SECTION 1

1. How to Use This Guide

This Commodore 128 System Guide is designed to help you make full use of the advanced capabilities of the Commodore 128 computer.

Before you read any further in this System Guide, make sure you have read the other book that comes with your computer, the Commodore 128 Personal Computer Introductory Guide. This introductory guide contains important information on getting started with the Commodore 128. If you are primarily interested in using the BASIC language to create and run your own programs, you should read Chapter II, USING C128 MODE. This chapter introduces you to the BASIC programming language as used in both C128 and C64 modes, describes the Commodore 128 keyboard, defines some advanced commands you can use in both C128 and C64 modes, shows how to use a number of powerful new BASIC commands (including colour, graphic and sound commands) that are unique to C128 Mode, and describes how to use the 80-column capabilities available in C128 Mode. If you want to use BASIC in C64 Mode, read Chapter III, USING C64 MODE. If you want to use CP/M on the Commodore 128, read Chapter IV, USING CP/M MODE. This chapter tells you how to start up and use CP/M on the Commodore 128. In CP/M you can choose from thousands of commercial software packages, including the PERFECT series (PERFECT WRITER, PERFECT CALC, PERFECT FILER). You can also create your own CP/M programs. If you want details on the BASIC 7.0 commands, read Chapter IV, BASIC 7.0 ENCYCLOPAEDIA. This chapter gives format and usage details on all BASIC 7.0 commands, statements and functions. If, after reading Chapters I through V, you are looking for additional technical information about a particular Commodore 128 topic, first check the Appendices to this System Guide. These appendices contain a wide range of information, such as a complete list of BASIC and DOS error messages and a summary of disk commands. A Glossary following the Appendices provides definitions of computing terms.

For complete technical details about any feature of the Commodore 128, consult the Commodore 128 Programmer's Reference Guide.