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Atari ST Computers

Operating System

TOS - The Operating System
GEM - Graphical Environment Manager
boot disk
- to make an autoboot disk put the program in a folder named “AUTO”, when the floppy boots it will skip the GEM environment and go straight from TOS to the executable, this is the default for most games and demos

Hardware

These are the main model for the US. There are additional models for Europe.

Model	Release Year	Details
520ST	1985	the first ST model, includes 512KB of RAM; uses an external power supply and requires an external floppy drive
520STM	1985	same as the above but with a built-in RF modulator for connection to an analog TV set
520STFM	1986	a built-in floppy drive, RF modulator, and power supply
520ST+	1986	a 520ST but with 1 MB of RAM
1040STF	1986	a 520ST with a built-in DSDD disk drive and 1 MB of RAM. The 1040STF only has a monitor output with no RF out.
1040STFM	1986	same as above but with a built-in RF modulator
Mega ST	1988	Redesigned motherboard. Comes with 2 or 4 MB of RAM. Includes a real-time clock and an internal connector for expansion. Most models also include the BLiTTER graphics chip first introduced with the STE range.
520STE and 1040STE	1989	Same as 520STFM/1040STFM, but includes the BLiTTER graphics chip and enhanced sound. The sound chip has two extra channels which can be used for digitized audio. The color palette is extended to 4096 colors. You'll pay a premium price for these models even though the upgrades were rarely supported.
Mega STE	1991	Same hardware as the 1040STE, but with a 16 MHz CPU and using the same case as the Atari TT desktop computer.

Hardware

the best models to get
1. 520 STE - includes BLiTTER chip, the FDD, RF modulator, and internal power supply
2. 520 STFM - includes the FDD, RF modulator and internal power supply
68000 based CPU, 512 MB, 8Mhz
to make your life easier, look for the 'newer' models that have the power supply built into the chassis
520 Power supply

Hardware

the best models to get
1. 1040 STE - includes BLiTTER chip, the FDD, and RF modulator
2. 1040 STFM - includes the FDD and RF modulator and internal power supply