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1997-04-16
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Some Tips on the ST
-------------------
Volume I, JAN. 86
by John DeMar
Since last June, I've given my ST quite a work out. At the beginning, it
seemed like I was demonstrating it more than I was using it! Packing it up for
a users' group meeting, bringing it to a store that was too anxious to wait for
their first shipment, showing it to all sorts of curious people dropping by at
my home. Even the regional sales rep had never seen the 520ST before he looked
at mine...
Over the past few months, I've gathered many facts and learned a few tricks
that I'd like to pass on. As always, this information is best communicated
through Compuserve and the growing network of ST-specific bulletin boards.
You're welcome to give a copy to a friend who isn't fortunate enough to own a
modem (yet!).
Hopefully, I'll compile another list like this in the future. Please forward
to me any comments and tips of your own. Our BBS number is 315-457-7216 or drop
a letter in the mail to QMI, PO Box 179, Liverpool, NY 13088. Enjoy!
1) Saving the GEM DeskTop
-------------------------
I always see an ST booted at a store and can't believe how messy they keep
their DeskTop. I shouldn't be too critical -- the top of my desk is pretty hard
to find! The "Option" Menu on the GEM DeskTop has a choice called "Save
DeskTop". It creates the file called "DESKTOP.INF" which remembers what your
DeskTop looks like (icon and window positions, screen resolution, etc). The
next next time you turn on your computer, the DeskTop display will look just as
you left it.
For instance, I have my disk icons placed at the bottom left of the screen
and the trash can at the bottom right. I resize and move my windows so that
they are equality centered vertically next to each other (text viewing). Go to
the Option Menu and Save the DeskTop. Next time I boot, everything looks
familiar and comfortable to me!
2) Renaming the Icons
---------------------
I've found it more appealing to have the disk icons named "Top Disk" and
"Bottom Disk", to correspond to the physical position of my disk drives. Point
to a disk icon and click the botton to make it dark (selected). Go to the
Options Menu and select "Install Disk Drive". Type in the new name in the drive
name field and click on the Install button. Voila! Your icon is renamed. If you
save the DeskTop, the name will be there permanently.
You can rename the trash icon by loading the DESKTOP.INF file into a text
editor and renaming it where it is shown in its special format. If you do this
with ST-Writer, make sure the top and left margins are set to zero, then print
to disk (do not use Save since ST-Writer uses a different format).
3) Installing an Application Document-Type
------------------------------------------
This sounds complicated but it's really a useful feature. For instance, you
probably name all of your ST-Writer files with a file extention ".DOC".
Normally, you would load ST-Writer then load the document file. Here's how to
do it in one step!
On the DeskTop, click once on the application program name (or icon) to make
it black (selected). Go to the Option Menu and choose "Install Application". In
the field called Document Type, enter the three characters for the file type
associated with the application (DOC, for the case of ST-Writer). Then, save
the DeskTop to make this a permanent choice. From now on, all you need to do
is click twice on any document file (".DOC" on the name) and ST-Writer will
load automatically and the document file will load into ST-Writer, waiting in
the edit mode! Make sure ST-Writer is on the same disk as your document files
or this will not work.
4) The Infamous <ESC> Key
-------------------------
The Escape comes in handy for a couple of things. When you remove a disk from
a drive and replace it with another, the DeskTop still shows the directory for
the old disk. I spent the first two months closing the window and re-opening it
to see the directory of the new disk. Not so! Simply press the <ESC> key and
the directory will appear for the new disk!
Also, the Escape key is used to erase text fields in GEM Dialog Windows. For
instance, you're entering the date in the Control Panel -- just hit <ESC> and
the old date will erase and the cursor will go to the begining of the field.
5) The Case of the Dead Mouse
-----------------------------
I've heard of missing mice and a sick mouse or two. But, there's no such
thing as a dead mouse! The ST keyboard allows you to move the cursor around
without using the little critter.
Hold <Alternate> and the cursor arrow keys to move the pointer in steps and
use the <Alternate> and <Shift> keys together with the cursor keys for fine
movement. The <Alternate> key with the <Insert> key acts like the left mouse
button and the <Alternate> key with the <ClrHome> key acts like the right mouse
button. It makes alot of sense once you think about it!
6) Printing the Screen
----------------------
You'll need an "Epson compatible" printer and a healthy printer ribbon for
this one. If you ever want to grab a graphic copy of your screen display, press
<Alternate> and <Help> at the same time. Make sure your printer can handle it
or the ST will go to sleep for a couple of minutes. Also, if the image will not
fit on your printer, use the Printer Config Desk Accessory and choose 960 for
the pixels/line. Save the DeskTop to make it permanent.
7) A Cheap Monitor Stand
------------------------
Out of despare, I looked around for something to lift my monitor up a few
inches. I grabbed a letter tray (one of those stackable, plastic in/out basket
things) and flipped it upside down. The monitor sits nicely on it and the
cables hide into the opening of the tray! Most stationary stores sell them for
three to five dollars or so. I have three trays now for my drives and two
monitors.
8) Upgrading to One Meg of RAM
------------------------------
Who would ever believe that we would be complaining about having ONLY 512K of
RAM! With TOS in ROM (available for $25 any day now), the 520ST is more
enjoyable than any other personal computer. But, One Meg gives you lots room
for nice things like large desk accessories and a big RAM Disk or two. Now the
bad news...
If you are not extremely comfortable with electronics and soldering, DO NOT
attempt the upgrade yourself! Although I have an electronics degree and ten
years experience with soldering, only two out of the five I've upgraded so far
have worked the first time. The others required careful debugging using an
oscilloscope along with a knowledge of microprocessor systems.
My suggestion is to wait for a plug-in board and pay the difference. If you
can't wait, have someone install the RAM who has done it successfully before.
By the way, I've been more successful soldering to the BACK of the PC board
instead of directly on top of the old RAM chips. The RF shield on the back of
the board acts as a heat-sink for the RAM if the cardboard is cut away and no
wires touch the metal. Remember to bend back the leads 180 degrees to mirror
the pinout of the chips!
9) Using Folders
----------------
When you find yourself staring at a screen full of files and looking all
around for a certain file, you're ready for folders. Folders are actually
sub-directories to keep assocciated files together, just as you would keep
related things together in a file cabinet.
Select "New Folder..." from the File Menu on the DeskTop. Give it a general
name that describes its intended purpose (you cannot rename a folder later
on!). Just click twice on the folder and you will see what's inside of it.
When copying files into a folder, make sure you have enough space on the
disk and do not go according to the number of bytes shown at the top of the
window; this refers only to the folder, not the total disk. Click the disk icon
once and use the "Show Info" selection from the File Menu to check the free
space on the disk.
10) Backing-Up your Protected Software
--------------------------------------
The best solution to this problem is not to purchase software that is
protected! If you have a protected program and need a back-up copy, it is your
right to protect yourself. First, ask the company to sell you a back-up copy,
without a manual, at a reduced price. If they laugh at you, laugh at them by
not purchasing any more of their products and by suggesting the same to your
friends.
Fortunately (and unfortunately), there are copier programs to copy just
about anything on the ST. Please use these for your own personal back-ups only.
And respect the rights of those publishers who are respecting your rights by
NOT protecting their software. We're all looking forward to a long and
prosperous life for the ST and a computer without software makes a great
doorstop (commodoorstop?)!
11) Some Notes on The Operating System (TOS)
--------------------------------------------
It's pretty frustrating when I hear people talk about the ST's operating
system. Here's a few definitions and clarifications on what's inside of there.
I'll start from the bottom up.
The ST BIOS (Built-In Operating System) is a group of functions to handle
the lowest-level tasks in the ST. This includes simple input and output to and
from the devices and other functions specific to the hardware. These routines
are used by advanced programmers when more control or speed is needed. Since
the BIOS is mostly specific to the ST, use of these calls will make it harder
to convert the program to another computer.
GEMDOS is the medium-level set of functions that handles disk file
management, general input and output, memory allocation and program loading.
This set of routines is similar to CPM/68K but is NOT CP/M compatible (this has
been one of the most common misunderstanings!). Although GEMDOS was written by
Digital Research Inc, the makers of CP/M, GEMDOS is closely related to MSDOS
with similar function numbers and parameters.
Since GEMDOS seperates the programmer from the hardware specifics, programs
are more easily converted to other computers.
Another low-level set of routines is called the "Line-A Graphics". These are
very fast drawing functions used extensively by GEM and are also available
directly to the programmer. The Line-A routines are responsible for just about
everything you see on your ST screen. Use of these routines makes it difficult
to move programs to other computers and it's very difficult (or impossible) to
make them work nearly as fast on any other computer!
GEM itself is actually not an operating system -- it's a library of routines
available to the programmer that manages the grphics display and the user
interaction with the program. GEM is divided into two major sets of functions:
the VDI (Virtual Device Interface) which handles higher-level graphics, and the
AES (Application Environment Services) which are high-level libraries of
routines for the user/program interaction.
VDI makes extensive use of the line-a graphics to control the screen display
with over one hundred available functions! The AES contains libraries of
routines (totaling over a hundred, again!) that use VDI and GEMDOS. The
programmer uses these libraries for a consistent environment between the
program and the end user. GEM programs that do not make calls to the BIOS, are,
in theory, completely protable to GEM on other computers, including the IBM
PC.
The GEM DeskTop is actually a GEM application that runs by default when you
turn on your computer.
Any or all of these routines, including the BIOS can be ignored by another
operating system loaded into the ST. I can't wait to see what kinds of systems
become available for the ST! I hear there's definite plans for OS9 and other
multitasking OS's.
If this was all too heavy to handle, the next topic should be more useful!
12) Types of Programs
---------------------
The first day my ST arrived, I sat for three hours trying to make the cursor
appear with 4XForth from the Dragon Group. Finally, I gave them a call and they
talked me through it... install the program as a TOS application!
There are four types of programs on the ST and here's a quick explanation of
each:
GEM APPLICATION. A GEM application is a program with a ".PRG" type at the
end of the filename. This type of program uses the GEM interface or was written
to enter and exit appropriately with the GEM DeskTop.
GEM DESK ACCESSORY. A Desk Accessory is a program, usually smaller than a
full application program, that loads into memory when you turn on the computer.
They remain in memory and are convenient at anytime from a GEM application
throught the "Desk" Menu. These program, with a ".ACC" file type, are really
multitasking programs running in infinite loops when the main application isn't
busy. A desk accessory must be programmed as such and regular application will
NOT work as an accessory.
NON-GEM PROGRAMS. Other programs that do not make use of the GEM routines
have a ".TOS" file type. They strickly use GEMDOS functions and supply their
own interaction with the user. Usually, a TOS program requires a blinking
cursor which is enabled automatically when the program is run.
TTP PROGRAMS. A special type of TOS program has a ".TTP" file type. These
programs require a list of arguments for input to the application. If you are
familiar with CP/M or MSDOS, these programs are usually run by entering the
name of the program as a command followed by the parameters. With the GEM
DeskTop, these parameters are passed through a dialog window. A few "Command
Processors" or "Shells" are available for the ST that give you a command-line
environment similar to Unix, CP/M or MSDOS. TOS and TTP programs may be used
through those command programs.
13) Some Notes on the Hardware
------------------------------
I'm still impressed every time I look inside of an ST! I could go on for
ever talking about the details but I better save that for later. So, here's a
few comments on a some hardware-related things...
The 520ST has a Memory Controller that can handle upto four megabytes of RAM
without any additional support chips. The Operating System looks for upto four
meg of RAM and all program may access it continually without banking or
segmenting. With 32 1-Meg Ram chips and alot of work, you have a 4-Meg ST!
The ROM Cartridge port on the left side of the ST has no read/write line and
is strickly for read-only memory. You cannot add RAM or other support chips to
that port.
The DMA port is not a Hard Drive Port; it requires about $200 worth of
circuitry to control a bare hard disk drive. However, it is relatively
inexpensive to control SASI and SCSI devices and allows for upto eight
compatible peripherals. Atari says that a $699 hard drive will be available
soon. A couple of other companies are showing hard drives and hard drive
controllers for the ST.
The ST has four custom integrated circuits that are available only from
Atari. Besides the ROMS, all of the remaining IC's are readily available "off
the shelf". Everthing in the ST is soldering in without sockets except for the
custom chips and ROMS (these are not guaranteed to stay socketed in later
production runs).
The floppy disk controller in the ST will control only two disk drives. But,
it will control 5 1/4" drives with a format compatible with MSDOS and an
IBM-PC. A simple cable from inside the SF343/SF314 drive can hook to a 40 track
or 80 track 5 1/4" drive. This isn't too useful really, but it is definitely
faster to copy files direct from disk instead of transfering them through
terminal programs between an ST and IBM-PC. However, the latter method is
usually more convenient and less expensive.
Another note: the ST cannot drive both the monochrome and color monitors at
the same time.
14) Programming on the ST
-------------------------
No matter which language you decide to program in, you won't get very far
with a serious application without the Atari Developers Kit. The ST is a
sophisticated hardware and software system that requires the documentation and
lots of effort to learn.
I've used 4XForth extensively on the ST (I have serial number 3 of 4XForth)
and recommend it to anyone. The H&D Forth from Mirage is not as professional as
4XForth and the price reflects that fact. If you just can't deal with Forth,
there's many other choices.
ST BASIC is very complete and extensive. However, I do not recommend BASIC
for any serious programming on the ST. If you just want to learn a few things,
you have nothing to loose -- BASIC is free!
The same goes for LOGO. It's not a serious language for program development
but it's a very nice, powerful language for kids to use. In fact, many grade
schools teach LOGO instead of BASIC.
"C" is a favorite langauage for software developers on many computer, large
or small. The Atari Developers package comes with Alcyon C from Digital
Research. Alcyon C is acceptable but has many slow, intermediate steps in the
compile process. Another C, from Haba, hasn't received very good reviews
because of its incompleteness. Yet another C, from Megamax, looks very
promising but it isn't available to the general public yet. The preliminary
copy, that I purchased from Megamax, has some room for improvement but is very
fast and easy to use. I'm looking forward to the final version and I'm placing
my bets on this one. More implementations of "C" are promised from other
companies including Lattice C which is popular on many other computers.
Pascal is finding its way onto the ST but I haven't looked at any of them
yet. Modula 2, a language similar to Pascal, is available from TDI and seems to
be fast and complete. I haven't looked it over completely but I know a couple
of people that are enthusiastic about it.
I've noticed that other langauges are promised for the ST including Fortran,
Basic compilers, a Basic in ROM catridge, Cobol and a few more.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well, that's all for now! I've intended to write these things down for quite
a while and I hope it's useful to someone. Again, you're welcome to comment on
my comments or offer your own notes for the next issue of "Some Tips on the
ST".
<jd>