Atari architecture: 6502, ANTIC, GTIA and POKEY →
The 6502 processor runs programs, while ANTIC and GTIA handle video. POKEY generates sound, reads the keyboard and participates in device communication.
HARDWARE / ARTICLES
Technical articles
Atari computer architecture, model compatibility, SIO and data storage on cassettes and floppy disks.
Computer and system
Software compatibility: 400/800, XL and XE →
Many programs run on both Atari 400/800 and XL/XE. Differences in memory, operating system, video standard and connected devices can limit compatibility.
Storage and interfaces
The SIO interface and cassette recording →
SIO connects Atari to disk drives, cassette recorders and printers. The same connector carries drive and printer commands as well as cassette reading and recording.
Floppy disk formats and DOS systems →
Reading a disk depends on both the drive's capabilities and how data was recorded. The drive must support its physical format; DOS must support the file system.
ATR, XEX, CAS and CAR file formats →
ATR stores disk sectors, XEX a binary program, CAS a tape recording, and CAR cartridge data with a header. Each format loads differently.