Zenith Z-100 User Manual

Regulatory and Registration Information

WARNING - This equipment has been certified to comply within the limits established for a
Class B computing device, pursuant to Subpart J of Part 15 of the rules established by the
FCC. Only peripherals (computer input/output devices, terminals, printers, etc.) certified to
comply within these Class B limits may be attached to this computer. Operation with non-certified
peripherals is likely to result in interference to radio and TV reception.

This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy for its operation; and if not properly
installed and used, that is, in strict accordance with the instructions in this manual, may cause
interference to radio a nd tele vision re cepti on. It has b een type-t este d and found to be within the
RF emission limits for a Class B computing device which is intended to provide reasonable
protection against such interference in a residential environment. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in any particular environment or location. If this
equipment does cause interference to radio and television reception, which can be determined by
turning this equipment on and off, t ry to correct the interference by one of more of the following
measures.

• Move the computing device away from the equipment receiving the interference.

• Relocate the computing device with respect to the receiver.

• Reorient (turn) the antenna of the receiving equipment.

• Plug the computing device into a different AC outlet so that the computing device and

receiver are on separate circuits from the fuse or circuit breaker box.

• Disconnect an d remove any input/output cables that are not being used since unter­minated input/output cables are a potential source of high RF emission levels.

• Unplug and remove any serial input/output circuit board cards that are not being used
since unterminated cards can be a potential source of interference.

• Make sure that the computing devices are plugged into grounded outlet receptacles.
Avoid using AC two- to three-wire cheater plugs. Lifting or removing the power cord
ground may increase RF emission levels. Removing the ground circuit also may cause a
lethal shock hazard to the user.

If you need additional help, consult your dealer or ask for assistance from the manufacturer. Yo u
may also find the following booklet helpful: How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference
Problems. This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC
20402, stock number 004-000-00345-4.

Registration
To receive the full benefits of your warranty, complete and mail the accompanying registration
card. Also, record the series and serial numbers of your equipment below. Refer to these
numbers in any correspondence you have with Zenith Data Systems regarding this equipment.

Model

Serial Number ___________________________
Series
Place purchased ____________________________________________________________

Any attempt to alter or modify the design, or to use this device in a manner other than described in
this manual, will void the warranty and release the manufacturer from any responsibility for it s
operation.

Date purchased _________________________

Z-100 Series
Computers

User's Manual

Contractor is Zenith Data Systems Corporation of St. Joseph, Michigan 49085. The

LIMITED RIGHTS LEGEND

entire document is subject to Limited Rights data provisions.

RESTRICTED RIGHTS LEGEND
This computer software and documentation are provided with RESTRICTED RI GH T S .
Use, duplication or disclosure by the Government is subject to restrictions is set
forth in the Governing Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software clause –
subdivision (b)(3)(B) of DAR 7-104.9(a) (May 1981) or subdivision (b)(3)(i i ) of DOD FA R
Supp 252.227-7013 (May 1981). Contractor/Manufacturer is Zenith Data Systems
Corporation, or Hilltop Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085.

Copyright 1982, 1985 by Zenith Data Systems Corporation.
Printed in the United States of Amer ica.

Zenith Data Systems Corporation
St. Joseph, Michigan 49085

Welcome

Congratulations on you r purchase of the Zenith Data Systems Z-100 Series
Computer. The Z-100 microcomput er represents a truly state-of the-art design,
capable of satisfying both your business and personal needs.

With the Z-1 00 Computer - the All-in-One model or the Low-Profile model - the
future is here today. The Z-100 Computer can act as a simple tool or function
as the heart of a powerful and expandable business automation package.
Combined with Zenith Data Systems software, your new Z -1 00 Co mp ut er
can easily provide the practical and affordable solutions to your
business problems. It can easily satisfy a variety of business applicat ions, such
at data processing, telecommunications, networking, and financial analysis to
aid you in making those all-important business decisions.

This User's Manual has been prepared for you, the new computer owner and
user. Welcome to computing at its best and accept Zenith's assurance and
commitment that the quality goes in before the name goes on.

iii

iv

Preface

This User's Manual is divided into four sections for easy use:

• Operat ion - Th e beginning section t ells you how to set up your new Z -100
Computer. Then you will turn it on and be introduced to the keyboard and
controls. You will learn about disks and how to use a special
demonstration disk. And finally, there is a section on what to do if you
have a problem with your computer.

• Disk Operating System - This chapter will help you understand and use
your computer. In addition, it will show you how to make extra copies
(called "backups") of the information stored by your computer.

• Computer Programming and BASIC - Here you will be briefly introduced to
the world of programming and learn how to give instructions to your
computer in BASIC, one of the most popular computer "languages."

• Appendices - This last section contains reference material that you may find
informative. It also contains step-by-step disassembly and assembly
information that replaces the equivalent instructions in the installation
manual included with any accessories you may purchase for your
computer.

You will want to become familiar with your computer's many features.
This manual will help you get the most out of your new Zenith Data Systems
Z-1 00 Computer.

v

vi

Contents

Welcome iii
Preface

Chapter 1 Operation

Your Computer System 1-1
Setting Up 1-3
Back Panel 1-3
Power Connection 1-7
Keyboard 1-8
Alphabetic Keys 1
Nonalphabetic Keys 1-9
Other Keys 1-10
Disk Drives 1-13
Disks 1-15
Disk Care 1-18
Power Up 1-19
Z-100 Demonstration Disk 1-20
Introduction 1-20
Master Menu 1-22
Artwork 1-22
Interactive Business Graphics 1-23
In Case of Difficulty 1-26
Service Information 1-29
When You Call for Help 1-29

-

V

8

Chapter 2 Disk Operating System

Introduction 2-1
The Monitor Program 2-2
Autoboot 2-2
The Commands 2-3
B – Boot 2-4
C – Color Bar 2-5
H – Help 2-6
S – System 2-7
V – Version 2-7
Loading MS-DOS 2-8
The MS-DOS Prompt 2-11
Making A Backup 2-11
Backups 2-11
Backing Up Your Disks the First Ti me 2-12
Labeling Disks 2-14

vii

MS-DOS Co n tr o l K e y Fu nc t i o n s ...........................................................................2-16

MS-DO S Commands ............................................................................................2-19

Changin g MS-DOS Prom p t s ............................................................................2-19

Error M e ss a g es ................................................................................................2-20

Files, Programs, and File Names .....................................................................2-21

Internal Commands ..........................................................................................2-22

COPY ........................................................................................................2-23

DATE ........................................................................................................ 2-24

DIR ............................................................................................................ 2-24

Wild C ards .................................................................................................2-26

Multipl e Di r e c to r ies ....................................................................................2-27

ERASE (DEL) ............................................................................................ 2-32

RENAM E (R E N ) ........................................................................................2-33

TIME ......................................................................................................... 2-33

TYPE ........................................................................................................2-34

VER ........................................................................................................... 2-34

VERIFY ..................................................................................................... 2-35

VOL ........................................................................................................... 2-35

Other In t e rn al C o m ma n d s .........................................................................2-36

Externa l C o mm a n ds .........................................................................................2-36

C H K D S K ....................................................................................................2-38

FORMAT ...................................................................................................2-39

SYS ........................................................................................................... 2-43

DISKC O PY ................................................................................................2-43

DISKCOMP ............................................................................................... 2-45

Other External M S-DOS Com mands .........................................................2-47

Chapte r 3 Com puter Programming and BASIC

Programs .................................................................................................................. 3-1

Progr a m Ty p e s ......................................................................................................... 3-1

Programmers ............................................................................................................ 3-2

Programming Languages .........................................................................................3-2

Syntax ................................................................................................................ 3-2

Languag e Ty pes ................................................................................................3-3

Underst a nd i n g BA SIC ............................................................................................... 3-6

Getting Started with BAS I C ................................................................................ 3-6

Loading BASIC ...................................................................................................3-7

BASIC Modes of Operation ..........................................................................3-8

Statements .................................................................................................. 3-9

Direc t M o de O p e ra t i o n .................................................................................3-9

Variables ................................................................................................... 3-11

Varia ble Ty p e s ..........................................................................................3-11

viii

Programming in BASIC ........................................................................................... 3-12

Using th e In d i re c t M o d e of B ASIC ........................................................................... 3-12

Saving and Loadi ng Programs ................................................................................3-14

Designi ng a Prog ram ..............................................................................................3-15

Program Purpose ....................................................................................................3-16

Breakdown ..............................................................................................................3-17

Detaile d Steps .........................................................................................................3-17

Conversion .............................................................................................................3-19

Summary ................................................................................................................3-26

Appendi x A A Glossary of Commonly-Used Computer Terms

Appendix B Symbols and Codes

Appendix C Monitor Program Command Summary

The Monito r Progr a m Commands ............................................................................. C-2

Boot ......................................................................................................................... C-2

Colo r B a r .................................................................................................................. C-4

Dump .......................................................................................................................C-4

Examine ................................................................................................................... C-5

Fill .............................................................................................................................C-5

Help ......................................................................................................................... C-6

Input ......................................................................................................................... C-6

Output ......................................................................................................................C-6

System .................................................................................................................... C-7

Test ..........................................................................................................................C-7

Version ......................................................................................................................C-8

Execute .....................................................................................................................C-8

Appendix D MS-DOS Command Summary

Command Summary .................................................................................................D-1

Commands............................................................................................................... D-2

MS-DOS With Single Drive C omputers .....................................................................D-8

Appendix E BASIC Command Summary

BASIC Commands, Functions , and Statements ........................................................E-5

ix

Appen di x F System Configuration

The CO NFIGUR Util i t y ..............................................................................................F-2

Displ a y 1 ............................................................................................................F-3

Disp l a y 2 ............................................................................................................F-4

Display 3 ............................................................................................................F-5

Displ a y 4 ............................................................................................................F-6

Display 5 ............................................................................................................F-7

Displ a y 6 ............................................................................................................F-8

Display 7 ............................................................................................................F-9

Display 8 ..........................................................................................................F-10

Display 9 ..........................................................................................................F-11

Display 10 ........................................................................................................F-12

Display 11 ........................................................................................................F-13

Display 12 ........................................................................................................F-14

Display 13 ........................................................................................................F-14

Display 14 ........................................................................................................F-15

Display 15 ........................................................................................................F-15

Display 16 ........................................................................................................F-16

Display 17 ........................................................................................................F-16

Display 18 ........................................................................................................F-16

Displ a y 19 ........................................................................................................F-17

Displ a y 20 ........................................................................................................F-17

Printer Configu r ation ...............................................................................................F-17

Appen di x G Changing Hardware Configuration

Disassembly .............................................................................................................G-1

All-in- O n e M o d e l ............................................................................................... G-2

Low-Profile Model ............................................................................................. G-6

Final D i sassembly ........................................................................................... G-10

Reassembly ........................................................................................................... G-12

All-in-One Reassembly ................................................................................... G-14

Low-Profile Model ........................................................................................... G-18

Swit ch S1 0 1............................................................................................................G-22

Floppy D isk Cont roller DS1 Switch S ettings ........................................................... G-24

Video Board Jumpers ............................................................................................ G-26

Appendix H System Specifications

x

Appendix I CP/M-85 Disk Operating System

Appendix J Using Z-89 Software on the Z-100

Tran s f e r Pro c e d u r e One ............................................................................................ J-2

Equipme nt Needed ................................................................................................... J-2

Transfer Procedure .........................................................................................................

5.25-in ch Source Disks .............................................................................................J-4

8-inch S o u rc e D i s ks .................................................................................................. J-5

Trans fer Pr o c e dure Two ............................................................................................ J-6

Equipme nt Needed ...................................................................................................J-6

Transfer Procedure ...................................................................................................J-6

Transfer Procedure Three .........................................................................................J-8

Equipme nt Needed ................................................................................................... J-8

Transfer Procedure ...................................................................................................J-9

Convert ible Soft ware ............................................................................................... J-11

Magic W a nd Functi o n Key Gui d e ............................................................................ J-14

Appendix K Interactive Business Graphics

Introduction ...............................................................................................................K-1

The Inte r a ct i v e B u s i n e s s G r ap h i c s Pr o g r a m .............................................................K-1

The Data Management Routines ..............................................................................K-3

Create Ne w D a t a Fi l e ................................................................................................K-3

Modify Ex i sting Dat a Fi l e ...........................................................................................K-6

Print Existing Da t a File .............................................................................................K-8

Graphic Design R outine ............................................................................................K-8

Displaying the Graph ..............................................................................................K-12

J-3

Appendix L Backups

Using t h e DISKCOPY Utility to Make Backups .......................................................... L-1

Using the FO R MAT and COPY P ro c e d u re t o Ma ke B ac k u p s ................................... L-4

FORMAT ...................................................................................................................L-4

COPY ........................................................................................................................L-7

Creatin g Bootabl e MS-DOS Di sks for Y o ur Applic ations ...........................................L-8

Index

xi

Figures

1-1: Typical System Components ................................................................1-1

1-2 All-in-One Model ...................................................................................1-4

1-3: Low-Profile Model .................................................................................1-4

1-4: Peripheral Connectors ..........................................................................1-5

1-5 . Power Connectors and Controls ...........................................................1-6

1-6: Power Connections ............................................................................... 1-7

1-7: Alphabetic Keys ....................................................................................1-8

1-8: Nonalphabetic Keys ..............................................................................1-9

1-9: Other Keys...........................................................................................1-10

1-10: Special Purpose Keys ......................................................................... 1-11

1-11: Control Keys and Numeric Keypad .....................................................1-12

1-12: All-in-One Model .................................................................................1-13

1-13: Low-Profile Model ...............................................................................1-13

1-14: Disk Drive Controls .............................................................................1-14

1-15: Disks ....................................................................................................1-15

1-16: Disk Surface ........................................................................................ 1-17

1-17: Business Graphics Menu ....................................................................1-24

3-1: A Comparison of Language Types .......................................................3-5

G-1: All-in-One Cabinet Removal ................................................................G-2

G-2: Unfastening the Drive/Video Subassembly ..........................................G-3

G-3: Disconnecting the Floppy Disk Drives ................................................. G-4

G-4: Disconnecting the Winchester Disk System ........................................G-5

G-5: Removing the Top Case ......................................................................G-6

G-6: Unfastening the Drive Subassembly ....................................................G-7

G-7: Disconnecting the Floppy Disk Drives ................................................. G-8

C-3: Disconnecting the Winchester Disk Drive ............................................G-9

G-9: Removing the Keyboard/Base Cover .................................................G-10

G-10: Removing the Video Board ................................................................ G-11

G-11: Installing the Video Board .................................................................. G-12

G-12: Installing the Keyboard/Base Cover ...................................................G-13

G-13: Connecting the Signal/Power and Floppy Disk Drive Cables.............G-14

G-14: Connecting the Winchester Disk Drive ..............................................G-15

G-15: Fastening the Drive/Video Subassembly to the Base ........................G-16

G-16: Replacing the Cabinet Top ................................................................G-17

G-17: Connecting the Floppy Disk Drive Cables .........................................G-18

G-18: Connecting the Winchester Disk Drive ..............................................G-19

G-19: Fastening the Drive Subassembly and Base ..................................... G-20

G-20: Switch S101 (Main Board) ................................................................. G-21

G-21: RGB Connector (J9)............................................................................G-22

G-22: Switch DS1 (Floppy Disk Card) .........................................................G.24

G-23: RGB Connector J9..............................................................................G-26

G-24: Video Board Jumpers..........................................................................G-27

xii

Tables

2-1: Monitor Command Summary ................................................................. 2-3

2-2: Internal MS-DOS Comm and s ..............................................................2-22

2-3: External MS-DO S Co mm an d s ( Ut i lit i es ) .............................................. 2-37

2-4: FORMAT Switches ..............................................................................2-40

3-1: Sources of Some High-Level Language Names ..................................... 3-4

3-2: Sample Out p u t from B AS I C .................................................................3-24

B-1: T h e A S C I I C h a r a c t e r S e t .......................................................................B-2

B-2: Hexadecimal Key Codes .......................................................................B-5

B-3: ASCII Key pad Codes - Key Expansi on Mode E nabled ..........................B-9

B-4: ASCII Function Key Codes - Key Expansion Mode Enabled................. B -1 0

B-5: Escape Codes - Cursor Functions .......................................................B-10

B-6: Escape Codes - Erasing and Editi ng ...................................................B-11

B-7: Escape Codes - Mo des of Op erat ion ...................................................B-11

B-8: Escape Codes - Configuration .............................................................B-12

B-9: Escape Codes - Addi tional Functi ons ..................................................B-14

C-1: Monitor Prog ram Co m m and S um ma ry ..................................................C-1

C-2: Monitor Prog ram Sy nt a x No ta ti o n ......................................................... C-2

D-1: Control Key Functions ...........................................................................D-1

D-2: File Name Conv en ti on s .........................................................................D-1

E-1: Control Characters .................................................................................E-1

E-2: Variable Specifications ..........................................................................E-2

E-3: Arithmetic Operators ..............................................................................E-3

E-4: Relational Operators ..............................................................................E-3

E-5: Logical Operators ..................................................................................E-3

E-6: Truth Table for Logical Operators ..........................................................E-4

E-7: BASIC Color Attributes ...........................................................................E-4

E-8: String Operators ....................................................................................E-4

E-9: Arrays ....................................................................................................E-4

E-10: Directions Recognized by the DRAW Statement ....................................E-9

E-11: USING Field Specifiers ........................................................................E-17

E-12: Image T r a n sf e r A c t i o n V e r b s ................................................................E-18

F-1: Devices Directly Supported by CONFIGUR ............................................F-1

G-1: S1 0 1 S w i t c h Settin gs .......................................................................... G-23

G-2: DS1 Fl o pp y D is k C on t r ol l er S wi t ch Se tt i ngs ....................................... G-25

G-3: RGB Connector (J9) Pinouts ............................................................... G-26

G-4: Video Board Jumpers .........................................................................G-27

xiii

1-1: MS-DOS and C P/M-85 Control Functions ...................................................1-1

1-2: MS-DOS and CP/M-85 Comman d s .............................................................1-2

J-1: Convertible CP/M-80 Software .................................................................. J-11

J-2: Magic Wand Z-89 to Z - 1 0 0 Fu n c t i on K e y Gu i de ........................................J-14

K-1: Graph Display Types ..................................................................................K-9

K-2: Chart Specifications.......................................................................................K-10

xiv

Chapter 1 Operation Page 1-1

Your Computer System

Your new Z-100 Computer is a tool, much like a typewriter or calculator.
You can use it in a wide number of applications, such as general accounting,
inventory management, payroll, communications, maintaining mailing lists,
filing and retrieval of information, and word processing. It is also an
excellent educational aide that can make the learning process fun and
challenging for the student while providing management support for the
teacher and school.

Your computer is an extremely reliable machine. When it is pro perly installed
and receives proper care, it will last for years with little need for service.

A typical computer system will consist of at least two units: the computer
and a peripheral (any piece of equipment that is attached to and controlled by
the computer). It may be a video display, printer, telephone communications
device (called a modem), or additiona l di sk drive s.

The heart of the system is the computer with its keyboard and st or age devices.
The All-in-One model, shown in Figure 1-1, also contains a built-in video
display.

Chapter 1 Operation Page 1-2

The video display (sometimes called the CRT, monitor, or screen) is like a
television set. This is where you will see and work with the programs you
use in your computer system. The Low-Profile model does not have a built­in video display; it uses a separate video monitor that is connected to the
computer with a cable.

You will use the keyboard to enter information into your computer. It has all
the keys contained on a standard typewriter keyboard plus additional
special function keys. There is also a calculator-style "keypad" to the right of
the main keyboard that will allow you to make faster numeric entries.
(information can also be placed in the computer from disks, signals over
telephones lines, and other special devices.)

The floppy disk capability that is built into your computer allows you to store
large amounts of information on 5.25-inch plastic disks (see Disks later in
this chapter). Each disk that your c omputer uses is capable of holding up
to 180 pages of typewritten text. You can get even more storage by adding 8­inch floppy disk drives or a high-capacity Winchester disk drive.

You can greatly enhance the operation of your computer by adding a printer to
your system. This makes it possible to produce copies of letters, accounting
records, or any other material.

Finally, you may add computer-to-computer communications via telephone.
This capability makes it possible for your computer to exchange information
with other computers over the telephone, which makes available electronic
mail service, news, shopping services, electronic banking and bill paying,
stock market services, and so on.

You should select an area to set up your computer that:

• accommodates the computer and all of its peripherals.

• has a level work surface that is near a power source and a telephone.

• has an environmental range of 60 to 90 degrees Fahren heit (15.6 to

32.2 degrees Celsius) and 10 to 80 percent relative humidity.

Chapter 1 Operation Page 1-3

Setting Up

The following paragraphs will describe setting up each connector and control
on your computer. While examining the back panel and the connectors, be
sure that the computer is turned off and unplugged. Rotat e the computer so
you are looking at its back.

Back Panel

Refer to Figure 1-2 for the All-in-O ne model and to Figure 1-3 for the Low­Profile model.

• Fan – Used to provide ventilation to the power supply. Never block the fan
openings or restrict air movement wh ile you hav e your co mputer turned on.

The following control and connector(s) are located next to the fa n openings on
the upper back panel.

• J15 -- The brightness control. Used to adjust the bri ghtness of the video
display. Adjust the brightness to obtain the most suitable display. (All-in­One model only.)

• J15 – The composite video output connector. Provides the proper video
signal for a separate black and white (monochrome) video monitor. The
Low-Profile model requires a separate video monitor; you cannot use a
standard television receiver for this pur pose as it is not designed to displa y
all of the information needed for word processing or accounting
applications.

• J9 – The RGB video output connector. Provides the nec essary signals f or
a high-resolution color monitor that uses RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color
signals. Appendix G contains the necessary info rmation that you need to
configure this connector.

In addition to the above control and connectors, on the upper back panel
there are a number of unfilled positions (J5-J8, J1-J13, J15, and J17). Any
necessary controls and/or connectors needed for future expansion will be
provided with the optional accessories.

Chapter 1 Operation Page 1-4

Chapter 1 Operation Page 1-5

Refer to Figure 1-4. These connectors are on the lower-left portions of the back
of your computer.

• J1 – A serial connector. Provides the necessary EIA-standard RS-232 DCE
signals for connection to a serial printer.

• J2 – A serial connector. Provides the necessar y EIA-standard RS-232 DTE
signals for use with a telephone mo dem.

• J3 – The parallel printer connector. Provides the necessary Centronics­type parallel signals for connection to a pa ralle l pr inter .

• J4 - The light pen connector. Provides the necessary signals for
connection to a light pen for on-screen graphics work.

Chapter 1 Operation Page 1-6

Refer to Figure 1-5. These features are located on the lower-right portion of
the back panel.

• Power cord connector – Used with the AC p ower cord to supply power to
the computer.

• Line select switch – Used to select between 115 volts AC and 230 volt s

AC. Normally, you will never use this switch unless (during initial setup)
you are in an area serviced by a 230 volts AC power source. (Changing the
setting on this switch should be done only be qualified i ndivi duals . When
changing line voltage, i.e., 115 to 230, the line cord plug must be
changed to the proper type and voltage rating. Check local electrical
codes.)

• On/off power switch – The main power switch to your computer.

Chapter 1 Operation Page 1-7

Power Connection

Locate the power connector, power switch, and openings for the fan in

Figure 1-6 and on your computer. Ne ver block the fan openings or rest rict
air flow.

Make sure the power switch is in the OFF position.

Plug the power cord into your computer.

Be sure that the line select switch shows the proper voltage le vel for your

power source. You may read the voltage setting through the plastic
window located between the power cord rec eptacle and the power switch.
If it is set incorrectly for your needs, contact your local Zenith Data
Systems dealer for instructions.

Rotate the computer so the keyboard fa ces yo u.

Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC power outlet (common

wall or floor plug).

Chapter 1 Operation Page 1-8

Keyboard

The keyboard of your computer consists of 95 keys, which are discussed on
the following pages in groups.

Whenever you hold any key except t he SHIFT or CTRL keys down for more
than a moment, it will automatically start repeating. The rate of repeated entry
is equal to pressing the same key about eleven times a second.

Alphabetic Keys

Refer to Figure 1-7 for the following discussion.

• The computer has the standard 26 letters of the alphabet arranged as
they are on a typewriter. These keys allow you to enter either loweror
uppercase letters. You can hold either SHIFT key down or push the CAPS
LOCK key to obtain uppercase letters.

• The CAPS LOCK key is a push-to-latch, push-to-release key, and affects
only the alphabetic keys.

Chapter 1 Operation Page 1-9

Nonalphabetic Keys

• The nonalphabetic keys are those with double markings, as shown in
Figure 1-8. These include the numbers 0 through 9, punctuation marks,
and special characters. The lower marking is generated when both of
the SHIFT keys are released, while the upper marking is generated w hen
either SHIFT key is held down. The CAPS LOCK key will not shift these
keys.

Chapter 1 Operation Page 1-10

Other Keys

The following discussions describe the normal function for each key. How­ever, software (a program) may direct any key to cause some other action to
take place. Any key that performs a special function is usually described in the
documentation that accompanies the program.

Refer to Figure 1-9 for the following discussion.

• SPACE BAR - Enters a blank character (space), just as it does on a
typewriter.

• BACK SPACE - Moves the cursor' one space to the left, just as it does on
a typewriter.

• TAB - Moves the cursor to the next tab column (set to every eighth
column).

RETURN - Returns the cursor to the left side of the display (software will
usually add a line feed as well). It also tells the computer that data or
instructions have been entered and may be processed or executed.

1

A "cursor" is an indicator on the display that lets you know where the next

key entry will appear. The indicator may be an underline or a solid block.

Chapter 1 Operation Page 1-11

See Figure 1-10 for the next discussion.
The following keys are used for special purposes. Instructions that tell you

how to use them will appear with the prog rams.

• Special function keys (FO through F12) - Used for special purposes by
some programs.

• HO M E, L I N E F E E D, a n d a r r ow k e y s - Used to control cursor movement
and screen presentation by some programs.

• D CHR/I CHR and DEL LINE/INS LINE keys - Used in applications that
require special insertion and deletion operations.

• DELETE - Often duplicates the BACK SPACE key, but is sometimes
used for other purposes.

• BREAK - Used to interrupt program execution (not always active).

• RESET - Used w i t h the C T R L k e y ( d e s cribed later) to reset the computer

to a power-on state. This key also has a power-on indicator in it which will
be illuminated whenever the computer is turned on.

• HELP - Used by some programs to provide operator aid in the form of
special "prompts," or "helps."

Chapter 1 Operation Page 1-12

The following keys are used in combination with other keys to perform a
function. See Figure 1-11.

• ESC - The escape key. Performs special functions when you press Et and
another key in sequence. For instance, if you want to enter ESC
E, you would press the ESC key, release it, and then press the E key. If
you want to enter ESC <, you would press the ESC key, release it,
press and hold the SHIFT key, and then press the < key.

• CTRL - The control key. You can use it to perform special functio ns by
pressing it and an alphabetic key at the same time. For instance, if you
want to enter the CTRL-C combination, you would press and hold the
CTRL key and then press the C key, or you m ay press both keys a t the
same time. If you want to enter the CTRL-S combination, you would
press and hold the CTRL key and then press the S key, or you may
press both keys at the same time.

The following keys are used to speed up the entry of data.

• Calculator-style keypad - This group of keys, located to the right of the
main keyboard, is organized somewhat like a calculator and include: the
numbers 0 through 9; a period for entry of decimal points; a dash for
entry of negative numbers; and an ENTER key fo r signaling the computer
that the entry has been completed.

• FAST REPEAT - This key, when held down at the same time as
another key, triples the rate of normal repeat entry and takes effect
immediately. It is especially convenient when you want to enter the
same key a large number of times. The CTRL and SHIFT keys are not
affected by the use of this key.