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Getting Started With Delta 23
install program that comes with WordStar. The procedure is fairly
involved, but it is explained in the WordStar manual. If you have
trouble figuring it out, ask for assistance where you bought Word-
Star.
Using this book without learning BASIC
._
Throughout most of this book we will be teaching you how to
use Delta’s features using the BASIC programming language in
our examples. This is because it is easy to communicate with
Delta from BASIC and because, despite its shortcomings, BASIC
is the nearest thing to a universal language among users of per-
sonal computers. But it’s not the only way to communicate with
Delta, as we have already seen. Even if you don’t know BASIC,
you can learn how to use Delta’s features by reading on. When
you find a function that you want to use, just apply what you
already know about translating from one name for codes to
another. The examples will still show you how the commands are
used, even if you are not using BASIC.
Some Basics About BASIC
Probably the simplest thing to do with your printer in BASIC
is to list a program on the printer. But in this world of proliferating
microcomputers even this presents a problem. It seems that every
computer uses a different system of communicating with the
printer. We are going to tell you about some of the more common
ways, and hope that between this and your computer’s BASIC
manual you will be able to stay with us.
First on our list is Microsoft BASIC’s way of communicating
with the printer. They just add an “L” to the beginning of the LIST
and PRINT commands, making them LLIST and LPRINT. This
method is used by more computers than any other and so we will
use it throughout this book, after telling the rest of you how to
follow along.
Microsoft BASIC is used by TRSSO computers, IBM-PC com-
puters, many CPlM computers, and many other computers. (Look
in your BASIC manual; it will probably say if it’s Microsoft
BASIC.)
Next we need to talk about Apple II computers. They have a
real simple system. To list a program that you have loaded into