Atari XL manual CFG Configuration Files

Page 51

The Last Word 3.0 Reference Manual

8.2 .CFG CONFIGURATION FILES

CFG files contain user preferences such a screen colours, screen width and resolution, default drive number, filespecs, etc. Many of these command can be changed via commands in the editor, and the current configuration can be saved as a CFG file at any time with the <SHIFT+CTRL+Q> command.

If a file called “LW.CFG” resides on the default drive when the program is loaded, this configuration file is always used at startup. This way, you can keep all your most commonly used settings in LW.CFG, and load different configurations during an editing session with <CTRL+Q>.

CFG files are plain text files consisting of lines ending in <Return>. Each line takes the form of a keyword, followed by a space, and then one or more numeric or textual arguments separated by commas or spaces.

The full list of CFG file keywords is shown below:

Numeric Settings

Argument

Comments

Default

TMARGIN

0-255

Set default top printed

5

 

 

margin

 

BMARGIN

0-255

Default bottom margin

61

LMARGIN

0-255

Set left margin

10

RMARGIN

0-255

Set right margin

70

PAGELEN

0-255

Set page length

66

HFLEFTMARG

0-255

Set left header/footer

10

 

 

margin

 

HFRIGHTMARG

0-255

Set right header/footer

70

 

 

margin

 

SPACING

0-255

Set line spacing

1

HEADOFF

0-255

Set header offset

2

FOOTOFF

0-255

Set footer offset

2

EOLCHAR

0 or 219

Set end-of-line character

219

 

 

(internal code)

 

PADCHAR

0 or 125

Set false space character

0

 

 

(internal code)

 

TEXTCOL

0-255

Set text luminance

10

SCREENCOL

0-255

Set editor screen colour

148

PROMPTCOL

0-255

Set message line text

10

 

 

luminance

 

BORDERCOL

0-255

Set border colour

0

KEYDELAY

0-255

Set initial key delay

30

KEYREPEAT

0-255

Set key repeat rate

3

TABWIDTH

0-255

Set default tab width

5

FILESORT

0-4

Set file sort type:

0

 

 

0 = no sort

 

 

 

1 = sort by name

 

 

 

2 = sort by extender

 

 

 

3 = sort by date/time

 

 

 

4 = sort by size

 

PAGEWIDTH

5-240

Set editor column width

 

8-51

Image 51
Contents Last Word Contents Configuring LW for Your Printer Configuring LWMacros Programmers Technical Notes LW Command SummaryPrint Formatting Commands DOS Packages and LWOverview of the Last Word IntroductionAbout the Manual Starting LWLoading LW from Spartados SHIFT+CTRL+W Basic OperationEdit Screen LW LETTER.TXTLast Word 3.0 Reference Manual Filename exists Overwrite / ? Text BanksSaving and Loading Text SHIFT+CTRL+?Last Word 3.0 Reference Manual File Selector Basic ConfigurationCTRL+X Leaving the ProgramEditor Commands Cursor MovementText Entry Modes Delete ord, ine, entence, aragraph? Inserting and Deleting TextMoving and Copying with Text Blocks Hange, ll, To nd, kip? Finding and Replacing TextSearching with Wildcards FindTH SFind Change to Tabulation Additional Editor FeaturesEdited Text Indicator Counting WordsBookmarks Text and Document ModesCTRL+B User Options Editing Multiple FilesWildcards Y LoadREPORT.DOC/C Handling Large Files2DTHESIS.TXT2 Save AsDREPORT.DOC/ACTRL+J Disk OperationsDisk Operations from the Editor Disk MenuPec IewOpy Ock OrmatVail SHIFT+CTRL+ Down Additional CommandsSubdirectory Features CTRL+HKeeping Track of Pagination Editor Print CommandsPrinting with LW Previewing TextL20r60helloReturn Embedded CommandsStage 1 Commands L20ReturnLast Word 3.0 Reference Manual Set the left margin. The default is Left header/footer margin, default 10. This works like Stage 2 Commands SHIFT+CTRL+SPACE Other Print FeaturesCreating Hanging Indents International CharactersConfiguring the Print Formatter Configuring LW for Your Printer Printer DriversCreating a Printer Driver Print Toggles Control StringsInit Code 1,129 International on 27,82,12 International OFF 27,82,0Style 1,27,45,8 Style 2,27,83,2 Last Word 3.0 Reference Manual Loading Macros MacrosAutorun Macros Running MacrosWriting and Editing Macros Special Macro CommandsField. To actually get input from the user, you Must include Oad Ave OadRint Special Characters Disabling the Screen from MacrosEntering Other Commands from Macros Special Macro FontKeyboard Conventions for Macros Creating and Editing Macros Font Set Example MacrosTranspose Characters Last Word 3.0 Reference Manual Configuration Options in the Editor Configuring LWCFG Configuration Files Drive D1 Default DriveConfiguration Using a Supported DOS LW.SYS FileBanks 1,2,3,4 Reserve Extpages Configuration Using Other DOS PackagesExtpages Reserve Banked onSearch Path Banks 5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12Path D8D1LW Using Multipe Text Buffers Custom FontsKeyboard Buffer Customising the Keyboard Keyboard TableKEY n,n Invalid Remapping Commands Using Macros KEY 10,97KEY 150,3 3 1200 XL Keys Memlo DOS Packages and LWMemory Requirements Atari DOS XELW TEST.DOC /M% /PD1LW DISK-BASED SpartadosSpartados LW files /Mc /Ppath /Q /XSET LWPATH=D8D1\LW Spartados X Memory ConfigurationsSpartados X Lwpath Environment Variable KEY OFF LW.EXE KEY onLast Word 3.0 Reference Manual LW Command Summary Editor CommandsCommand Function Macro Equivalent Ctrl Y See SET CommandSHIFT+CTRL W Inverse Ctrl WKEY Function Special KeysINV CTRL+L Macro CommandsCommand Function INV CtrlDown Arrow Print Formatting CommandsCommand Function Default Value UP ArrowRight Arrow Left ArrowAssembly Language ADD-INS Programmers Technical NotesMemory Usage SEC Program DesignWHY LW Came Into Being Development and Testing12-74 12-75 Development Correspondence

XL specifications

The Atari XL series, launched in 1982, represented a significant evolution in home computing, building upon the foundation laid by the Atari 400 and 800 systems. This line of computers included popular models such as the Atari 600XL and 800XL, both of which combined affordability with robust capabilities, making them attractive options for home users, educators, and enthusiasts alike.

One of the standout features of the Atari XL series was its color display capabilities. The systems supported a resolution of 320x192 pixels with a vibrant palette of 128 colors, which enabled rich graphics for games and applications. This was complemented by the system's powerful Antic graphics chip that allowed for advanced video display modes, making the Atari XL series particularly popular for gaming and multimedia applications.

Another key technology driving the Atari XL series was its use of the 6502 processor, which delivered efficient performance and allowed for smooth multitasking. The systems typically came with 64KB of RAM, expandable to 128KB, providing ample memory for running multiple applications simultaneously, a notable feature in comparison to other microcomputers of the time.

The Atari XL series also introduced a new, user-friendly operating system known as Atari DOS. This improved disk management capabilities, making it easier for users to manage files and applications on floppy disks. The systems were equipped with built-in BASIC programming language, enabling users to dive into programming and coding, fostering a generation of hobbyists and developers.

Each model in the Atari XL series came with a distinctive keyboard design, offering both a chic and functional layout. The keyboards were known for their tactile feel, making them suitable for typing and coding over extended periods.

Additionally, the Atari XL computers were compatible with a wide range of peripherals, such as printers, modems, and disk drives, enhancing their versatility. Users could also take advantage of a rich library of software, including educational programs, productivity tools, and an ever-growing selection of games.

The Atari XL series not only boasted solid technology and capabilities but also garnered a devoted community. The systems contributed to a vibrant culture of gaming and computing in the early 1980s, which remains fondly remembered by enthusiasts today. With their combination of innovative technology, user-centric design, and a diverse software library, the Atari XL series played a crucial role in the evolution of home computing.