Microsoft BASIC-80 (MBASIC) Rev 5.21

This is Microsoft BASIC-80, the CP/M BASIC interpreter usually called MBASIC, and it runs on the Einstein. Type MBASIC and it signs on:

BASIC-80 Rev. 5.21
[CP/M Version]
Copyright 1977-1981 (C) by Microsoft
Created: 28-Jul-81
34866 Bytes free
Ok

The library has had the documentation for this BASIC for some time without the interpreter to go with it: the EXBASIC Manual describes Microsoft BASIC-80 release 5.03, and there is a general Microsoft BASIC Manual as well. This copy is two point releases later than the manual describes, so a few details will differ, but it is the same product.

It is worth knowing what this is not: it is not Xtal BASIC, the BASIC in the Einstein's own box, and not the BBC BASIC sold for the machine. If you are unsure which is which, our guide to BASIC on the Einstein sorts them out.

Files on the Disc

VFILE is a small filing utility that came with it, and its own documentation file is beside it on the disc.

Running It

Not a bootable disc. Boot a System Master in drive 0, put this one in drive 1, and type 1:MBASIC at the 0: prompt. SYSTEM returns you to DOS.

Where It Came From

Recovered as a deleted file from Public Domain Disk 121 in the library with einstein_dsk_recover from the Einstein Disc Tools, intact. A public domain disc can carry commercial software; MBASIC was Microsoft's product, and it is here for preservation.