Atari XL manual About the Manual, Starting LW, Loading LW from Spartados

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The Last Word 3.0 Reference Manual

1.2 ABOUT THE MANUAL

This manual assumes basic familiarity with the Atari screen editor and keyboard. Command keystrokes are enclosed in angle brackets ("<" and ">") which should NOT be typed in. Where two or more keys need to be pressed together, these keys are linked with the plus sign "+".

1.3 STARTING LW

Boot the computer with the LW disk in drive 1 while holding down the <Option> key. (If you don’t hold down <Option> and the BASIC “Ready” prompt appears, type DOS and press <Return>). The DOS menu will appear. LW should be started with Binary Load (option L) on the DOS 2.5 menu. Press “L” and type “LW.COM”, then press <Return>.

Note: unlike prior versions of the program, LW 3.0 is NOT compatible with DOS XE, nor with any DOS which uses RAM under the Operating System.

When LW loads, it looks on the default drive (“D:”) for the following files, and if it finds them, loads them. If a file isn't found, default "built-in" values are used.

LW.SYS

System configuration file: sets up memory usage, keyboard buffer,

 

keyboard redefinition and path for help and system files.

LW.CFG

Configuration file: contains editor settings, preferences, and default

 

drive settings.

LW.FNT

Standard graphics 0 font which will be used in the editor and

 

throughout the program.

LW.F80

Special 80 column font for 80 column editing mode.

LW.PDR

Plain-text printer driver file, which can be edited in LW.

LW.MAC

Macro file, containing automated, user-written command sequences.

 

If a macro is defined for the "@" key, it will be run immediately. See

 

section 6.

LW.EXT

Machine code extensions (expanded memory machines only).

 

Contains extra program functionality such as character maps,

 

calculators, etc.

1.3.1 LOADING LW FROM SPARTADOS X

Under SpartaDOS X, LW is launched by typing

X LW

Note: LW 3.0 is NOT compatible with versions of SpartaDOS prior to SpartaDOS X. Also, SpartaDOS X MUST be configured to use BANKED memory in order to

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Contents Last Word Contents Configuring LW for Your Printer Configuring LWMacros DOS Packages and LW LW Command SummaryPrint Formatting Commands Programmers Technical NotesIntroduction Overview of the Last WordAbout the Manual Starting LWLoading LW from Spartados LW LETTER.TXT Basic OperationEdit Screen SHIFT+CTRL+WLast Word 3.0 Reference Manual SHIFT+CTRL+? Text BanksSaving and Loading Text Filename exists Overwrite / ?Last Word 3.0 Reference Manual Basic Configuration File SelectorLeaving the Program CTRL+XEditor Commands Cursor MovementText Entry Modes Inserting and Deleting Text Delete ord, ine, entence, aragraph?Moving and Copying with Text Blocks Finding and Replacing Text Hange, ll, To nd, kip?Searching with Wildcards FindTH SFind Change to Counting Words Additional Editor FeaturesEdited Text Indicator TabulationBookmarks Text and Document ModesCTRL+B User Options Editing Multiple FilesWildcards Y Handling Large Files LoadREPORT.DOC/CSave AsDREPORT.DOC/A 2DTHESIS.TXT2Disk Menu Disk OperationsDisk Operations from the Editor CTRL+JPec IewOpy Ock OrmatVail CTRL+H Additional CommandsSubdirectory Features SHIFT+CTRL+ DownPreviewing Text Editor Print CommandsPrinting with LW Keeping Track of PaginationL20Return Embedded CommandsStage 1 Commands L20r60helloReturnLast Word 3.0 Reference Manual Set the left margin. The default is Left header/footer margin, default 10. This works like Stage 2 Commands International Characters Other Print FeaturesCreating Hanging Indents SHIFT+CTRL+SPACEConfiguring 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 Macros Loading MacrosRunning Macros Autorun MacrosSpecial Macro Commands Writing and Editing MacrosField. To actually get input from the user, you Must include Oad Ave OadRint Disabling the Screen from Macros Special CharactersEntering Other Commands from Macros Special Macro FontKeyboard Conventions for Macros Creating and Editing Macros Example Macros Font SetTranspose Characters Last Word 3.0 Reference Manual Configuring LW Configuration Options in the EditorCFG Configuration Files Default Drive Drive D1Configuration Using a Supported DOS LW.SYS FileBanks 1,2,3,4 Banked on Configuration Using Other DOS PackagesExtpages Reserve Reserve ExtpagesSearch 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 Atari DOS XE DOS Packages and LWMemory Requirements MemloLW files /Mc /Ppath /Q /X DISK-BASED SpartadosSpartados LW TEST.DOC /M% /PD1LWKEY OFF LW.EXE KEY on Spartados X Memory ConfigurationsSpartados X Lwpath Environment Variable SET LWPATH=D8D1\LWLast Word 3.0 Reference Manual LW Command Summary Editor CommandsCommand Function Macro Equivalent Inverse Ctrl W See SET CommandSHIFT+CTRL W Ctrl YSpecial Keys KEY FunctionINV Ctrl Macro CommandsCommand Function INV CTRL+LUP Arrow Print Formatting CommandsCommand Function Default Value Down ArrowLeft Arrow Right ArrowAssembly Language ADD-INS Programmers Technical NotesMemory Usage Program Design SECDevelopment and Testing WHY LW Came Into Being12-74 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.
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