User`s manual

The Block Availability Map is simply a checklist of all 683 blocks on the
disk. It is stored in the middle of the diskette, halfway between the center hub
and the outer rim. Every time a program is SAVEd or a data file is CLOSEd, the
BAMis updated with the list of blocks used up.
The directory is a list of all programs and other files stored on the disk. It
is physically located right next to the BAM. There are 144 entries available in
the directory, consisting of information like file name and type, a list of blocks
used, and the starting block. The directory is automatically updated every time a
program is SAVEd or a file is OPENed for writing. Beware: the BAM isn't
updated until the file is CLOSEd, even though the directory changes right away.
If a file isn't CLOSEd properly, all data in that me will probably be lost.
The directory can be LOADed into your memory just like a BASIC
program. Place the diskette in the drive, and type the following command:
LOAD "$",8
The computer responds with:
Now the directory is in your computer's memory. Type LIST, and you'll
see the directory displayed on the screen. To print the directory on your printer,
type the following command line (in this example your printer is plugged in as
device# 4):
OPEN 4, 8,4: CMD4: LIST
NOTE: When using CMD, the file must be closed using the command
PRINT# 4: CLOSE 4. See the VIC 1525/1515 printer manual for detailed
explanation.
To read the directory without LOADing it into your memory, see the
section later in this chapter on the DOS Support Program. In addition, to
examine the directory from inside a BASICprogram. see the section in chapter 5
that deals with the GET# statement.
Pattern Matching and Wild Cards
When using the tape deck, you can LOAD any program starting with
certain letters just by leaving off any following letters. Thus, the command
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