Chapter 2
graphic and other features they will have to resort to POKEing codes or some other devious means, and are referred to their own computer’s reference manual.
The PhilosophyThis is a book about a printer, but since a printer without a computer is worthless, we must also talk about computers. It is still a book about how to use a printer.
We have chosen to write this manual around the Apple II-t computer, using Applesoft BASIC. The Apple features high resolution graphics like the MX-70, so advanced users can create images on their screen and dump them directly to the printer. (The Epson MX-80 printer manual was written around the TRS-80 for similar obvious reasons.) Most other computers can also print HI-RES graphics on the MX-70, even if they can’t print those same graphics on their video screen. (Think about that one for a minute!)
To meet the needs of the maximum possible number of users, the first 7 chapters assume use of a simple 16K non-disk system. Users with more elaborate systems can either pull the disk controller card and follow along, or see Appendix F for special BASIC disk considerations.
Chapter 8 teaches use of the special disk-based screen dump program (called HIRES), which can be supplied by Epson dealers for Apple computers. It logically assumes that any user who can use that diskette has an Apple disk system with 48K of user memory, and the chapter is written accordingly.
Variations on a Theme by DartmouthBASICS do vary. Applesoft BASIC and some others communicate with printers in a distinct way. A command such as PR#l “hooks” the printer (or whatever