Atari XE User Manual

INTRODUCTION
D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D
Welcome to the ATARI XE Game System!
The ATARI XE game system is made fo r you , the serious game
player.
Its expansive memory capability (64 kilobytes) easily
handles the most exciting and complicated games with a variety
of great acti
on features. And you can control the game any way
you want- with a joystick, Trak-Ball ~ light gun, mouse, or from the
keyboard.
The XE comes with two game controller ports so you
can share the fun with a friend (or opponent).
The XE game system starts you out with Missile Command™,
its own built-in game. As a bonus, the system also contains the
programming language ATARI BASIC ™ in ROM , its perman~nt
memory. With the XE keyboard connected to your system, you can
access BASIC and begin writing your own computer programs.
Once you become familiar with your XE , you ' ll want to expand
your system with a number of peripherals.
By attaching a disk
drive
you ' ll be able to store the programs you write with BASIC, or
the documents you create with other programs. Adding a printer
or modem to your system lets you publish your work and take
advantage of outside databases,
bulletin boards, and other com-
puters. And
don 't forget the large library of cartridge, disk, and
cassette games available to you once you have the add-ons.
The ATARI XE game system is compatible with most software and
hardware from both the
ATARI XE and ATARI XL™ computer lines.
Using This Manual
Operating your XE game system is easy, and you'll get the best
results if you connect and operate it correctly from the start.
This manual explains how to do that in clear, nontechnical
language.
Chapter 1: Getting Started explains how to set up your system
and begin using it. Later sections of the chapter tell you how to
expand your system by adding peripheral devices.
Chapter 2: Helpful Information tells you how to maintain your
system in top operating condition , and what to do in case of
problems. XE game system owners in the United Kingdom
should refer to the additional set-up instructions in this chapter
when connecting their systems.
1

Atari XE Specifications

General

Manufacturer	Atari Corporation
Memory	64 KB RAM
Sound Channels	4
CPU	MOS Technology 6502C
CPU Clock Speed	1.79 MHz
Graphics	ANTIC and GTIA
Colors	256
Display Resolution	320x192, 160x192, 80x192
Sound	POKEY
Media	Cartridge, Cassette, Floppy Disk
Ports	Cartridge, SIO, Monitor, Power, Joystick
Operating System	Atari OS