Commodore 64 User Manual page 58

RUN/STOP KEY
RUN
STOP
Like the INST/DEL key, the RUN/STOP key has
two opposite functions: The RUN function tells
the computer to run a program from a cassette
in a cassette drive, and the STOP function tells
the computer to stop whichever program it is
running.
SHIFT PLUS RUN/STOP:
THE RUN FUNCTION
Wouldn't it be nice to just press a key and let
your VIC or 64 take over for you to load a
program of your choice and let it run—an
auto-pilot, of sorts? If you have a cassette
drive, that is what the R >P key does
for you. When you use this key along with
the SHIFT key, you don't have to type the
word RUN.
Try this now by holding the SHIFT key down
and pressing the RUN/ST >P key. Your com
puter should give you the message:
LOAD
PRESS PLAY ON TAPE
Notice that your blinking cursor has disap
peared, and nothing is happening. This is
because the computer is searching for a pro
gram on a cassette—which you are not using
at this time!
SCREEN 1
RUN/STOP BY ITSELF:
THE STOP FUNCTION
How can you recover the cursor? Every
machine needs to have a panic button or
brake built into it for emergencies. Just press
the R iP key by itself. Do this now, and
you get a BREAK message.
SCREEN 2
SCREEN 1
When you use SHIFT with the RUM/STOP
key, the computer runs a cassette program.
PRESS PLflV
' " ERROR
ON TAPE
_
^
SCREEN 2
Pressing the RUN/STOP key by Itself causes
the computer to stop a procedure.
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RUN/STOP key
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