Screen Aided Management
Screen Aided Management (SAM) is a new 80 column desktop environment for
the Atari XL/XE. SAM is very much like some other systems of this type
found on computers like the ST, and IBM PC.
SAM is based around a main environment, where you have standard DOS
functions (such as DIRECTORY, FORMAT, DELETE, etc.), but also contains
some special utilities. The SAM system can be controlled by using a
joystick, or (even better) an ST compatible mouse!
SAM is supplied with monochrome and colour character set editors, a card
filing system, a monitor (for looking into memory), an 80 column word
processor, a 128-colour paint program, and (for the international version
only) a game called FireBall which runs under SAM. Although SAM uses 80
columns, it does not need any extra hardware to do this! The SAM system is
extendable by special accessories which are also available (see below).
SAM is supplied on a SS/SD disk which contains everything mentioned, along
with a full manual in PDF format, which also explains how to use SAM routines in your
own programs.
SAM BUDGET is an accessory disk for use with the SAM 80 column desktop
system. Budget is a spreadsheet program having many excellent features
found on more expensive systems. Budget takes full advantage of SAM's 80
column display, and mouse and joystick input. Features include Direct
Calculations, Indirect Calculations, and Functions (single or multiple
parameters). Budget also has advanced editing facilities, including column
and row copying and deletion, and easy movement around your spreadsheet.
Budget is able to print to both Epson compatible and 1029 printers. Budget
is supplied with a comprehensive jargon-free manual in PDF format, which is helpful for
those who haven't used a spreadsheet before.
SAM UTILITY EXTENSIONS 1 is another accessory disk for use with the SAM 80
column desktop system. This disk actually contains two accessories: SAM
Convert and SAM Creator. Convert will convert text files to and from the
SAM Texter format. Convert will convert from ASCII, AtariWriter, StarText,
and AustroText to SAM, and from SAM to ASCII. Creator will convert SAM
Painter format files to Micro Painter format and vice versa. These two
accessories an extremely useful tool for SAM Texter and Painter users.
Supplied with a user manual in PDF format.
SAM DESIGNER is a powerful drawing and design package for creating mode 8
high resolution graphics. As well as all drawing features, Designer can
import text from SAM Texter (which comes with SAM), and has a set of
schematic icons for creating circuits. These icons can be easily edited
using the SAM character editor (which comes with SAM) to whatever icons you
want. All options are icon operated, and the package works with both
joystick and ST mouse. Screens can be printed on Epson and 1029 printers.
You can write drivers for other printers using the instructions given in the
manual. The package comes with an easy-to-follow manual in PDF format.
Here's a screen grab of SAM Budget running in XL-It!:
Here's a screen grab of SAM Painter running in XL-It!:
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