Atari 800 User Manual

CHAPTER 3.
INTRODUCTION TO ATARI BASIC
Introduction
BASIC
is probably the most widely used language in
microcomputers, with the Atari being no exception. Atari BASIC
is available in the ROM cartridge labeled "BASIC Computing
Language".
To use Atari BASIC, you must have the Atari BASIC ROM
cartridge. Also, you must have followed the correct start-up
procedure as outlined in Chapter 2. The READY message will be
displayed on the video screen when the Atari is ready to accept
BASIC commands .
Immediate
& Program Modes
The
immediate mode is also known as the direct or the calculator
mode. In the immediate mode , any BASIC command entry
results in the instructions being executed without delay. For
example, if the following immediate mode line was entered,
PRINT "Jim Smith"
the following would be displayed on the video screen.
Jim Smith
In the program or indirect mode , the computer accepts
program lines into memory , where they are stored for later
execution . This stored program is executed when the
appropriate command (generally RUN) is entered.

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