ow function
keypad at the far right of the keyboard. When the System Reset
key
is pressed, all computer operations stop, and cont rol is
restarted from the beginning of a cartridge.
Be careful not to press System Reset accidentall y. Doing so ca n
cause the l
oss of data--especially if the disk drive is in use when
System Reset is pressed.
Select Key
Pressing the select key allows the u se r to view the initial sc reen at
the start of the next game or program. In ot her words, the initi al
screen
is 'selected'.
Option Key
The option key is pressed to record the user 's choice of one of a
number of options within an appli cati on program or game.
Start Key
The Select and Option keys are generally used to display a screen
and
record the user's cho ice. The next step is for the user to press
the start key. This begins the action se lected.

Atari 800 Specifications

General

Processor	MOS Technology 6502
Processor Speed	1.79 MHz
ROM	10 KB
Graphics	ANTIC and GTIA chips
Release Year	1979
Display Resolution	up to 320 x 192
Colors	128 colors
Sound	4 channels
Storage	Cartridge, cassette, floppy disk
Ports	Cartridge, serial, monitor
Operating System	Atari OS