SUOV ISITE IMPORTANT INFORMATION Tan eats tr AALS emo cn are ain Afoan fe ene enetiy eitieretier terete SeBLLTap ee Rucci asl er oan oaGron eat eerie) cin eeaten nem cece eete ee etaal ane eee ae Imereti sania een wey ape tae a Gaeta ee ee {aint 1 omer sais tela a angio ee 2 HES iene et Rt RIS augment nt no OE eee ee eee A alae ales eee ee are eo Ausreretloey pe Ares tea aaa neces esis i ri aceon tg oda Bes SCAT Bidonae ei However theres no gurantee ta rfrorce wl Stocco ns putea: home orders, erminal, prnters. ae that have been Sal purl (comptis ‘2 somely ih ine Coss ints uy be atahod tots cmpuer Operon fo rut i intrtrence with radio on 1 si oon fawn inis computer a Feception. Shielded cables should be used onal ‘onrectoraytherwiee, raclo omissions may exceed Class 9 mis. Evoy effort has bean mage to ensure the accuracy ofthe product documentation in this (owever, because Atal Corporation Is constantly mproving and upsating ts ‘Computer hardware anc softwere, we are grove te eccracy oh pi ‘material aftr the dae of publication anddiaslaim ably for ciangoo, oars, oF omissions. ATARI NEQelreme, ST, ST BASIC, ST.LOGO, 5208, 10ST. and TOS ar rasemars or feasted vaceaths t Ate Goipration GEM i egstare edermar of Digtal Raich ine VTi epitered srademark o Cighal Equpmien Compoaton. ALATARI Copyright ©1987, Aten Corporation CA eeSIVSTLSTSSS SS ASL AV ATARI ST" Computer Owner’s ManualVIOLAS SSAA SS SSSASASSSSASSSS SSS, TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION . How to Use This Manual CHAPTER 1: GETTING STARTED . . Unpacking Instructions Connecting the System .... The Computer and Disk Drive THE MOUSE owes esceanousnnaamens The Video Display aa ASecond Disk Drive... ..eeeeee cesses Conner i Ports .. The Back Pane! ... The LeftSide Panel . The Right Side Panel . The Right Underside CHAPTER 2: OPERATING YOUR ST COMPUTER: | AN OVERVIEW ........... Sultching On the System What Is GEM’ ‘The Keyboard . Controlling the Mouse . Pointing and Clicking (Selecting) - Dragging Controlling the Mouse Pointer with the Cursor Keys .....-- Dialog Boxes and Alert Messages . Dialog Boxes .. Alert Messages Making a Backup ST Language Disk ‘What's on the ST Language Disk? How to Format Your Blank Disk How to Copy the ST Language Disk . Disks and Your Disk Drive .. : Single-Sided/Double-Sided . Write-Protecting Disks. J \y MMM CHAPTER 3: ICONS, SEES. FILES, AND FOLDERS Icons: The Floppy Disk loons . The Trash Icon Windows ...... Opening Windows Moving Windows ... Sizing Windows. . Scrolling Windows . Updating Windows Closing Windows . . Managing Files and Folders . Types of Files . : Opening (Running) Files .. Copying Files How to Copy the CONTROL.ACC and EMULATOR.ACC Files... Alternative Methods of Copying Fil Multiple Selections Deleting Files .... Renaming Files .. 46 Folders ...... 47 CHAPTER 4: THE MENU BAR 53 Desk... eee 53 Switching Your System On Without the Desktop Disk 54 Desktop Info .. 54 vT52 Emulator 55 Control Panel . 55 ‘Set RS232 Configuration . 58 Install Printer. 60 File... 62 Open . . 62 Show Info... 62 New Folder .. 63 Close and Close Window 64 Format .. 64 A avSAOSSSSSSS SSS SSS View sess ‘Show as Icons and Show as Text eee Sort by Name, Date, Size, and Type . Options ........ Install Disk Drive . Install Application ‘Set Preferences Save Desktop PrintScreen . CHAPTER 5: APPLICATIONS | FOR YOUR ST COMPUTER ........ 73 Programming Languages: : seme STBASIC . : STLOGO Commercial Application Programs Word Processors ....... Spreadsheet and Database Programs . Entertainment Programs . i Telecommunications Software Educational Programs MIDI Software ....... APPENDIX A: TROUBLESHOOTING AND PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE. APPENDIX B: CONNECTOR PINOUT SPECIFICATIONS APPENDIX C: ST COMPUTER SPECIFICATIONS . . GLOSSARY . INDEX CUSTOMER SUPPORT . 7VASSAL SS ASS SSSSASSSOSSSL SSS EES INTRODUCTION Only a few years ago, the speed, memory, and graphics power of the ATARI® ST™ Computer were beyond the dreams of most computer enthusiasts. And today, there is no computer that offers the power and performance of the ST Computer at as reasonable aprice. The ATARI ST Computer system combines the latest microcomputer technology with an easily understood and simple-to-use working environment. There are no obscure commands to memorize, nor complicated procedures to follow. Computer operations are repre- sented by pictures and words on the screen; to operate, you simply point to the item and click the mouse button. The ST Computer's operating system, TOS™, has been permanently installed inside the computer. Along with ample Random Access Memory (RAM), TOS and the ST Computer have the capacity to handle the most complex word-processing tasks or the most detailed spread- sheet procedures. In addition, the ST Computer includes a built-in double-density ATARI MicroFloppy Disk Drive that can store up to 357,376 (349K) or 726,016 (709K) bytes on each cisk, depending on the model you have. The ST Computer offers extensive computing power and potential, including 512 different colors, three screen-resolution modes, an 80-column display, and expansive memory and disk storage. The ease of acding a hard disk, modem, printer, or music synthesizer greatly enhances the ST Computer's potential and allows you to adapt it fo new and exciting uses. How to Use This Manual Operating your new computer is not difficult; however, you should learn to use it correctly. This manual, designed for computer users from novices to seasoned experts, tells you how to do that. It is, intended to be read from beginning to end, proceeding step by step from the simplest to the most advanced operations and procedures. Most important is that you make a copy of your ST Language disk (Chapter 2) before beginning to work with your computer in eamest. Once you have a backup copy of the disk, you won't have to worry about damaging its contents. : yeSSSSSSSSSS ASS SSS The following outline summarizes the contents of this manual: Chapter 1, Getting Started, familiarizes you with the parts and features of the computer and how they work, It explains how to unpack the computer and connect all system components, and surveys the major features and available options relating to the main unit. Chapter 2, Operating Your ST Computer: An Overview, introduces you to the GEM™ Desktop and describes how to manipulate it. The chapter also describes how to copy the ST Language disk. Chapter 3, Icons, Windows, Files, and Folders, explains how to manage your information, both on screen and on disk, using the GEM Desktop. Chapter 4, The Menu Bar, details all Menu Bar headings and the menu options they supply. Chapter 5, Applications for Your ST Computer, describes the major types of applications available for your ST Computer, introducing you to the wor'd of programming languages, word processors, and database and graphics programs that run on your ST Computer. Appendix A, Troubleshooting and Preventive Maintenance, contains a rundown of problems you may encounter while setting up or operating your ST Computer, and offers solutions. You'll also find helpful hints regarding the care and maintenance of your computer system Appendix B, Connector Pinout Specifications, details the pin assignments of the ST Computer ports, Appendix C, ST Computer Specifications, summarizes the major features and requirements of the computer. The Glossary defines common technical terms used in association with the ST Computer and within this manual. The Index is included for your reference.SISSSSVVNVTSSS SSS Customer Support tells you where to find more information about your ST Computer. Paragraphs marked Warning or Note appear throughout the manual. Warnings alert you to potential problems and suggest ways to avoid them. Notes contain useful hints and other information relevant to the topic at hand.MMMM hhhheSSASSSSSS SASS SSS 7S CHAPTER 1 GETTING STARTED Unpacking instructions Using both hands, carefully lift the computer in its foam packing out of the carton. Remove the foam packing and plastic bag, and place the computer on a firm, level surface. Inside the carton you snould find these Items: ATARI ST Computer Mouse Power Cable ST Language Disk ‘ST Owner's Manual Before going on, make sure you have received all those items. It anything is missing, contact your ATARI Computer retailer. Note: Save all packing materials for shipping and storing your computer. Connecting the System Your ST Computer is @ sophisticated piece of electronic equipment and you must choose a proper working environment for the system. ‘Avoid places that exoose the component to dust, grease, extreme temperatures, or high humidity. An environment you'd consider sultable for a stereo system or television should also serve your computer well. Arrange the components securely on a firm, level surface, then follow the instructions in this chapter. Note: See Appendix A, Troubleshooting and Preventive Mainte- nance, for information on caring for your ST Computer system.VIASAT L SS SS SSS LS The Computer and Disk Drive Your ST Computer includes a double-density ATARI MicroFloppy Disk Drive built into its right side panel. The disk drive is your primary means of storing and retrieving information. When you connect the Power cable to your computer, you are also providing the power source for your disk drive. When the red light on the computer's front Panel is illuminated, power to the computer and the drive is switched ‘on. When the drive is “busy” (working to store or retrieve infor- mation), the light beside the computer's front panel label illuminates, and the drive whirs. Osk Drive ‘Drive's Busy Light Make sure the computer is switched off, Plug one end of the power cable into the jack marked “Power” on the back panel of your ‘computer. Now plug the cable’s electrical plug into a walll outlet or power strip, Warning: Be certain to remove the protective cardboard insert from your drive before switching on the power. ComputerLLASSSSSSSS SS SSS The Mouse You will use the mouse to control much of what you do with your computer. You should connect it now. To connect the mouse, plug its cable into the port marked “0” ‘on the right underside of the computer. Port 0 \ ge oe ZE Qe Mouse cane The Video Display The display screen allows you to see what's going on. Without a video display screen, your computer has no way of communicating with you, nor can you effectively communicate with it. Depending on your ST Computer model, you may have the option of using a tele. vision as the video display screen for your computer. Keep in mind, however, that a monitor delivers a much sharper display than a television. Also, a television cannot display the high-resolution images your computer is capable of producing. Monitor It you have either an ATARI High-Resolution Monochrome Monitor ‘or an RGB Analog Color Monitor, plug its video cable into the jack labeled “Monitor” on the back of the computer. Connect the mon tor's power cable and plug it into 2 wall outlet or power strip. \ ’ avVAASSSLSSS SASS SS Computer Monitor To Power Note: Consult the manual that came with your monitor for further information. Television If the ST Computer model you have is equipped with a TV port, you can use ¢ television as the computer's video display. To do that, connect the TV cable (supplied with your system) fo your system and to your TV UHF eerial socket. Tune your television to channel 36.SSSSSSSS SS SSS SSS A Second Disk Drive In addition to the disk drive built into your computes, you may con- ect an additional drive to your computer system. A second drive enhances the convenience of data storage and retrieval. To connect a second disk drive, follow these steps: 4. Make sure the computer is switched off, then plug one end of the crive’s interface cable into the jack labeled “Floppy Disk” cn the back of the computer. Plug the other end into the port marked “In” on the back of the drive. 2. Make sure the disk drive is switched off, then insert the AC power adapter’s round plug into the jack labeled “Power” on the back of the disk drive. Insert the power adapter’s electrical plug into a wall outlet or power strip. Computer ( cone =0 oY 86 on In Out To Power Note: You can connect a maximum of one external floppy disk rive to your ST Computer. The system always refers to your intemal drive as Drive A. Your external drive is Drive B. ° yfSLASSSSSSS SSS SS SS Connecting a 3-Pin Plug to the Mains Lead This unit is designed to operate on ~240V 50 Hz mains supply. The wires in this mains leac are colored in accordance with the following code: Gieer/Yellow — Earth (E) Blue — Neutral (N) Brown — Live () Greenvveliow Blue — If the colors of the wires in the mains lead of this appliance do not correspond with the colored markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows: ‘The wire colored GREEN/YELLOW must be connected to the terminal in the plug marked by the letter E or by the satety earth symbol £- , or colored GREEN, or GREEN/YELLOW. ‘The wire colored BLUE must be connected to the terminal marked with the letter N or colored BLACK. The wire colored BROWN must be connected to the terminal marked with the letter L or colored RED. If a 13-amp (881363) plug is used, a 3-amp fuse must be fitted, or if any other type of plug is used, a 3- or S-amp fuse must be fitted either in the plug, adaptor, or on the distribution board. . AaSSSSSSSSSS SSS SSS Ports The Back Panel | I t | | u O| [tom @ owon) 4%, iiSon Hardie |g ont & VT reerision a Printer Floppy Osk Power & Modem Any industry-standard RS232 modem may be connected to your computer through this port. Connect the modem’s interface cable from the modem to this port. Your computer uses 2 modem to transmit and receive information fo and from other computers via a telephone line. With a modem in your system, you can hook into a variety of electronic information and mail services, communicate with the computer at work, or talk to a friend’s computer. You can also connect a serial printer or any other RS232 device through the Modem port. & Printer An ATARI ST Printer connects to your computer through this port. Connect the interface cable that came with your printer to this port, then to the printer. The Printer port is an industry-standard parallel interface, so almost any parallel printer can be attached here. ® Hard disk An ATARI Hard Disk Drive attaches to your computer through this port. ply connect the interface cable that came with your hard disk to this port, then to the hard disk. A hard disk drive can store much more information and transmit that information much faster than a floppy disk drive. Your hard disk drive is Drive C. " i aaVASSAL SASS SSS & Floppy disk Asecond disk drive (Drive B) can be connected to your ST Computer through this port. ¥ Television {f your ST Computer has a built-in TV modulator, you can use @ television as your video display. The cable connecting the ‘computer to the television is connected to this port Lo/Hi Switch The Lo/Hi switch selects the channel that is weakest in your area for the computer's video display. This switch is only present on ST Computer models with a builtin modulator. & Monitor ‘An ATARI RGB Analog Color Monitor or an ATARI High-Resolution Monochrome Monitor can be atteched to your computer through this jack 10 On/Of This switch turns the computer on and off; 1 is on, 0 is off. Power This plug connects the computer to the power source. @ Reset This button restarts the computer without switching it off and on. Restarting the computer this way is known as a “warm” start * yfLLSSSSS SASS SS SSS The Left Side Panel 66 ea za laa | Out Mii In Cartroge Hf Midi Out/Midi in MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. The two MIDI ports give your computer access 10 the latest generation of elec- tronic musical instruments. The Midi In port allows the computer to monitor a synthesizer or any other MIDI-equipped instrument. The Midi Out port lets the computer control an instrument's digital inter- face, letting you play complex compositions while changing the volume, tempo, and instrumentation. Using the MIDI interfaces, your computer can become a sophisticated studio recorder that lets you create music one track at a time. Cartridge Software programs for ST Computers that come in cartridge form are inserted in the cartridge slot. Cartridge programs load instantly, and because they are external, they do not use any of the computer's memory in order to load. Up to 131,072 (128K) bytes of program information can be contained on a single cartridge. The system treats the cartridge as Drive c. ° aTVITALS SASS SS SS The Right Side Panel dex ove @ Disk Drive The builtin ATARI MicroFloppy Disk Drive is double-density, and either single- or double-sided, depending on the ST Computer model you have. The Right Underside & a 1 Joystick 0 Mouse/voystick @& Mouse & Joystick The mouse connects to your computer through the Mouse/Joystick port 0. ATARI-compatible joysticks can also be connected through elther port 0 or 7. Joysticks are used when piaying computer games: they allow you to control the action of the game on the screen. 7 yOwew ww wee we we SALAS ASASSS SSS SS CHAPTER 2 OPERATING YOUR ST COMPUTER: AN OVERVIEW Switching On the System Once you have connected alll the components, you are ready to switch on the power to your computer system. Follow these steps: 1. Hold the ST Language disk by its plastic casing with the label facing up and the metal end towards the slot on the di Slide the disk gently forward into the drive opening until it Clicks into position. The disk should be completely inside the drive when properly installed Eject Button st Language Dick Busy LightLIPSLISLAILAT SIAL 2. Switch on your moniter, a second disk drive (if you have one), then your computer (always switch your computer on last). The drive's busy light goes on and the drive whirs, while the Bee icon appears. ‘and some of the disk’s information loads into your computer. (Whenever the computer transfers or retrieves information from the disk drive, the soreen displays the Bee icon.) After a few moments, your screen looks like this: ‘The GEM Desktop Desk File View Options This is the GEM Desktop. It is the starting point for almost every- thing you do with your ST Computer. As you become acquainted with your computer system, the GEM Desktop and its features will serve as an important point of reference for you. Note: If the GEM Desktop fails to appear on your screen, switch the computer off and make sure that your video display is switched on, that the ST Language disk is correctly inserted inside the drive, and that all cable connections are proper and secure. Try switching the system on again. If the problem persists, refer to Appendix A, ‘Troubleshooting and Preventive Maintenance. a vy~ ~w~ ow we Oo CO VAASSSS ASS SSS SSS What is GEM? GEM stands for Graphics Environment Manager, which is just a fancy way of saying that the desktop conveys and manages infor- mation by means of graphic images and words instead of words alone. The opening screen display is called the " Desktop” because it's graphically modeled to imitate and function as one's home study or office desk. The GEM Desktop consists of the Menu Bar along the top of the screen, three Icons (pictures) along the left side, and the remaining screen'space. The Menu Bar gives you access to the utilities and applications available from the GEM Desktop. The Floppy Disk icons allow you to control and manipulate the information stored on your disks. And the Trash icon lets you dispose of your unwanted informa- tion, (See Chapter 3 for an explanation of the Floppy Disk and Trash icons. See Chapter 4 for a detailed presentation of the Menu Bar and its contents.) The Keyboard Function Keys Cursor Ke¥S—"Cateulator Keypad The central part of your ST Computer keyboard is arranged much like a conventional typewriter keyboard. This is because much of what you'll Go with the computer will involve typing, for instance, writing lettars or reports. These keys function jus! as on a type- writer. The [8] key produces the letter ‘'s” on your screen; press- ing [Shift] [S] produces the capital letter “S.” a AaVLOTLLSL ALAS SSS But computers, because they are not mechanical, require special keys to replace those keys on a typewriter that perform mechanical functions. One example is the [Return] key on your computer key- board. |t replaces the carriage return lever (or key) on a typewriter, and returns you to the screen's left margin. Another example is the computer's set of cursor (“arrow”) keys. The cursor is a graphic point on the screen that keeps your place when you type with the computer. The cursor keys allow you to control the movement of the cursor on your screen. The [Esc]. [Control], and [Alternate] keys work much like the [Shift] key, in that they often change the meaning of a second key to produce special instructions or codes. Along the top of the keyboard are the function keys, [F1] through [F10]. These keys have no sot meaning, though many software applications use them to perform special operations. Note: Throughout this manual, letters or words enclosed by square brackets ({]) represent keys on your ST Computer keyboard. Some functions require that you simultaneously press two or three keys; in that case, the keys are listed serially Controlling the Mouse The mouse is the main device for moving around and manipulating the desktop. It is a small, rectangular box with two buttons on top, @ ball underneath, and a cable running from the mouse to Mouse/ soystick port 0 on the computer. ‘The mouse detects motion (direction, distance, and speed) through the movement of its ball as it rolls over your working surface. On the screen, a small arrow called the “mouse pointer” mirrors the Movement of the mouse. The mouse allows you to position its pointer anywhere on tho GEM Desktop. You use the left mouse button to “select” items on the desktop; you will always use the left button within the desktop. The right mouse button is used with some application programs. ® y_/ 4SSSSASASELASS SSL To understand further how the mouse operates, situate it on a flat. clean surlace (your computer desk or tabletop) so thet the side with the cable is facing the screen. Now move the mouse around— left, right, forward, backward, in circles. Practice moving the pointer around the desktop so you get the feel of the mouse and how it controls the pointer’s movement. f x Pointer | | Poirier x poy ; poner || i ROAR AARARA | ' rank x | | x | GP ; Mouse Direction Mouse Direction ‘Mouse Direction ° YSLVSTSS SS SS SSS SSS Pointing and Clicking (Selecting) When you “select” an itern on the GEM Desktop, you tell the computer that you want to do something with the file or function that the item represents. Use the mouse pointer to point at the item you wish to select. Then select the item by “clicking” the left mouse button. Note: To customize the clicking rate and responsiveness of the mouse button, see Control Panel in Chapter 4. Selecting an Icon To point at an icon, position the tip of the pointer on that icon. Positioning the Mouse Pointer Desk File Vien Op Deck File View Deck File View Op Incorrect Correct Incorrect To select an icon, click and immediately release the left mouse button. Try pointing at and clicking on one of the icons. When you click ‘on an icon, it reverses shading (highlights) to indicate that it has been selected, To cancel your selection, move the pointer anywhere else on the GEM Desktop and click the left mouse button, Selecting a second Icon before canceling the first selection automatically cancels the first selection. (See Multiple Selections in Chapter 3 for tech- niques on selecting more than one item at a time.) . avyVMAs Selecting an leon Canceling the Selection Desk File View Options Desk File View dations Selecting a Menu Heading and Option To point ata menu option, move the pointer to one of the Menu Bar's headings. The appropriate menu immediately drops down. Now move the pointer to the menu option you want to select. Notice that the items reverse shading as you point at them. To select a menu option, click on that option when it's highlighted Positioning the Mouse Pointer on 2 Menu Bar Hesding Tastall DESK OFIve. LL Apatication Set Preferences. Save Desktop Print screen Positioning the Mouse Pointer on a Menu Option Tastall Disk Drive, Install A Is Save Bosktop Brine ScreenMMM Ahhhhhhhh To cancel without making a selection, move the pointer outside the Menu and click the left mouse button. Also, moving to a second menu automatically cancels the first menu Dragging Another important mouse technique is “dragging.” When you drag an icon, you move it from one place to another on the desktop. To drag an icon, select it, then press and hold the left mouse button while you move the mouse pointer. A ‘ghost’ 1e) of the icon follows the ter. When you release the button, the icon jumps to its new location, appearing at the last position of the ghost icon. Dragging an icon Desk File View Options Selected leon Ghost Icon Pointer Controlling the Mouse Pointer with the Cursor Keys You can also use the cursor keys to move the pointer around the: desktop. The list that follows shows the keystroke combinations that control the pointer's movement on screen without using the mouse. [Alternate] [any cursor key] moves the pointer eight pixels (screen dots) in the direction indicated by the cursor key [Alternate] [Shift] [any cursor key] moves the pointer one pixel. [Alternate] [insert] selects an icon. This combination is the same as pressing the left mouse button, [Alternate] [insert] [any cursor key] drags an icon. [Alternate] [Clr Home] performs right mouse button functions. Note: To adjust the speed and responsiveness of the cursor keys, see Control Panel in Chapter 4. * y_ / 4Dialog Boxes and Alert Messages Dialog Boxes Whenever the ST Computer needs to communicate with you, it splays @ Dialog Box 2t ihe center of the GEM Desktop. Dialog Boxes estabiish a dizlog between you and the computer. For ‘example, the Dialog Box below requests information from you ‘80 that a certain procedure may be completed. a Ce Geen Enarged Borde: | 1 paeg Butone ‘To execute your action [rom a Dialog Box, point at ene of the Dialog buttore and click the left mouse button. It a Dialog button has an enlarged border, you can simply press [Retum] on the ST Computer keyboard rather than clicking on thal button ‘Alert Messages ‘Avert Messages are Dialog Boxes punctuated with stop signs, ‘question marks, oF exclamaticn points. Alert Mocsages warn you that the operation you are performing or about to periorm has potentially dire consequences, or that itis improper or Impossible When you see an Alert Message, such as the one below, follow its instructions and click on the appropriate Dialog button inside. tng igcerg teks Te Tete. har figs Ceo its (Gencel) (Rete)4SSSSSSSSS SSS SSS Making a Backup ST Language Disk {is imperative that you make a backup copy of your ST Language disk. If something should happen to the ST Language disk that came with your system, you would be unable to access many of the desktop’s features. ‘To make a backup of your ST Language disk you will need a new, blank, 3%-inch disk. (The disk may be either single- or double- sided.) Disks can be purchased at any computer retailer. The dupli- cation procedure is simple, and will begin to acquaint you with the workings of the GEM Desktop. What’s on the ST Language Disk? Before you begin the duplication procedure, take a look at what's ‘on the ST Language disk. As you will see, the ST Language disk contains recorded information arranged in files. CONTROL.ACC and EMULATOR.ACC are the Desk Accessory files. The bulk of the information on the disk is files for running the programming lang- uage, ST BASIC™. To view the files on the disk, follow these steps: 1. With the ST Language disk in your built-in drive (Drive A) and the GEM Desktop displayed, point at the Floppy Disk A icon and click the left mouse button (you are “selecting” Drive A). 2. Point at the File heading on the Menu Bar, then move the pointer until the word “Open” reverses shading. Click the left mouse button once (you are “selecting” the Open utility) 3. Your “window” to the contents of Drive A now opens. The disk’s files are displayed as icons; each file (icon) has a name. Just take a moment to see that indeed there are files on your ST Language disk U iexSrina 2a ea cane WW ie aoe ED 155147 bytes used in 5 itens. QB. 5 | 24~ woew~w ~w we OS = SVLSLSASAS SS SSL 4, Now close Drive A's window. Move the pointer to the File heading ‘once again, Move down the menu until “Close” reverses shading, then click the left mouse button. Drive A’s window disappears. How to Format Your Blank Disk Before you copy the ST Language disk, you must prepare the blank disk to receive information. This procedure Is called “formatting.” To format your blank disk, follow the steps below and read the prompts that appear in the Dialog Boxes on your screen. 1. If you have one disk drive, remove the ST Language disk from your drive by pressing the drive's eject button. Place the ST Language disk aside, and insert your new blank disk into the drive. If you have two disk drives, insert the ST Language disk into Drive A and the blank disk into Drive B (your external drive). ‘With two drives, you can keep the ST Language disk in Drive A and the blank disk in Drive B during the formatting and duplica- tion processes. 2. If you have one drive, select the Flopoy Disk A icon, then select Format from the File heading on the Menu Bar (click on Format). Wex Felder Close Clase Window It you have two disk drives, select the Floppy Disk B icon, then select Format from the File heading on the Menu Bar (click on Format). * aayLOASSLASS SASS SSS 3. The GEM Desktop now displays the following Alert Message: Formatting will ERASE all the information on the disk in drive fi, Click on OX only if you! | losing this Asa safeguard, this message warns you that formatting will erase any information previously stored on the disk. Since you are beginning with a blank disk, the warning doesn’t apply. Click on the OK button and proceed to the Format box. | rornar Rive 1 |} vise cape: |. arta: | (Double Sided 4, Make sure the single-sided box Is shaded, then click on the Format button. (Do not label your disk.) 5. While the disk is being formatted, the computer monitors the process in the Format Working box. Fora WORKING ® ET * ETRE”~w-w<«K Ow ow ww Ore SALSA LLASSSSS SSS Your blank disk is now formatted and can hold 357,376 bytes of information, which is more than enough to copy the ST Language disk. Click on the OK button. You will return to the Format box. Click on the Exit button to return to the GEM Desktop. Note: if your computer does not report that the formatted disk can hold 357,376 bytes of information, the disk may be defective. Try formatting it again. If the problem persists, place a new disk in the drive and format it, How to Copy the ST Language Disk To copy the ST Language disk to your now formatted blank disk, follow these steps. If your ST Language disk has a write-protect tab, move it to the open (protected) position (see Write-Protecting Disks later in this chapte?). 1. If you have one disk drive, insert the ST Language disk into the drive, select Floppy Disk A with the mouse pointer and drag it ‘on top of the Floppy Disk B icon. When the Floppy Disk B icon reverses shading, release the left mouse button. (If you are working with one disk drive, copying to Disk B simply means that your drive will function as both Drive A and Drive B in the duplication process.) If you have two disk drives, be sure the ST Language disk is in Drive A (your internal drive) and the formaited disk is in Drive 8 our external drive). Then select Floppy Disk A with the mouse fer and drag it on top of the Floppy Disk B icon. When the Floppy Disk B icon reverses shading, release the leit mouse button 2. AS a precaution, you will see an Alert Message warning you that copying Disk A to Disk B erases all information on Disk B. Agaii since you are beginning with a blank disk, the warning doesn't apply. Click on the OK button. You now see the Diskcopy box. 7 ASSLASASS ASS SASS SSS DIsKcoPY {sem | SOURCE DRIVE: fz DESTINATION ORIVE: 8: Click on the Copy button and follow the prompts to finish the copying process. You will be instructed to switch disks, if working with one disk drive, until the copying process is complete. The computer monitors the duplication process in the Diskcopy Working box. brsucorr WORKING a SOURCE DRIVE DESTINATION DRIVE The “source” disk is the disk you are making a copy of. The “destination” disk is the disk you are copying to. 3. When the procedure is complete, you will see the Diskcopy box again. Click on the Exit button to return to the GEM Desktop. Put the original ST Language disk in a safe storage place. Using a stick-on paper label, label the copy’s plastic housing “Working ST Language.” From now on, use your Working ST Language cisk Whenever using your computer. Note: You were previously instructed not to name your newly formatted disk in the Format box because making a disk-to-cisk copy erases all information on the destination disk, including the disk label, so the effort would have been pointless. Under other circumstances, you may of course name disks in the Format box. For more information, see Format in Chapter 4. * 7 / 4~wwrew w wwwowrw~ ~~ SSSSSSSASL SS SS SL Disks and Your Disk Drive Most of the information you load into your ST Computer will be stored on 3¥2-inch microfloppy disks. Disks and your disk drive enable you to load information into the computer, as well as store programs and other information that you create with your ST Computer. Note: See Appendix A, Troubleshooting and Preventive Mainte- nance, for information on caring for your disks and disk drive. Single-Sided/Double-Sided The disk drive built into your ST Computer is either a single- or double-sided drive, depending on the ST Computer model you have. Single-sided drives can record and read information on single-sided disks. Double-sided drives can record and read information on double-sided disks. Single-sided disks have one recordable side, whereas double-sided disks can accept recorced information on two sides. ATARI single-sided Micro Floppy Drives allow you to store up to 357,376 bytes on one single-sided disk. ATAR! double-sided Micro- Floppy Drives allow you to store up to 726,016 bytes of information ‘on one double-sided disk. It you have a double-sided crive, you must use double-sided disks when using the double-sided format option. A double-sided drive will also accept single-sided disks. It is important that your drive be able to do this because most of the commercial software programs for your ST Computer will be on single-sided disks. You may format double-sided disks in the single-sided format, though the disk’s other side will be unable to record any data. You cannot directly copy a single-sided disk to a disk that has been formatted as a double-sided disk, nor vice versa. The ST Language disk that came with your system is single-sided. That is why, it you have a double-sided drive, you had to format your blank disk as single- sided, even though your drive is double-sided and the new disk you used may have been double-sided. Remember, if you have one double-sided cisk drive and one single-sided disk drive in your system, you cannot do a disk-iodisk copy from @ double-sided disk to a single sided disk, nor vice versa. However, by unplugging one of your drives then switching on your system, you'll be able to do a disk-to-disk ‘copy—the lone disk drive will act as both source and destination drive. To find out more about how to get the information from a formatted double-sided disk to a formatted single-sided disk (and vice versa}, see Copying Files and Folders in Chapter 3. * yf 4POALI PLD LDL ELAS GS Write-Protecting Disks When you write-protect a disk, you prevent information from being “written to” the disk. To “write to” means to put Information on the isk; the computer and disk drive work together to record information on the cisk. (Similarly, to “read” a disk means to retrieve information recorded on the disk: the drive and computer work together to “load” information into the computer's memory.) ‘Top of Disk Write-Protect ———~ Notch’ Siidng Tab —— Most disks have a smalll write-protect notch at the lower left-hand comer of their plastic casing. Turning the disk over, you see a ‘small, Sliding tab. To write-protect a disk, slide the tab until you can see through the notch. While write-protected, a disk cannoi be formatted, erased, or written to. You can move the write-protect tab back to the unprotected Position any time you wish to record information on the disk. " EESASSSSSSSS SSS SSS Commercial program disks usually do not have write-protect tabs. These disks are permanently write-protected as a safety precaution. You cannot format, erase, of write to a permanently, write-protected disk. Before duplicating a disk or copying files from one disk to another, itis recommended that you write-protect the disk you are duplicating or copying files from. Doing so safeguards you against mistakenly insert ing your original disk wnen the drive is ready to write information on the duplicate. Such confusion is likely when you are using a single isk diive to duplicate disks or copy files. 31SSSSSSSS SSA SSS SSSAAS SSS SSS SSS CHAPTER 3 ICONS, WINDOWS, FILES, AND FOLDERS Icons The Floppy Disk Icons When you first switch on your ST Computer, the GEM Desktop displays two Floppy Disk icons in the upper left-hand comer. ry @ The icons themselves don't look lixe disk drives; instead, they resemble file drawers. Your disks and drive constitute the computer's filing system— the way you store and retrieve information when working with the ST Computer. The Floppy Disk icons allow you to view, Control, and manipulate the files stored on the disks. The Trash Icon The Trash icon works like a real trash can. When you want to delete a file from a disk, drag the item to the Trash icon. The Delete box then appears, and you can instruct the computer to erase the file. Warning: The Trash icon works more like an incinerator than a trash can. Once you throw something away, it's gone forever. You can't reach back in and pull it out again . aeMMMM hhh Windows ‘On most computers, all the activity takes place on the full video display screen. On the ST Computer, much of the activity takes place in areas called “windows.” Windows are miniature sereens within the larger video screen that display the files on your disks, ‘among other things. The GEM Desktop allows you to have up to four windows open at a time. Note: The open windows in this manual are examples only, The copy you made of your ST Language disk may show a different number of bytes used and different files. Opening Windows There are two methods of opening a window. The first method is selecting a Floppy Disk icon, then pointing at and clicking on the Open option under the File Menu. The second method is called “double-clicking.” It is both faster and more convenient than using the Open option. You simply point at a Floppy Disk icon and quickly click the left mouse button ‘wice. With the GEM Desktop disolayed and your Working ST Language disk in Drive A, try double-clicking on Floppy Disk A to open its window. Once Floppy Disk A opens, you'll see its file icons and their names, along with the window utilities at the window's top, fight, and bottom dorders. * LaasSAASSSSSSS SSS SSS Coxe Box Move Bar Dick denier Ful Box Z é / Z / é é Inforraton tine —-[ 5107 tutes ased in 5 items. = ea Oo a Ser Aarons ci fn i. ee \ ~~ Seroll Arrows ‘Size Box The Disk Identifier tells you which cisk you've opened (either A or B). The Information Line tells you the sum of the bytes used and in how many items. (To view the remaining storage capacity of a disk, refer to Show Info in Chapter 4.) ‘A window is active when the Move Bar (along the top edge) is shaded and the Scroll Bars (along the right and bottom edges) contain the Scroll Arrows and utility boxes. An active window can be sized, moved, dragged, or have its contents scrolied. Only one window can be active at a time. If you have more than one window ‘open, you can make any open window active by pointing at and clicking on it. 35YYLLASSS SSSA SSS Moving Windows ‘You can move a window to any position on the GEM Desktop by using the Move Bar located on the top edge of a window. To move a window, point at the Move Bar, press and hold the left mouse button, then drag the window to any location on the GEM Desktop and release the button. The window pops into its new position. Moving a Window Moye Ber S_used in § items. Go a Moving windows is especially useful when you need to position more than one open window on the GEM Desktop (for example, as you copy files from one window to another), ~ EPSAS ASASAAS SSS Sizing Windows You can make a window any size you want. First point at the small box called the Size Box in the lower right-hand corner of the window, then press and hold the left mouse button. Now drag the ‘Size Box in the desired direction—move down to lengthen the window; up to shorten it; right to widen it; and left to narrow it. Sizing @ Window desk File View Options TULBOX Bie Bor Sizing windows is also useful when you need to position more than ‘fone open window on the GEM Desktop (for example, as you copy files from one window to another). ‘A quick way to enlarge a window is 10 point to and click on the small box called the Full Box in the upper right-hand corer of the window. When you click on this box, the window expands to fill the entire screen. Clicking on the Full Box again returns the window to its previous size, shape, and position on the GEM Desktop. " easySOSSSLLS SSS SS LSS Full Screen Window er Pl Scrolling Windows It you want to see items that may be cut off at the edges of a window, but there isn’t enough room to enlarge that window, you can “‘scroli” the contents of the wincow. The two Scroll Bars— one along the right and the other along the bottom edge of the window —will scroll the contents to the right or left, or up and down, A portion of the Scroll Bar will be shaded when files are hidden that you might not otherwise notice or remember. If shaded, the arrows indicate in which direction the unseen items sit. The unshaded Portion of the Scroll Bar is proportionate to the fraction of the total that you currently see; likewise, the shaded portion is proportionate to the traction of the total that is hidden. if no part of the Scroll Bar is shaded, then no items are hidden from view. To scroll, point at the arrow indicating the direction of the hidden Contents, then Click the left mouse button. Clicking on the arrows moves the display by one “unit” (icon). * EPVM ‘Close Box —-[E] Scroll Box I seo 8a¢ —[spS 155147 ‘Scrol Arrows. scroll Arrows There are two other ways to scroll the contents of a window. One is t0 drag the Scroll Bar's unshaded portion up or down (vertical Scroll Bar) or left or right (horizontal Scroll Bar). A second method is to click on the shaded areas of the Scroll Bars. Clicking on the shaded areas moves the display one “view-unit” (the currently visible area's size). Updating Windows Under certain circumstances, a directory window's display may not match the actual files on the disk in that drive. For instance, If you have Floppy Disk A's window open (presumably displaying the files on a certain disk), then you insert a different disk in the drive (presumably containing different files), the directory display will not automatically be updated simply by inserting the new disk. ‘To update an open and active window's directory, press [Esc] Closing Windows To close a window, click on the small box called the Close Box in the upper left-hand comer of the window. The window will immediately close and return you to another window, if one is ‘on screen, or to the GEM Desktop. (For more information, see Close and Close Window in Chapter 4.) 39 MeyMMM bbb Managing Files and Folders Types of Files Your ST Computer stores two types of files on disk: data files and program files. Program Files \ SEN AWiE Senate ae ised in § items. ee ‘| \ | / / —\t/ : Data Files a The icons that look like sheets of paper with a comer folded over represent data files. These files contain data that are used by applications programs. The icon without the folded comer is a program file. Program files contain programs. A third icon, not shown here, loos like a file folder. Folders may contain several files, and provide a way to group related files on your disks. (For more information, see Folders leter in this chapter) Opening (Running) Files There are two methods of opening a file from the GEM Desktop. The first method is to select the file’s icon, then point to and click on the Open option under the File Menu. The second method is to doubie-click on the file's icon. “ A aeSASSSSSSSSSS SSS SS ‘Try double-clicking on the program file “SAMPLE.PRG.” The icon will open into a window, and the program will start. This demon- stration program lets you practice your window sizing, moving, and closing skills. To exit from the program, close the program's window. (For more information on opening program files, see Chapter 5.) You can only print or display a data file; a Dialog Box informs you if one is ever opened. Copying Files With many computers, copying files is a complicated process involy- ing numerous commands. On the ST Computer, to copy any type of file, you select that file's icon and drag it to where you want to put the ‘copy. If you want to copy a file onto another disk, simply drag the file icon to the icon for that disk, making sure the file's icon is on top of the disk's and that the disk’s icon reverses shading. How to Copy the CONTROL.ACC and EMULATOR.ACC Files Your Working ST Language disk contains files not essential to the running of the GEM Desktop. The bulk of information on the disk is files that run the programming language, ST BASIC, that you received with your ST Computer (see Chapter 5). But the disk also contains two desktop files that you will ind handy to have on a separate disk. They are the CONTROLACC and EMULATOR.ACC files. To copy the two files, follow these steps: 4. Format a new, blank disk. In the Format box, name the disk “Desktop.” You can format it for single- or double-sided record- ing. (To review the format process, see How to Format Your Blank Disk in Chapter 2.) 2. Remove the formatted disk and insert your Working ST Language disk into the drive. (If you have two disk drives, you can leave both disks installed.) Now double-click on Floppy Disk A to ‘open its window. 3. Drag the CONTROL.ACC icon onto the Floppy Disk B icon: the Floppy Disk 8 icon must reverse shading. Now release the left mouse button, (Or, try selecting and dragging both files to Floppy Disk B at once; see Multiple Selections later in this chapter.) " aayPEPPAIL GIDL ER SP Desk File View Options oI AN, 155147 oytes used in 5 iter 4, The GEM Desktop now displays the Copy box. COPY FOLOERS J ITEHS Click on the OK button. The Dialog Boxes that follow instruct you when to switch disks, if necessary. 5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to copy the EMULATOR.ACC file. Whenever you switch on your system. you can now use this new disk in your drive. You no longer need your Working ST Language isk when switching on the system (unless, of course, you want to run the programming language). The new disk has all the infor- mation your ST Computer needs to provide the full set of ST Computer Desk Accessories. Label the new disk Desktop.” (For more information, see Switching Your System On Without the Desktop Disk and Save Desktop in Chapter 4.) Note: When you copy to a Floppy Disk icon, if the disk’s window is open at the time of copying, it will not be updated when copying is complete. To update the disk window, activate it and press [ES¢} - ELEAlternative Methods of Copying Files ‘There are otner methocs of cooyingfles from one disk to another. One way is {0 drag a tile trem one open window to another; for instance, ‘creaging a file ftom Floppy Dsk A's open window to Floppy Disk 's ‘openwincow. Ths Will coy the fe trom Floppy Dis A to Floppy Disk B. Dragging ¢ File from One Window to Another desk File You dations poo 7 SSL bytes weet In 5 ite ie ‘Another method is to deeg a Floppy Disk icon to an open disk window, for insiance, dragging Flopey Disk As icon to Floppy Disk B's open window. This wil copy the content of Floppy Disk A to Floppy Disk B, Dut will leave Floppy Disk B's contents intact. Both of these methods allow copying, provided there is room, from aa double-sided disk to. cinglo-cided disk and vice versa.LVLALSSSS SS SSS SS Dragging @ Disk Icon to a Window Desk File View A third methed of copying files is to drag a file into a folder, (For a description of that process, see Folders later in this chapter.) Note: It's a good idea to make a backup copy ot every file. If anything should happen to the Original, you'll then always have a reserve copy on hand. Multiple Selections Sometimes you will want to select more than one icon. As you have seen, however, once you click on an icon, clicking anywhere else on the screen cancels your first selection, There are two methods of selecting more than one icon, The first is to press and hold the left mouse button while the mouse pointer 's {0 the left of the icons you want to select (nearby but not touch- ing), Then drag the pointer down, 10 the right, and across the desired icons. As you drag the pointer, a rubber-band-like box will form around the icons, and every icon inside that box will be selected aiter you release the left mouse button. Once the items are selected, hold down the left mouse button while the pointer is on one item in the selected group. Now drag the entire group to where you want it “ yeDragging the Pinter | aod. ld ® Oruerauarss AW es 1SSLA7 bytes used in 8 Ute 3 "| —— 3 ‘The second method for selecting more than one icon is to hold down the [Shitt] key on tne keyboard while you click on the icons. This is a convenient method when the items are not in sequence ‘and cannot be separated from one another within the pointer’s rubver-band box Once the items are selected, hold down the lett rouse button while the pointer is on one item in the selected group. ‘Ao before, now drag the entire group to where you want it Note: Holding dawn [Shift] and clicking on icons actually switches botween eolected and unselected. Thal Is, f selected, [Shift]-click will deseleet the item; if ungelacted, then it wil seloct the item. ‘Sometimes you mey lind it convenient to combine the two methods (of multiple Selection: use the pointer’s rubber-band box to select, then deselect the undesirec items by (Shifi]-licking on them. 46LYALL SLA SSS SS Deleting Files To delete a file, select and drag the file to the Trash icon and follow the instructions on your screen. And remember: once you put something into the Trash, it’s gone forever. Renaming Files To rename an existing tile, select the file, point at the File heading ‘on the Menu Bar, and select the Show Info option. Tred Tar RAanTa Manes SAHPLE PRE; | size in bytes: "a5u0 Last modified: 5729/05. as:at on Attributes: Ck Geen This sample Dialog Box shows the name and attributes of a file. You see a cursor (the vertical line) at the end of the filename. To ‘change the filename, press [Backspace] or [Esc] on the ST Com puter keyboard until you delete the old name and the cursor is at the beginning of the name block. Then type in the new name. Note: Filenames can have @ maximum of eight characters, optionally followed by a period (.) and a three-character extension. Warning: Do not change the three-character extension for any of the files you received on your ST Language cisk. It you do change an extension, you may prevent the system from using that file appro- priately. (For more information on filenames and extensions, see Show Info and Install Application in Chapter 4.) . yeFolders Foldars ate arganized collections of files. They are neither programs ror data; you create fclders as a means of organizing your files. If you have a window that contains numerous fles, it can beceme difficult to distinguish ay one item from the othore. Because you ray want to Drganize thos® files to make them reacily accessible, the GEM Desktep allows you to create folders in which to store related files. To create ¢ folder, open a Floppy Disk icon, then pcint at the File neaging on the Meru Bar and select the New Folder option. The following Dialog Box comes up on your screen: wes FLOR one: sat. C= Gest ‘Type in a name for the folder and click on the OK button. If you change your mind about adding a folder, click on the Cancel Dutton Instead. Once you give the new folder a name and click ‘on the OK button, the new folder pops into the currently active window. EE EEE = TSSLAT bates used in 6 tens. o.0 4 Do 7 el Note: Folders cannot be renamed,YVSSSSASSS SSS SSS To put a file into the folder, simply drag it to the folder. When the folder icon highlights, release the left mouse button, then follow the Prompts in the Dialog Box and the file will be copied into the folder. Dragging Files Into « Folder TT ON SS 155147 bytes used in 6 Itens. Copy FOLDERS / ITEMS Folders to Copy: Ttens to Copy: “2 Once you create a folder, you can continue to copy files into it You can even copy the entire contents of a disk to a folder. Simply drag the Floppy Disk icon to the folder and follow the prompts. This method of duplicating a disk works, provided there's room, when one disk is double-sided and the other disk is single-sided, and vice versa. Note: Copying a file into a folder creates a naw copy of the {ile and places it in the folder. After you place a copy of the file into a folder, you can delete the old file by dragging its icon onto the Trash icon.Opening Folders Every folder may be opened to its own window. If you open a Floppy Disk icon that contains a folder, the window won't immediately reves the contents ofthe folder. Yeu must open the folder int its window to view the items it contains, To open a folder, ether double-click on the folder's icon or select the folder (by single-clicking), thon choose the Opan option uncer the File heading. ‘Tne folder actually opens in the former place of its parent disk’s window. Once the tover Is opened, its contents can be accessed. ‘sample Open Fo fi sw 689 ates ozed-In 2 tensMMMM hhh hhh If you wish to open two folders at once (to copy data from one folder to another), open the Disk icon again, then select and open the next folder. Now the screen displays both folders’ windows, and you can copy items from one folder to another. Note: You can also create a folder within a folder, and can continue to do so down to eight levels. Paths and Pathnames Folders are actually directories within the main, or “root,” directory of a disk in a disk drive (e.g., Drive A). A folder within a folder is a directory within a cirectory of the main disk directory. In order to keep all these directories straight, each has its own name, Pathnames designate main directories and folders. Pathnames are of the form: drive specification:\folder name\, where the drive specification specifies a root directory and the folder name specifies a folder. Each component of the pathname must be separated by a “backwards” slash (\). For example, the specification of the folder \LETTERS on floppy Drive A would ‘appear as follows: A:\LETTERS\, Folder in Main Directory Re i TT 145677 bytes ured in 4 itens. | eC) “ ye(pon Fotcer TNT LT: ToDo es vied in 7 its. ‘And tne specttication of the path created by placing the folder \MOTHER within \LETTERS on Drive A would appear as AALETTERS\MOTHER\, ‘open Folder within a Folder ETS OTR 0 SH ous wet in Hes. Profiking a pathname to a filename tells the computer that you want te store or retrieve, for example, that fle from the directory designated by the pathname. For example, suppose you have stored the letter MIKE LET in the folder \LETTERS on Drive A. Suppose fu'tner that you've run your word processor from the main directory A. When running the word processor, you will not be able to access the file MIKE.LET uniess you prefix the correct pathname to the filename, that is, A:\LETTERS\MIKE.LET. Deleting Folders ‘When you want to celete @ folde, drag it onto the Trash icon and fallow ihe instructions on your screen. Keep In ming, however, that alifiles in the foloer are deleted when the folder is deletedSYLSATLS SESS SSS LS yeCHAPTER 4 THE MENU BAR ‘Along the top of the GEM Desktop is the Menu Bar. The menu heedings are: Desk, File, View, and Options. To see the options within any menu, point at the menu heading. The heading Figh- lights and the menu automatically crops down, ‘When you ere ready to solect @ menu option, point at the eption you wish (0 use and cick the left mouse button once. Tho light ened words are options noi available 10 you at the particular time you cull down the menu: they require that you trst seleci or open 2 televant fle or disk, Desk ‘The Desk heading contains the computer's Desk Accessories Menu. You may access the Desk Accessories in the menu at ‘almost ary time, provided you are using the GEM Desktop of nother aplication that uses the GEM Menu Bar format. The standard set of Desk Accassories includes the VT™52 Emulator, Control Panol, Sot RS232 Configuration, and Install Printer. How- ever, particular GEM-compatible applications may contain Desk ‘Accessories that difler Sightly trom the standard sot (aes Aptos ‘ist emulator antral tare See nszat Contig. Insvall Pointer Note: Any changes you rake to the standard Desk Accessories may be saved to disk, See the Save Desktop ootion later in this chapter.PILSLLDIID PIT IDA Switching Your System On Without the Desktop Disk If you switch on your computer without first inserting a disk with the CONTROL.ACC and EMULATOR.ACC Tiles on it, the Desk Menu will contain only one item — Desktop Into. Doing without the Desk Accessories does free up some of the computer's memory, but usually you'll want the Desk Accessories present. (For more information, see the section on Slow Boot! Fast Boot in Appendix A.) Desktop Info The Desktop Info option is the billboard for the GEM Desktop, display- ing the title of the desktop program in use and the program's copyright, information. Most GEM Desktop-style programs will display this kind Of identifying information when you select this option. Point to and click on Desktop Info. You see the following Dialog Box GEM, Graphics Enviroment Hanger Ts Sonur ane co 1985 ATART CORP. Digital Research, Inc. ALL Rights Reserved, Cx Click on the OK button to return to the GEM Desktop. “ DavyPatete Gono! —> Palate Boxes —~ VT52 Emulator Tne VTE2 Emulator is an industry-standard telecommunicaticns terminal program, When a modem is connected to yout ST Comouter this progrem lets your computor commuricate with othe: computers. Since the program is a bere terminal emuletor only, itis most useful ‘when used lo nook inte a large mainframe system. Point to and click on the VT52 Emulator option from the Desk Menu. The VT52 Emulator immediately comes up on your soreen. esRentebeaeerebanan enn Preset 1) UDO te cetera to desktop, 2) MEP fe configure terminal. “o configure the Modem port, press [Help] (see the instructions con the Set AS232 Configuration option later in this chapter). To return to the GEM Deskiop, press [Undo]. Control Panel This option allows you to alter a variety of system features. The Contiol Panel is a syatenwide installation — the pane'’s settings affect the system as a whole. The Control Parel is divided into five sections: Clock/Calendar, Keyboard Response, Mouse Click Resporse, Audio Feedback, and Palette Control Pont to 2nd click on the Control Pene! option in the Desk Menu. ‘The Cont‘ol Panel appears. — cei Calndar a — Keyboard Response Seecior