Subject: Re: Apple 16 k Language card
Message-ID: <378EC3D9.A274E7CD@swbell.net>
From: Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net>
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Date: Fri, 16 Jul 1999 00:32:09 -0500
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"A.Koch" wrote:
> 
> I recently bought an Apple 16k language card and I have read that it
> contains Integer Basic in ROM.
> How do I use that version of basic contained in the card either through DOS
> or Applesoft ?
 ....

     All Apple II's come with some version of BASIC installed in-ROM on the
motherboard. The original Apple II's have Integer BASIC. Starting with the II+
model, all Apple II's have floating-point Applesoft in-ROM. (Owners of early
Apple II's can load in Applesoft or plug in a card with Applesoft ROMs.)

     The "Apple Language System" card (usually called the "Language Card") has
16k of RAM; but, it does not have Integer BASIC in ROM. Instead, the Language
Card lets you swap in RAM for on-motherboard ROM under software control.

     The DOS 3.3 "System Master" disk will try to load in Integer BASIC when
booted. So, for example, a II+ user can load in Integer BASIC and run Integer
BASIC programs. (If both BASICS are available, entering "FP" at the Int BASIC
">" prompt puts you in Applesoft; entering "INT" at the Applesoft "]" prompt
puts you in INT BASIC.) 

     Many different pieces of software-- ProDOS, games, etc.-- use all or part
of Language Card RAM. For II+ and other Apple II's with a max 48k RAM on the
motherboard, the Language Card is what makes the machine a "64k Apple II".

Rubywand