The Last Word 3.0 Reference Manual

6.2.1 PRINT TOGGLES

Start LW with an empty text file. In your printer manual, find the codes for "ITALICS ON". For the EPSON compatible example, the sequence is 27, 52. In the editor, type:

ITALICS ON 27,52 <Return>

Italic off would be 27,53, so on the next line needs to be:

ITALICS OFF 27,53 <Return>

All 6 pairs of ON/OFF toggles (underline, italic, bold, superscript, subscript and international font) work the same way. In a document, the first in a file will turn italics on, the second off, the third on again, and so on (see initialization string later). The only exception are the “International ON¦OFF” code sequences. These are automatically sent before and after any international characters in the document. This means you can select any font built-into the printer, without affecting the rest of your text when printing non-international characters.

6.2.2 CONTROL STRINGS

The CRLF statement allows you to set up a code string for the carriage return/linefeed sequence you want to send to the printer at the end of every line. For an EPSON compatible printer, you would type:

CRLF 13,10

This will sent an ASCII carriage return and linefeed sequence to the printer at the end of each line. The ICD Printer Connection sends the line feeds for you, however, so most of the time you can just have:

CRLF 155

This is Atari’s normal End of Line character and is the default in LW, so unless you want the CRLF sequence to be anything other than 155, you needn’t include a CRLF instruction in your printer driver.

The INIT code is just sent to the printer at the top of every document you print. You might want to send a printer reset code every time you print. To do so, type:

INIT

Follow this with a space and a comma-separated list of the escape codes for “Reset Printer” in your printer manual. If you don't want an initialization string sent to the printer, simply remove the “INIT” line from the printer driver file.

6.2.3 INTERNATIONAL CHARACTERS

LW includes 29 special “International” characters. These are the characters <CTRL+A> to <CTRL+Z>, <CTRL + comma>, <CTRL + full stop> and <CTRL+ semi colon>. When using a font which redefines these characters and accented or “International” characters, it’s important to be able to coax the same accented

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Atari XL manual Print Toggles, Control Strings, Init
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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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