Special Function Keys
The upper left key on your keyboard is marked ESC. This key will allow you to "escape" the normal function of the key and give you additional control. Press the escape key twice. The second time you press it, a strange character will appear on the screen. Pressing the escape key, then die control key with the clear, insert, delete, or any arrow key will make the computer print different characters. These keys and functions will be very useful when you edit your program or have messages printed on die screen.
Like any good typewriter, your ATARI can set and clear tabs. The key in the second row, left side has clr, set, and tab on it. Pressing die key will move the cursor across the screen. There are five preset tab positions. To clear the tab position, simply press the tab key until it stops at die character you want to remove, then press die control key and the tab key at the same time. To set a tab position, move die cursor to the correct location, press the shift key and the tab key simultaneously and the new tab will be set.
The key to the right of die shift key has die ATARI symbol on it. When you press this key, the computer will print the letters, numbers, symbols, or graphics characters in reverse video (characters and screen switch color). This feature lets you highlight important words in messages or instructions. Pressing this key again returns you to normal type.
The break key lets you interrupt a BASIC program. When you interrupt your program, you can usually continue it from the place where it stopped.
To erase die contents of the screen, simply press the clear key with die shift key. Since it erases the screen quickly, you will use it often during a program requiring a clear screen.
Along the far right of die keyboard are four yellow keys. These keys are in this location so they will not be confused widi the keyboard. The top key is marked System Reset. It is shielded by plastic strips so it can't be pressed accidentally. If it is pressed, you will have to rerun the program, which may destroy some values you set. The three keys under it are used by cartridge games. They can also be used in any BASIC program and their use depends on die programmer. There are four accessory ports along die front of your keyboard. The joysticks, paddles, and
- Fig. 3-2. Screen display using control characters with ATARI memo pad.
light pens can be connected to your ATARI in any of these location. Each port is independent of the other three, so you can use all four in any program.
Along die right hand side of the computer is the peripheral jack to which the cassette recorder, disk drive, interface, or serial printer can be connected. Just before that jack is the monitor jack. You can connect a color monitor or video tape player to this jack. These can be used in addition to the color television, so you can display your program on two monitors—great for the classroom—or record a program while you are using it. The tape can be played back later to analyze your moves in a chess game or to record a student's progress.
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