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The Competition / A practical guide

C64 for Atari 800 users

The unfamiliar part is often getting something to load. Start here for the disk commands and keyboard habits that make the Commodore 64 easier to use.

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Start at READY.

If you are expecting an Atari DOS menu, the C64's BASIC prompt takes some getting used to. These instructions assume an original C64 with BASIC V2 and a 1541-compatible drive at device 8. Type each command at READY. and press Return. Cartridges and replacement systems may provide extra shortcuts.

See what is on the disk

Enter LOAD first; wait for READY., then enter LIST.
LOAD "$",8
LIST

"$" requests the directory. LOAD brings it into memory; LIST displays it. The name inside quotation marks is the filename. PRG identifies a program file; SEQ and REL identify data files. Use the filename, without the displayed file type, when loading.

Reference: Commodore's SX-64 User's Guide, directory and file types (PDF). This directory procedure also applies to the C64.

Save your BASIC work first. Loading the directory replaces the BASIC program in memory. It does not erase files on disk. Use SAVE "MYWORK",8 with a new filename before listing the directory. Do not add ,1 to the directory command.

Load a program, then start it

A BASIC program — replace MYPROGRAM with its disk filename.
LOAD "MYPROGRAM",8
RUN

Wait for loading to finish before typing RUN. The 8 is the drive's device number. If your drive is configured as 9, use 9 instead. Omitting the device number makes an original C64 look for tape.

When the software's instructions specify an absolute load.
LOAD "GAME",8,1

The final 1 loads at the address stored in the file, rather than relocating to BASIC's program area. It does not mean “run.” Follow the software's startup instructions: a BASIC starter uses RUN; machine code may require a specific SYS address.

Reference: Commodore's C64 Programmer's Reference Guide, LOAD, RUN, and SYS.

The familiar wildcard shortcut

Use when the disk's instructions call for it.
LOAD "*",8,1

On a 1541, "*" can reload the last program accessed; if none has been loaded, it selects the first program. For a disk containing several programs, list the directory and load the intended filename explicitly.

Reference: 1541 User's Guide, “Pattern Matching and Wild Cards” (PDF).

Keyboard habits worth learning

  • Cursor keys: the two CRSR keys move down and right. Hold Shift with them to move up and left.
  • Editing: INST/DEL deletes; Shift + INST/DEL inserts. Move back to a displayed BASIC line, edit it, and press Return to accept the change.
  • Clear the screen: Shift + CLR/HOME. CLR/HOME alone moves the cursor to the upper-left corner.
  • Letter mode: Commodore + Shift switches between uppercase/graphics and upper/lowercase.
  • Stop BASIC: press RUN/STOP. Hold RUN/STOP and press RESTORE to restore the normal BASIC display. This is not a guaranteed exit from every game.

Reference: Commodore's C64 User's Guide, keyboard and editing sections (transcription).

When a disk will not load

  • DEVICE NOT PRESENT: check drive power, the serial connection, and the device number.
  • FILE NOT FOUND: list the directory and check the exact name and that you selected a program file.
  • Flashing drive light: the drive has error information on channel 15. The 1541 manual explains how to read it.
  • DRIVE NOT READY (74): check that a disk is inserted and the drive door is closed.

Reference: Commodore's 1541 User's Guide (PDF), “Directory of Disk,” “SAVE,” “Reading the Error Channel,” and Appendix B. This also documents the directory's effect on BASIC memory.