The Last Word 3.0 Reference Manual

2.4 MOVING AND COPYING WITH TEXT BLOCKS

The following commands allow blocks of text to be marked, then moved, copied or deleted:

<CTRL+M>

Mark or highlight block. Before a block can be copied, moved or

 

deleted, it must be marked. Use this command to define the

 

starting point of your block. Subsequently, as you move the

 

cursor, the text between the marked beginning and the cursor

 

position will be inverted. You can also mark the end of a block,

 

then cursor back to the beginning. Several other block commands

 

only work once a block has been defined in this way. To un-mark

 

a highlighted block of text, press <CTRL+ESCAPE>.

<CTRL+C>

Cut block. Use this command once a block has been marked as

 

outlined above. The marked text will be copied from the main

 

buffer to the paste buffer, providing the block is not too large. Note

 

that any text already in the paste buffer will be overwritten. The

 

text will then be erased from the main buffer, and block mode is

 

cancelled. You can paste text back with the Paste command.

<CTRL+O>

Copy block. This copies text to the paste buffer exactly like the

 

Cut option, but the text also remains in the main buffer, still

 

highlighted.

<DELETE>

Delete block. This deletes a marked block without copying it to the

 

paste buffer. Because text deleted this way is irretrievable, you

 

are first asked for confirmation. Note that the block to be deleted

 

may be of any length, regardless of paste buffer size.

<SHIFT+CTRL+I>

Write block to a file. Supply a filename at the prompt and the block

 

- which may be of any length - will be written to disk. The file will

 

have the extension "BLK" unless you supply a different one. This

 

option, along with the merge command, allows for the transfer of

 

large blocks of text between different files.

<CTRL+I>

Insert, or merge, file. Allows a file to be inserted into the middle of

 

the text in memory. The filename you type will have the usual text

 

file extender appended to it unless you supply another. If the file

 

you attempt to insert exceeds in size the available space, the text

 

will remain unchanged.

<CTRL+N>

Displays size of file, cursor position, and the number of words and

 

bytes in the file (or the block if any text is marked)

<CTRL+Y>

Convert block to lowercase

<SHIFT+CTRL+Y>

Convert block to uppercase

<CTRL+[>

Un-invert text in block

<CTRL+]>

Invert text in block

 

2-15

Page 14 Page 16
Page 15
Image 15
Atari XL manual Moving and Copying with Text Blocks
Page 14 Page 16

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.
Top Page Image Contents