diff --git a/src/main.asm b/src/main.asm
index c38e738..9f2fff9 100644
--- a/src/main.asm
+++ b/src/main.asm
@@ -30,6 +30,9 @@ coldstart SUBROUTINE
     jsr $e404   ; print startup message and initialize memory pointers
     ldx #$fb    ; value for stack start
     txs         ; set stack pointer
+    lda #$76    ; set "READY." pointer
+    ldy #$c3
+    jsr $cb1e   ; print null terminated string
     lda #$80    ; set for control messages only
     jsr $ff90   ; control kernal messages
 
@@ -37,6 +40,17 @@ coldstart SUBROUTINE
     jsr copycode
 .almost_ready:
 
+    ; set current BASIC line number
+    lda #$ff
+    sta $3a
+    lda #0
+    sta $3b
+
+    ; set start of variables
+    lda #$ff
+    sta $2d
+    lda #$15
+    sta $2e
 
     ; setup fake chrin
     ; sei