Using Software - Atari 65XE Owner's Manual

Using Software

Your ATARI 65XE and your television are the hardware components of
your system. Software refers to the computer programs that tell your
ATARI 65XE what to do and how to do it. Some software programs are
built into your computer, some you can buy, and some you can write
yourself.
BUILT-IN SOFTWARE
Built-in software is permanently encoded in the Read Only Memory
(ROM) chips inside the computer. Your ATARI 65XE contains a ROM
chip encoded with the ATARI BASIC programming language and the
Operating System program. The Operating System in the ATARI 65XE
contains programs that allow the keyboard, display screen, program
recorder, and most ATARI printers to communicate with one another.
COMMERCIAL SOFTWARE
Commercial software programs are usually written by professional pro-
grammers and are available from retail outlets. Video games, spread-
sheet programs, word processing programs, and programmed math
lessons are just a few of the many types of software available for
entertainment, business, and educational applications.
The ATARI 65XE and the ATARI® 800XL™ Computers are completely
compatible. You select whatever program you want to use, as long as
it is designed for use with the ATARI 65XE or the ATARI 800XL Com-
puter. Software and hardware for the 800XL can be used with the 65XE.
Your ATARI 65XE is equipped to use software cartridges. If you want
to use software in diskette or audiocassette form, you will need to pur-
chase a disk drive or a program recorder.
Note: Some software programs written for the earlier ATARI 400/800
models may not work with your ATARI 65XE. If you have a disk drive, this
problem can be remedied with a Translator Disk. The disk is available
from ATARI Customer Relations, P.O. Box 61657, Sunnyvale, CA
94088. Cost: $9.95 plus $2.50 for shipping. California residents add 6.5
percent tax.
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