FILE  README.ASC

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                     BASTUTOR- A disc-based course on MALLARD BASIC
                              copyright 1990  R A King 

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          MALLARD BASIC,by Locomotive Software Ltd., and 'bundled' with your 
          PCW is a good and powerful implementation of the BASIC language. It 
          is well worth the effort to become proficient in it's use; you won't 
          regret it. As well as being a first-class language in it's own right 
          it is also an introduction and a stepping stone to other languages. 

          This course is suitable for those who have never ventured beyond 
          LOCOSCRIPT before, but also, I hope, has something to offer the more 
          advanced student. All of the common commands (and some less common) 
          are introduced, with examples where possible and you are constantly 
          offered the opportunity to experiment with programs to see for 
          yourself what makes them work,(or not!!!). 

          STARTING THE COURSE 
          *******************   If you are reading this file from CP/M;to use 
          the course you must first load BASIC. This is done by putting your 
          CP/M copy master disc in the 'A' drive, and typing BASIC at the 
          prompt, then pressing [RETURN]. You will be rewarded with the 
          MALLARD BASIC signing-on message and Ok, the BASIC prompt.

          Now put side 1 of the course disc into the 'A' drive and type     
          RUN "TUTOR", then press RETURN. After some whirring of the drive a 
          welcoming notice will appear, offering you some choices, numbered 
          from 1 to 5. Choose the first, type 1 where requested and press 
          RETURN. Section 1 is the INTRODUCTION to the course and will tell 
          you about the course, how it is structured and how to get maximum 
          benefit from it

          A warning message will appear on screen "Text follows- get ready to 
          control it with key f5  - Press return when ready " This message 
          will appear whenever text files are to be read. When you see it, 
          don't panic - press the [RETURN] key, then move your finger to the 
          [f5] key. Pressing the [f5] key will stop and restart the text 
          scrolling, enabling you to read it at your leisure. At the end of 
          the text you will be offered the chance to reread it.

          I sincerely hope that you enjoy using this disc, and find it of 
          benefit.  Please feel free to pass copies to friends or colleagues.  

          The contents of this disc will get you started on MALLARD BASIC, but 
          there is a lot more to it than can be got on one disc. I am 
          currently working on further material, some of which will probably 
          be ready by the time that you read this. 

          The follow-up disc to this one  will discuss subjects such as;

              Copying programs from books or magazines
              Debugging 
              Error messages
              Starting programming
              Short cuts in programming,  etc.,etc  
              to improve your understanding of the finer points of simple 
          programming in Mallard Basic, after which I shall tackle the 
          remaining aspects of the subject, such as;

              Files - sequential, random access and keyed (JETSAM)
              Using machine code with Mallard Basic 

          Should you wish to be put on my mailing list for more details of 
          these and other aspects of programming in  MALLARD BASIC please drop 
          me a line enclosing a stamped, addressed envelope. 


          Regards
                      Ron King
                      19,Stancliffe Road,
                      BEDFORD   MK41 9AN
                      England

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          CP/M is a trademark of Digital Research Inc

          LOCOSCRIPT and MALLARD BASIC are trademarks of Locomotive Software 
          Ltd
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