Getting Started with MBASIC VT180

This document serves as a "Getting Started" guide for installing and initially using the MBASIC (also known as BASIC-80) software on a Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) VT180 personal computer system. Developed by Microsoft Corporation and licensed by Digital, MBASIC allows users to program in the BASIC language.

The guide outlines a seven-step installation procedure for the MBASIC software on a VT180 with two disk drives, running the CP/M operating system. This involves creating a copy of the CP/M system disk, transferring MBASIC files using the PIP command, and then verifying the installation by running an MTEST.BAS program.

A significant portion of the document is dedicated to troubleshooting common difficulties that might arise during the installation process, such as issues with disk copying, rebooting, missing CP/M utilities like PIP.COM, insufficient disk space, or potential hardware/software defects.

Beyond installation, the guide briefly covers basic usage, including how to start MBASIC (AMBASIC), interrupt a running MBASIC program (CTRL+C), and exit MBASIC to return to the CP/M prompt (SYSTEM). It also provides a note on using file names with MBASIC commands, specifying that they often need to be enclosed in quotation marks. The document clarifies that it is an installation manual, not a programming tutorial for MBASIC.