The Last Word 3.0 Reference Manual

keystroke to run (in the same order), ending the line with <Return>.

 

For example, you could say:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#

 

<INV CTRL+J>

 

oad,

 

ave,

 

rint<Return>

 

LSP<Return>

 

LSP

<Return>

 

The above macro will display:

 

 

oad,

 

ave,

 

rint

 

 

 

 

 

when <Start> is pressed, and wait for a keystroke. Pressing <L>

 

will run the macro attached to the inverse L character, <S> the

 

macro on the inverse S character, and <P> will attempt to run the

 

inverse P macro. This way, you can keep all your macros off

 

commonly used keystrokes, but still invoke them using simple

 

keystrokes from within menus.

 

Note: It’s still possible to omit these two extra lines of information,

 

and the menu will simply run the macro attached to whichever key

 

the user presses.

<CTRL+K>

Get key. Simply waits for a key, then continues the macro.

<CTRL+L>

Accept line. In either the editor or an input dialogue, this character

 

will pause the macro and allow user keyboard input until

 

<RETURN> is pressed or the macro is stopped with <BREAK>.

 

Note that many features of the editor, including the icon bar, are

 

disabled in Accept Line mode. If you run another macro whilst in

 

accept line mode, the current macro will be abandoned and

 

accept line mode terminated. NOTE: TextPro input mode always

 

works in OVERTYPE mode - LW accept line mode works IN

 

WHATEVER MODE THE EDITOR IS IN AT THE TIME. Also, the

 

colon delimiters of TextPro are NOT supported by LW.

 

The Accept Input command no longer filters out cursor movement

 

other than left/right as did Version 1.0. Only a few commands -

 

mostly those requiring input - are now disabled during macro input

 

mode. This change was implemented to allow interactive macros

 

far greater scope. A macro can now, for example, pause while the

 

user marks a block of text, then, when return is pressed, operate

 

on the defined block.

<CTRL+V>

Print message. Follow with text terminated by <RETURN>. LW

 

will print the message, which will clear on the next keystroke.

<CTRL+X>

Execute macro. Follow with a macro identifier. LW will attempt to

 

execute the macro in the form of a SUBROUTINE or

 

PROCEDURE. This means when the executed macro terminates,

 

the calling or parent macro will resume from the next instruction

 

following the execute command. Macros calls can be nested in

 

this way up to a depth of 128.

 

7-43

 

 

 

Page 43
Image 43
Atari XL manual Oad Ave, Rint

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.