The Xerox Alto User's Handbook guides non‑programmers through the Alto’s services, file management, printing and communication tools.
This handbook provides documentation for all standard Alto services aimed at non‑programmers. It is divided into seven sections covering the Non‑programmer's Guide, Bravo, Laurel, Markup, Draw, and reference manuals for FRP and Neptune. The guide walks new users through basic concepts, file handling, printing, and communication, and points to additional on‑line documents for deeper information.
Later sections describe the Neptune reference manual, detailing mouse‑driven commands, scrolling, file selection, filtering, and disk operations. Practical procedures such as initializing disk packs, using the NetExec, and copying files with CopyDisk are explained step‑by‑step, helping users perform routine tasks and recover from errors.
| Disk pack dimensions | ≈15 inches diameter, 2 inches high |
|---|---|
| Standard Alto disk drive features | Two drives, each with four square lights, a white switch and a slanted plastic window |
| Maximum selectable files in Neptune | 100 |
At the Executive prompt type ">NetExec CR" and press Return; the NetExec will start within a few seconds.