The book you're holding in your hands is designed to be a complete guide to the Apple III personal computer system. The Apple III is a powerful and versatile system that is designed to handle the most involved tasks. For the first time, everything you need to know about setting up and using your Apple III is all in one place. There is no need to continually flip back and forth between numerous manuals.

The first two chapters are an overview of the Apple III and how to make it work. Chapter 1 is a detailed introduction to the system, including a look at the most popular accessories. Chapter 2 explains hooking up the system, getting started, and making backups of your software. It will also be useful to you if you purchase peripherals in the future.
Files are the means by which the Apple III stores and processes data and programs. Chapter 3 explains files, how they're handled, and how to use the Apple III System Utilities, disk.
The Apple Ill's sophisticated operating system (SOS) is one of the most powerful available in any personal computer. Chapter 4 introduces the SOS and goes into detail on how to use the System Configuration Program to customize the SOS to your particular system.
Chapters 5 and 6 are an introduction to Business BASIC, the Apple Ill's powerful and advanced BASIC interpreter. For people with little or no prior experience with BASIC, Chapter 5 explains the mechanics of using Business BASIC;

Chapter 6 eases you into writing your own programs.
If you're an experience BASIC programmer, you can go directly to Chapters 7 and 8.

Chapter 7 details the advanced features of Business BASIC that allow you to write professional programs for serious applications. Chapter 8 shows you how to create graphics and music with your Apple III.

The first three appendixes are a comprehensive reference to Business BASIC.

Appendix A is a description of every statement and function available in Business BASIC. It's designed to serve as a handy reference once you become familiar with Business BASIC.

Appendix B explains Business BASIC'S error messages and what to do about them.

Appendix C is a full list of Business BASIC'S reserved words.
Appendix D covers the Apple Ill's system error messages, what they mean, and what to do about them.

Appendix E is a complete guide to the console, including keyboard codes, cursor and console control keys, screen console codes, and cursor movement options.
Appendix F is a quick reference to creating graphics with your Apple III. It includes a summary of graphic procedures and functions, color codes, and graphics modes.
Appendix G is a summary of the parameters you need to hook up a printer.

Appendix H provides detailed information on the Apple Ill's RS-232-C serial interface.

Appendix I is a quick reference to creating music with your Apple III.

The Apple III can also run Apple II programs and use many Apple II peripherals. Appendix K details options and limitations of Apple II emulation.

CONTENTS

Introduction XI
Chapter 1 Introducing the Apple III 1
Chapter 2 Getting started with the Apple 111 19
Chapter 3 Files, Paths, Utilities 39
Chapter 4 The System Configuration Program 59
Chapter 5 Getting started with Business BASIC 77
Chapter 6 Programming in Business BASIC 95
Chapter 7 Advanced Programming in Business BASIC 125
Chapter 8 Creating Graphics and Sound 165
Appendix A Business BASIC Quick Reference 187
Appendix B Business BASIC Error Messages 221
Appendix C Business BASIC Reserved Words 229
Appendix D System Error Messages 231
Appendix E Console Reference 239
Appendix F Graphics References 247
Appendix G Printer Reference 253
Appendix H RS-232C Reference 255
Appendix I Audio Reference 259
Appendix J ASCII Character Codes 261
Appendix K Apple II Emulation 267