Q#1 What's a FAQ? 2/8/95 Q#2 How do I get to comp.sys.apple2 and what is it? 2/9/95 Q#3 How do I get files off the net? 2/8/95 Q#4 Where can I get Apple II software and info on the net? 2/8/95 Q#5 What archivers do I need to know about? Q#6 More about BinSCII Q#7 ShrinkIt and NuFX archives Q#8 Executioner Q#9 Apple Archive Format (aaf) Q#10 Net standard formats Q#11 A quick note about ProDos filetypes Q#12 What do the file extensions mean? Q#13 How do I tell what kind of file this is? 2/8/95 Q#14 What is an Apple II? 1/1/95 Q#15 The Apple I Q#16 The Apple ][ and Apple ][+ Q#17 The Apple //e Q#18 The Apple //C and IIC+ Q#19 The Laser 128EX Q#20 The Apple IIGS Q#21 The Apple ][e Emulation Card Q#22 Some Common Questions (with answers!) 2/8/95 Q#23 Info about A2's: Q#24 What is 8 bit and 16 bit? Q#25 How can I tell what version my computer is? Q#26 What programming languages are available for the Apple ][? Q#27 Adding Hardware: Q#28 Can the Apple II connect to SCSI devices? Q#29 Can I use Macintosh Monitors or 3.5" drives with my ][? Q#30 Can I hook up a LaserWriter, DeskJet, etc to my Apple //e? Q#31 Can I hook up a LaserWriter, DeskJet, etc to my Apple IIGS? Q#32 Can I hook up a scanner up to my //e? Can it do OCR? Q#33 Can a Disk ][ be used on a GS smartport? Q#34 What's the scoop on the new HD 3.5" drive? Q#35 I want a Y-adapter for my GS keyboard. Q#36 File Transfer: Q#37 How can I transfer stuff to/from an IBM/Mac? Q#38 File transfer: Apple //e ---> Macintosh Q#39 File transfer: Apple //e <--- Macintosh Q#40 File transfer: Apple //e ---> IBM Q#41 File transfer: Apple //e <--- IBM Q#42 File transfer: Apple IIGS ---> Macintosh Q#43 File transfer: Apple IIGS <--- Macintosh Q#44 File transfer: Apple IIGS ---> IBM Q#45 File transfer: Apple IIGS <--- IBM Q#46 What's the CTI Drive? Q#47 How about hooking up cheap IDE Hard Drives? Q#48 How do I USE stuff I have transferred to/from an IBM/Mac? Q#49 How do I get cool Mac Icons and fonts onto my GS? Q#50 What programs are there for conversion of graphic images? Q#51 I have an old CPM / PASCAL / DOS 3.3 disk. How do I get it into ProDos? Q#52 How do you copy from a 5.25" disk to 3.5" disk? Q#53 Strange problems: Q#54 How do I get out of Basic (that little "]" prompt and flashing cursor? Q#55 What are the problems with GSCII? Q#56 AppleWorks won't print to my printer. What gives? Q#57 My GS control panel keeps resetting to the defaults and/or forgetting the date. Q#58 I'm getting Error XXX. What's it mean? Q#59 Why does my Apple II lose characters when I'm using the modem? Q#60 Where do I get support for AE boards now that they are closed? Q#61 Is there a QWK reader for the Apple //e? Q#62 System 6.0 mini-FAQ Q#63 Common Problems Q#64 Tips & Hints Q#65 If you have a RamFast Q#66 If you have a Vulcan or AE High Density disk Q#67 If you have ProSel Q#68 If you have an AMR 3.5" Q#69 GSCII+ & HFS Note Q#70 What to do with an Apple ][? 2/8/95 Q#71 What can you hook up to an Apple ][? Q#72 What can you do with an Apple ][? Q#73 What can the //e can "borrow" from other computers? Q#74 What can the GS can "borrow" from other computers? Q#75 Resources for the Apple II 2/8/95 Q#76 Apple II Groups Q#77 Getting Parts & Software Q#78 Fun hardware add-ons Q#79 Periodicals & Books Q#80 Misc Resources Q#81 General guidelines on How To Troubleshoot Q#82 General troubleshooting Q#83 Trouble shooting and good maintenance Q#84 GS Trouble shooting Q#85 SCSI Q#86 Tips on setting up a SCSI system:
Sorry about the previous posts (or lack there of). Some things weren't getting into new posts because the highly contorted way I post this. Hopefully, this post actually works. Feel free burn me in effigy if I don't get it right, then e-mail me about it.
I hope it becomes a valuable resource. If not, what's it missing??
Dan DeMaggio (dmag@umich.edu)
comp.sys.apple2 - General discussion and questions
relating to all Apple //'s
comp.sys.apple2.comm - Communications and networking related
issues
comp.sys.apple2.gno - Discussion of program GNO/ME for the
Apple IIGS (UNIX for the Apple IIGS)
comp.sys.apple2.marketplace - Buying, selling and promoting Apple //
related products
comp.sys.apple2.programmer - Discussion relating to any aspect of
programming the Apple //
comp.sys.apple2.usergroups - Discussion relating to Apple //
usergroups
comp.binaries.apple2 - Public Domain/Shareware Software for all
Apple //'s
comp.sources.apple2 - A moderated newsgroup for the posting of
Apple // related source code
comp.emulators.apple2 - Discussion relating to the use of Apple //
emulation software/hardware on an IBM
compatible system
alt.emulators.ibmpc.apple2 - Older "ALT" version of above
If you only have e-mail access to the Internet, you will find the
following addresses helpful. Make sure you have a large mailbox and the time to sift
through lots of messages per day. Consider getting better connected to the
Internet (read "The Whole Internet Users Guide And Catalog" for more info.)
For this: Send a message body of "help" to:
--------------------------- ---------------------------------
Subscribe to C.S.A2 (internet) LISTSERV@vm1.nodak.edu
(BITNET) LISTSERV@NDSUVM
APPLE2-L archives (internet) LISTSERV@brownvm.brown.edu
(BITNET) LISTSERV@BROWNVM
Games from APPLE2-L (internet) LISTSERV@utarlvm1.uta.edu
(BITNET) LISTSERV@UTARLVM1
More files via E-Mail (i-net) archive-server@plains.nodak.edu
(BITNET) FILESERV@PLAINS
Kermit file transfer program KERMSRV@cuvmb.cc.columbia.edu
(BITNET) KERMSRV@CUVMA (BITNET)
Apple /// files (internet) APPLE3-L@WVNVM.WVNET.EDU
Once you are getting c.s.a2 in your mailbox, you may want to post. Just
use the addresses listed below. People with direct access to the newsgroups
do not need these, as they can use their news software to post.
Post to any newsgroup group-name@cs.utexas.edu
OR group.name.usenet@decwrl.dec.com
OR group.name@news.demon.co.uk
OR group.name@news.cs.indiana.edu
OR group-name@pws.bull.com
OR group-name@ucbvax.berkeley.edu
Post to comp.sys.apple2 info-apple@apple.com
Comp.binaries.apple2 is a newsgroup used to distribute PD (Public Domain
- may be used and copied freely.), FW (Freeware - ditto, except that the
original owner retains the Copyright.) or SW (Shareware - try it for free,
pay for it if you use it) Apple II software (executables, pictures, sounds,
etc...). Software distributed on comp.binaries.apple2 is expected to be a
BinSCII text file containing a ShrinkIt archive. Please post a text description of your
program and what it requires to run so people can tell if they need it or not.
You may cross-post the description (only) to comp.sys.apple2. Please don't post
questions or answers in the binaries group. Remember, distribution of commercial
software is illegal.Comp.sources.apple2 is a newsgroup used to distribute Apple II source code. The posts in comp.sources.apple2 should be in Apple Archive Format. Contact jac@paul.rutgers.edu for details.
Discussions concerning the software posted in these groups, or the methods of locating, decoding, or accessing this software, or questions on locating archive sites of this software, or any OTHER discussions are to be held in comp.sys.apple2. If someone DOES either intentionally or accidentally post to the binary/source groups, please respond only in E-mail - do not compound the problem!
Quick Summary:
Step 1: Make a list of files that you want
Step 2: Get files to your host (a UNIX box or ProLine BBS)
Step 3: Get files to your Apple II
Step 4: Create BINSCII
Step 5: Create ShrinkIt
Step 6: Use BinSCII & Shrinkit to create Shrinkit GS
Step 7: Extract the files you _REALLY_ wanted
----
Step 1: Make a list of files that you want
1) You need BINSCII (binscii.exe) and ShrinkIt (shrinkit.3.3.exe.bsc).
For a shortcut, see Chuck Orem in the resources section.
2) If you have a GS (and use GS/OS), you will want Shrinkit GS
(shrinkit.gs.exe) and GSCII (gscii.bsc)
3) Add any other files you want. Don't try to get everything the
first time around. Try one or two test files for starters.
Note: Filenames can vary from site to site. Shrinkit and Binscii
are usually available on all the Apple II FTP sites.
Step 2a: (For ProLine users) Get files to your host
1) Dial up your host and log in.
2) I'm not familiar with ProLine, so I'll be vague here. Just go
into the files section and look... Anyone wanna clue me in?
Step 2b: (for those with a Sell account) Get files to your host
1) Choose an FTP site from the FAQ
2) At your UNIX prompt, type "ftp _____" (fill in hostname)
3) At the "Login:" prompt, type "anonymous" (or "ftp" if you are
a bad speller like me ;)
4) Type in your e-mail address when prompted for a password.
5) Type "bin" unless you are only getting text files
6) Type "cd ______" (directory) to move to the right directory.
6) type "ls" to see a list of files.
7) Locate each file (more "cd ___"'s and "ls"). Also, "cd .."
will move up a directory in the tree.)
8) use "get ______" (filename) to get it
9) When you are done using FTP, type "quit"
Step 3: Get files to your Apple II
1) Find out what file transfer protocols your Apple communications
package supports. (see below for a list)
2) On your local comm program, set your file transfer type to Text
(TXT) or Binary (BIN) depending on what type of file you are
downloading. If there is an option to "strip incoming linefeeds",
try turning it on.
3) Get your host to send you the file. I don't know about ProLine,
but UNIX users can use these commands:
For Z-Modem: "sz ___ ____ ____" (file names)
For X-Modem: "sx ____" (one at a time)
For Kermit: "kermit", then "put _____" (filename)
5) If needed, tell your local communications program to Receive. You
must do this quickly, or the other host will give up trying to
send the file.
4) Write down the full pathname of the files you downloaded and where
you put them. There will be a quiz later. Pathnames look like
"/DISK/DIR/FILE.NAME"
Note: If something goes wrong, hit ESC, Ctrl-X or Ctrl-C 3 times.
If you can't get one protocol to work, try the next one
down. Z-modem is much faster than the others. You will
want to find a program that supports it.
Step 4: Create BINSCII (if needed)
1) After you disconnect, go into Applesoft by starting BASIC.SYSTEM
2) At the `]` prompt, type 'EXEC ____' (your BINSCII file name)
Note: If you get ?SYNTAX ERRORs then something went wrong. Try
looking at the file with a Text Editor.
3) Type "cat" and look for BINSCII (type 'SYS')
4) type "-BINSCII" or "-BINSCII.SYSTEM" depending on above
Note: You should get the BINSCII opening screen.
Step 5: Create ShrinkIt (if needed)
1) If your Shrinkit file ends in ".BSC" then (In BINSCII) type in
the filename of your ShrinkIt file
2) Quit BINSCII. Get into AppleSoft again.
3) Type "EXEC SHRINKIT3.3.XTX" (you may need the full pathname)
4) Run ShrinkIt with "-SHRINKIT.SYSTEM"
Step 6: Extracting everything else
1) If it's BSQ or BSC, run it through BINSCII
2) If BINSCII creates a ".SHK" file, or if you download a ".SHK"
file, then use ShrinkIt on the file. It's easy to use and it
doesn't give you the dreaded "FILENAME QUIZ!"
For those who haven't picked a program to download with, here are the
biggies. All of the non-commercial programs are available from FTP sites.
If you don't have a comm program already, your best bet is to have someone
mail you one on a disk or buy ProTerm. (See resources).
Program Comp Emulations Protocols Note ---------|----|--------------------------------------------------------------- ProTerm E$ PSE, VT-100 Kermit, X,Y,Z-modem From InSync PTP E$, VT-100 X-Modem, (Y-mdm D/L) From Quality Computers Kermit-65 E VT-100 Kermit, X-modem Hard to use,Works on ][+ Z-Link E VT-100 X-modem Good. CommSys E none X-modem Works on ][+ TIC E$ VT-100 (+) X-modem Small, Scripting. Agate E mono ANSI X,(Y,Z D/L only) Unpacks ZIP, Buggy ColorTerm GS color ANSI X-modem Desktop based MegaTerm GS color ANSI none ProDOS 8 ANSITerm GS$ color ANSI, PSE X,Y,Z-modem Editor, scrollback, etc. SnowTerm GS VT-100 (+) none Desktop based FreeTerm GS none X-modem Desktop based GenComm GS none none Text, Shell Compat. GSVT GS VT-100 none Desktop GTerm GS color ANSI none Written in BASIC/ML Telcom GS VT-100, PSE X, (Y D/L only) Shell compat ----------Key:--------- | Key: $ = A commercial program + = And other obscure ones | Computer: E = works on GS and //e, GS = only works on GS | D/L = Download from other computer --- PTP = Point-To-Point. I don't think it's being sold anymore. Anyone know? See the resources section for where to buy the commercial programs.
Hint:
ftp://grind.isca.uiowa.edu /apple2
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^
Hostname Directory
OK, so here's a bunch of resources:http://www.umich.edu:80/group/itd/archive/Public/html/apple2/faq/faq.html - Hypertext version of this FAQ
http://www.umich.edu/~archive - Umich archive via the web
ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/emulate-apple2-faq - Emulation FAQ
http://www.info.apple.com/aboutapple/prodlst.html - Apple's Product List, including some Apple II products!
http://www.ericse.ohio-state.edu/SSII.html - ShareWare Solutions II Homepage
http://www.ccsf.caltech.edu/~dmz/a2archive.html - Caltech Apple II Archive
http://www.ugcs.caltech.edu/~nathan/apl2.resource.html - Nathan Mates Apple II Links. Lots of 'em.
http://starship.nmsu.edu:6502/ - ?
ftp://apple2.archive.umich.edu/apple2/misc/textfiles/bbs.list.txt - Mike Shecket's BBS listing
ftp://names.wvu.edu/pub/apple3 - Apple III stuff
http://micromedia.com/www/stlouis/usergrps.htm - Apple user group
Major FTP sites and mirrors:
ftp://apple2.archive.umich.edu/archive/apple2
gopher://wuarchive.wustl.edu:70/11/systems/apple2/umich.edu
ftp://archive.orst.edu/pub/mirrors/archive.umich.edu
ftp://archive.orst.edu/pub/mirrors/archive.umich.edu/
ftp://cco.caltech.edu/pub/apple2
ftp://brownvm.brown.edu/LISTSERV.193
ftp://ftp.ms.uky.edu/pub/appleII
ftp://ftp.uni-kl.de/pub/apple2
ftp://grind.isca.uiowa.edu/apple2
ftp://grind.isca.uiowa.edu/unix/apple2
ftp://plains.nodak.edu/pub/appleII
ftp://wuarchive.wustl.edu/systems/apple2
Note: Files on brownvm.brown.edu are stored by serial number. For a human- readable directory, send e-mail with the text "INDEX APPLE2-L" or "INFO REFCARD" (no subject) to brown@brownvm.brown.edu.
Other FTP Sites:
ftp://cuvmb.cc.columbia.edu/KERMA
ftp://ftp.cc.utexas.edu/gifstuff/apple
ftp://headcrash.berkeley.edu/pub/Apple2
ftp://info2.rus.uni-stuttgart.de/afs/umich.edu/group/itd/archive
ftp://iskut.ucs.ubc.ca/pub/apple
ftp://j.cc.purdue.edu/kermit/appleII
ftp://pindarus.cs.uiuc.edu/pub/apple2
ftp://slab.slip.uiuc.edu/apple2
ftp://syr.edu/software/kermit/appleII
ftp://trantor.ee.msstate.edu/files/appleII
ftp://ucrmath.ucr.edu/PC/apple2
ftp://watsun.cc.columbia.edu/kermit/a
ftp://wilbur.stanford.edu/pub/emulators/apple2/DiskImages/
ftp://methan.chemie.fu-berlin.de/pub/doc/faq
ftp://ftp.hawaii.edu/incoming/apple2
ftp://relay.cs.toronto.edu/pub/lists.1989
ftp://watsun.cc.columbia.edu/kermit/a
ftp://oak.oakland.edu/pub/hamradio/apple2
ftp://ftp.uu.net/systems/apple2
Archives of C.S.A2 Newsgroups:
===============================
wuarchive.wustl.edu /usenet/comp.sources.apple2 (complete!)
/usenet/comp.binaries.apple2
?ftp.tohoku.ac.jp /pub/news/comp.binaries.apple2
hp4nl.nluug.nl /pub/newsarchive/comp/sources/apple2 (incomplete)
mcsun.eu.net /pub/newsarchive/comp/sources/apple2 (incomplete)
nic.funet.fi /pub/archive/comp.sources.apple2 (complete?)
relay.cs.toronto.edu /pub/lists.1989 (1989 only)
If you have a Shell account, you can use 'archie' to find ftp sites with a particular file.
When re-creating a binary file from the BinScii segments, all one has to do is collect ALL the segments and run them through BinScii. Each segment has a header that tells BinScii what to do. BinSCII is intelligent enough to wade through all extraneous text (i.e. newsgroup headers, etc) and find the segments. It does not matter what order the segments are in, and the segments can be in different files. The only thing you have to remember is that BinScii does not check to see if ALL of the segments have been accounted for. If there are segments missing, the program will not work, or you will get a 'file corrupted' error when unshrinking.
ftp://apple2.archive.umich.edu/apple2/8bit/archivers/binscii.exe
GS users can use GSCII+, an NDA version of Binscii. GSCII+ can also encode/decode several other formats.
ftp://apple2.archive.umich.edu/apple2/gs/archivers/gscii.bsc
For those with Shell accounts, you can use SciiBin (decode-only version of BinSCII) to reduce your download time. You will need to compile this on your Unix box (ask for help from a local Guru), then run your BinScii files (from comp.binaries.apple2) through it. You will now have the original (smaller) file. This works great if there is a NuFX archive in the BinSCII file, but can cause problems if BinSCII was applied directly to ProDos executable files. In this case, you will have to download the BinSCII file.
ftp://apple2.archive.umich.edu/apple2/unix/sciibin.c
If you need a Unix BinSCII encoder, Bsc will do the trick.
ftp://cco.caltech.edu/pub/apple2/source/bsc.aaf
ftp://apple2.archive.umich.edu/apple2/unix/bsc.aaf
ftp://apple2.archive.umich.edu/apple2/8bit/archivers/shrinkit.3.3.exe.bsc
If you have a GS, you will want the GShk, which is even more of a wonder utility than it's 8-bit counterpart. Files encoded with GShk are usually smaller than those encoded with ShrinkIt, but can still be extracted with ShrinkIt (except files with resource forks. Watch those Teach documents if you want Apple //e's to read it!).
If you can't run Shrinkit because you have a ][+, you can use ShrinkIt+, UnShrinkIt+ and Autounshrink.
To translate an Executioner text file to an Apple II file required that you delete the mail headers/trailers, translated the newlines into carriage returns, download the file to your Apple II and from Applesoft Basic, type the command 'EXEC <filename>' where <filename> is the name of the file you downloaded.
ftp://apple2.archive.umich.edu /apple2/unix/aaf
Most of these 'Unix' standard formats are available on the Apple. See the table below.
ftp://apple2.archive.umich.edu /apple2/8bit/util/fazz.2.3.bsq
|Type| NuFX | Bin | uuen-| com- |.ZOO | Bin | LZH/| Stuff| ARC | Other|
Program | | | SCII | code | press | | Hex | LHA | -It | | |
--------|-|------|------|------|-------|-----|-----|-----|------|-----|------|
Binscii |e| | X | | | | | | | | |
Shrinkit|e| X | | | | | | | | | |
DeArc |e| | | | | | | | | D | |
Angel[1]|e| | | | X | X | | X | | X | .ZIP |
GShk |g| X | | | D | D | | | D | D | |
GSCII+ |g| | X | X | | | D | | | | .AAF |
sscii |x| | X | X | | | X | | | | |
PMPUnzip|x| | | | | | | | | | .ZIP |
LHext |x| | | | | | | D? | | | |
BSC |c| | E | | | | | | | | |
Nulib |c| X | | | | | | | | | |
SciiBin |c| | D | | | | | | | | |
(Key: E = Encode only, D = Decode only, X = Encode and Decode)
(Type: e = Apple //e, g = GS Only, x = GS EXE file, c = C Source code)
[1] Angel is pretty Buggy, but it's worth a try.
Program Format Author --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nulib v3.21 C Andy McFadden (fadden@uts.amdahl.com) SciiBin v3.10 C Marcel Mol, Dave Whitnet, Bruce Kahn Bsc v1.2 C Neil Parker Executioner A Glen Bredon BinSCII v1.0.3 A David Whitney (davewh@microsoft.com) ShrinkIt v3.3 A Andy Nicholas (shrinkit@apple.com) (Un)ShrinkIt+ A Andy Nicholas (shrinkit@apple.com) AutoUnShrink A Andy Nicholas (shrinkit@apple.com) GShk v1.1 G Andy Nicholas (shrinkit@apple.com) GSCII+ 2.3.1 G Darek Taubert (dat33228@uxa.cso.uiuc.edu) Format: C - Distributed as source code written in C. A - Executable, runs on most Apple //s. G - Executable, runs on GS only.ftp://apple2.archive.umich.edu /apple2/8bit/util/dearc
Extension What is it? (What program do I use?)
--------- ---------------------------------------------------------------
.aaf [TEXT] Apple Archive Format for source code (aaf.unpacker)
.ACU Applelink Conversion Utility (Shrinkit)
.ARC ARC Archive (IBM ARC, GS Shrinkit, //e Angel or DeArc2E)
.CPT Compactor Pro archive (Compactor Pro on a Mac only)
.BSC [TEXT] BinScii file. (BinScii)
.BSQ [TEXT] BinSCII'ed NuFX file. (BinScii--then Shrinkit)
.BXY NuFX archive with a Binary II header. (Shrinkit)
.BNY BLU archive. (Shrinkit)
.BQY NuFX or Binary II with BLU header. (Shrinkit)
.BNX NuFX with BLU header. (Shrinkit)
.exe [TEXT] Executioner file. May only work in DOS 3.3. See above.
NB: .EXE also means IBM executable program..
.GIF Graphics Interchange Format: Compressed picture.
(IIGIF for //e, many programs for all other computers)
.HQX [TEXT] Mac BinHex file. (BinHex on Mac or GSCII+ on GS)
.JPG Newer graphics format. (only Unix/IBM/etc viewers)
.JPEG Newer graphics format. (only Unix/IBM/etc viewers)
.LZH LZH Archive (IBM/Amiga LZH program, //e Angel)
.LHA LHA Archive (IBM/Amiga LZH program, //e Angel)
.QQ BLU archive. (Shrinkit)
.SEA Self-extracting archive (Might be Mac, Might be Shrinkit archive)
.SIT Mac StuffIt archive. (Stuffit on Mac or GS ShrinkIt)
GS Shrinkit will not decode StuffIt Deluxe files.
.SHK NuFX archive. (Shrinkit)
.SDK NuFX with a shrunk disk image. (Shrinkit)
.tar Unix Tape Archive (Unix 'tar -xvf', GS EXE tar)
.txt [TEXT] An ASCII text file: usually english text.
.TIFF Graphics format (GS SHR Convert)
.uu Unix uuencode file [TEXT] (//e uudecode, Unix uudecode)
.ZOO IBM Zoo Archive (GS Shrinkit or IBM ZOO program, //e Angel)
.ZIP IBM Zip Archive (GS EXE Unzip, IBM PKUNZIP, Unix unzip, //e Angel)
.Z Compressed file (GS Shrinkit, Unix uncompress, //e Angel)
All of these types, except the ones marked [TEXT] are BINARY files. Binary files cannot be sent
over e-mail, posted to the newsgroups or FTP'd in text mode. You must FTP them in binary mode (see
the section on FTP). You can download either with kermit, X-,Y- or Z-Modem.Generally, anything labeled as 'Archive' above will contain multiple files, and even subdirectories. Most archivers are also compressed the files to make the whole smaller than the sum of it's parts. (only in computers ;)
Sometimes you will find multiple filename extensions. Simply take the filename extensions apart one at a time and you should be able to reconstruct the original file. (i.e. somefile.bsq.tar.Z would mean: uncompress, untar, unbinscii, then unShrink to get the original file!)
BinSCII: (.BSC, .BSQ)
FiLeStArTfIlEsTaRt ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789() GBINSCII AQhmAAAAA8)4MIAI02DA9ARMQEDtAQhmAIVZ gYITA6u7xADA0MjM3YTNBlDOENkQwYURzITM2UDN5gzNDJUQGVERyEDM1QzM4cjN CFUOFR0QxAjR0MjM3YTNBlDOENkQwAQRzITM2UDN5gzNDJUQGVERyEDM1QzM4cjNNuFX (Shrinkit Archive) (.SHK)
NuFilei][![/#NuFX_<:c[[[ H`F-fGSCII~[ cRJ0)fNN^P)3'A2p6SF6X#GPd<9#'LC^08N7n\NB7Dd!eMN&eYX0Am=fXp dsPAsp7rh`I'NS0ALAfi2)2ysGEQ$k9CP%L9uuencoded file (.uu)
begin 666 nonsense.junk M4W5N3U,s4F5L96%S92 T+C$s\%-$4U0V,"Ds(SsZ(%1U92!/8W0s.2 Q,CHS M...3HT.2!%1%0s,3DY, HT4F5L96%S92 T+C$s4F5L96%S92 T+C$sExecutioner (.exe)
CALL-151 E00:38 A5 FF D0 32 D8 20 8E FD AD 30 BF 8D 6A 0E 20 00 BF C7 6D 0E 0D 80 02 E18:D0 1D 20 00 BF C5 69 0E B0 15 AD 81 02 29 0F AA E8 8E 80 02 A9 2F 8D 81 A90885A420732090242039FB2058FCA200BD9220F00620EDFDE8D0F5200CFDA9 008DF2038DF3038DF4036CFCFFE6A4A5A4C96F90CFA9008DFCBFA9018DFDBFA0 A90885A420732090242039FB2058FCA200BD9220F00620EDFDE8D0F5200CFDA9====================================================================== This FAQ is available on-line at apple2.archive.umich.edu (see FTP) CopyLeft 1994 by Dan DeMaggio. Non-profit distribution encouraged. Mail me at: dmag@umich.edu From: dmag@caen.engin.umich.edu (Dan DeMaggio) Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2,news.answers,comp.answers Subject: comp.sys.apple2 - Frequently Asked Questions (and answers) part 2 of 2 Followup-To: comp.sys.apple2 Reply-To: dmag@umich.edu Summary: What you need to know about the comp.sys.apple2 newsgroups Approved: news-answers-request@MIT.Edu Archive-name: apple2/part2 Last-modified: 05 Dec 1994 Version: 4.25
Recommended configuration: 16K language card (in slot 0 with a ribbon cable running to the RAM), an 80-column video card (not the same as a //e 80-column card), shift key modification (a wire running from shift key to game port), modified character ROMs to do lower case. You can add memory in various ways, but programs that require 128K probably will not work, no matter how much RAM you have. You can also add accelerators like the Rocket/Zip.
Recommended configuration: Extended 80 Column card (gives you 128K) or RamWorks (512K to 1MB RAM). Enhancement kit if it was an Unenhanced //e. A Hard Drive is recommended if you use a lot of different programs. You can also speed it up with an accelerator (like the Rocket Chip, Zip Chip or TransWarp).
Recommended configuration: 1 MB RAM, 3.5" drive, maybe a Hard drive.
Recommended configuration: 1.25 MB lets you boot up GS/OS and use most programs. With 2 MB, you will have room for Desk Accessories. Go for 4 MB if you want a RAM disk (useful if you don't have a hard drive) or do a lot of Graphics work. Adding a hard drive is highly recommended. You can also speed it up with a TransWarp GS or Zip GS.
A: That indicates how big the chunks of data are that the CPU can manipulate. The Apple IIGS is a 16-bit machine and all previous Apple ]['s are 8-bit. This is one of the reasons you cannot run GS software on a //e.
Q#25 How can I tell what version my computer is?
A: Apple //e:
The major division is between the Enhanced and unenhanced models. Look at your computer while re-booting. If it says "APPLE ][", it is not enhanced. The enhanced computers will say "Apple //e". You can upgrade it yourself by getting the Apple //e Enhancement kit. (It contains 4 chips to replace on your motherboard.) Many newer programs will not work unless you have an Enhanced //e. The //c, //c+, GS, and Laser 128 incorporate these enhancements.
You can see what version of the //e you have by looking for the serial number on the motherboard (in the back, by the power-on led). If it is 820-0064-A, you may have a motherboard that can't do double-hires. Serial #s like 820-0064-B or 820-0087-A are un-enhanced (without the kit). If you have the grey Apple //e with the built-in keypad, then you also have: One 128K ROM IC replaced the two 64K Monitor ROM ICs (the CD and EF ROMs), Two 64Kx4 RAM ICs replaced the eight 64Kx1 RAM ICs, The single-wire shift-key mod, and an Extended 80-Column Card.
The Apple //e comes in two video standards: PAL (Australia, Europe, etc) and NTSC (USA, Japan?, etc.) If the AUX slot is on the side of the motherboard near the power supply, you have an NTSC model, whereas if it is in line with slot 3, you have a PAL model. (Thanks to Steve Leahy for this one) The PAL revisions are: [Thanks to Dave Wilson for this]
week 26 1983: 820-0073-A (c) 1982 / B-607-0664 Colour killer switch soldered to vacant oscillator position on PCB. week 38 1983: 820-0073-B (c) 1982 / B-607-0264 Colour killer switch near RHS of PCB. All chips socketed. week 7 1985: 820-0073 (c) 1984 / B-607-0264 PCB marked for enhanced ROMs & 65c02 (may have old ROMs and 6502). RAM & some TTL soldered in. Layout same as above.Apple //GS:
There are 3 major versions of the GS: Check the initial power-up screen. It will say ROM 01, ROM 03. If it does not say either, you have the Original (Woz Signature edition). You must upgrade it in order to run current system software. The ROM 01 has 256K on the motherboard, while the ROM 03 has 1 MB on the motherboard. All the enhancements of the ROM 03 (except the 1MB, of course) can be added to the ROM 01 simply by booting up with current system software.
Apple //c:
Go into Basic and type "PRINT PEEK (64447)" and press return. If it says 255, you have a very old //c. See your dealer about getting an upgrade (tell them that the Apple authorization number is ODL660). If it says 0, you can connect a 3.5" drive, but you don't have the memory expansion connector. If it says 3 You have the memory expansion. If it says 4, you have the latest model of the //c. If it says 5, you have a //c+.
Q#26 What programming languages are available for the Apple ][?
A: Larry W. Virden maintains The Apple II Programmer's Catalog of Languages and Toolkits. It's archived on several FTP sites. (The main one first)
ftp://idiom.berkeley.ca.us/pub/compilers-list/AppleIICatalog
ftp://apple2.archive.umich.edu/apple2/misc/textfiles/programming.languages.
A: Yes. See the section on SCSI in this FAQ.
Q#29 Can I use Macintosh Monitors or 3.5" drives with my ][?
A: In general, no. Apple's 3.5" drive has logic to sense which machine it is hooked up to (Apple II or Macintosh) and it works accordingly. Most 3rd party drives don't bother to put in Apple II support in their drives. The Mac monitors cannot be used with the ][ line, not even the GS. Some may work if you hook them up to a UDC instead of an Apple 3.5" card. Old style Mac 800k drives are very slow.
Q#30 Can I hook up a LaserWriter, DeskJet, etc to my Apple //e?
A: Yes, all the above connections have regular serial or parallel connections. The tricky part is getting them to do what you want. The DeskJet, for example will print very nice-looking text with regular old "PR#1". But if you want to change the font or print graphics, you may have to purchase some software. One excellent program for these types of printers is PublishIt 4. You won't believe the output you can get from a //e. For AppleWorks fans, there is the program called SuperPatch. Among it's patches is a cool DeskJet 500 printer driver. You can print sideways, and change fonts with normal AppleWorks commands. The Deskjet driver is built in to AW 4.0.
Q#31 Can I hook up a LaserWriter, DeskJet, etc to my Apple IIGS?
A: On the GS, you can hook up a LaserWriter via AppleTalk or direct serial connection. A GS program can typically print to a LaserWriter if it's connected to the GS via AppleTalk. If you get a DeskJet, or PaintJet, etc, you can hook them up via the serial port. But in order to use them effectively, you will want Harmony from Vitesse (better) or Independence (cheaper) from Seven Hills. They are new printer drivers for GS/OS programs only. If you want to print from an 8-bit program, see the previous question.
Q#32 Can I hook up a scanner up to my //e? Can it do OCR?
A: Yes and Yes. (OCR stands for Optical Character Recognition -- the ability to convert a scan into text) Just pick up a Quickie scanner (by Vitesse) and InWords (by WestCode Software). You can scan 4" columns (you must have 512K to 1 Meg) and can even paste them together to make 8" scans. Then you can use InWords to "read" text and put it into a text file or AppleWorks Word Processor file.
Q#33 Can a Disk ][ be used on a GS smartport?
A: Yes. Call Jameco Electronics (Phone: 1-800-831-4242) S20 PIN HEADER TO DB19-PIN CONNECTOR MODULE ADAPTS II/II+ DRIVES FOR APPLE IIC. PART NO: 10022 PRODUCT NO.: AAM APPLE IIC ADAPTER $3.95
Q#34 What's the scoop on the new HD 3.5" drive?
A: In order to do High Density on the Apple //, you will need both the High Density 3.5" drive and the new Apple 3.5" controller. If you don't have both, you will only be able to do regular density. Of course, you will also need High Density Disks.
Once you have collected the above items, you are in for a pleasant surprise. ProDos 8 programs not only recognize it, but most programs format and recognize HD disks just fine. You can even boot off of a HD disk, allowing plenty of room for GS/OS Desk Accessories and such.
There are a few drawbacks: You cannot boot copy-protected software or (or some FTA demos.) You can't daisy-chain a 5.25" of a HD card. Also, it takes up a slot, even on the GS.
Q#35 I want a Y-adapter for my GS keyboard.
A: Redmond Cable has an ADB Y-connector cable for separating your mouse from the side of your keyboard (also can be used to work around a failing ADB port on the keyboard). See the 'Resources' section of this FAQ.
A: Here's a summary: [Note that you can always do transfers by modem or Null Modem]
Q#38 File transfer: Apple //e ---> Macintosh
Q#39 File transfer: Apple //e <--- Macintosh
ftp://apple2.archive.umich.edu/apple2/8bit/util/hfslink.b3.bsq
Q#42 File transfer: Apple IIGS ---> Macintosh
Q#44 File transfer: Apple IIGS ---> IBM
A: The CTI drive allows you to hook up IBM 3.5" and 5.25" disk drives (no High Density support yet) to your Apple II. [IBM drives are cheaper] Some software is included to read MS/DOS disks on your Apple. Otherwise, ProDos and GS/OS recognize them like normal drives. See CTI's address in the resources section. Also see SSH systems in the resource section.
Q#47 How about hooking up cheap IDE Hard Drives?
A: There's a card called Turbo IDE, does DMA, is as fast as a RamFAST SCSI card. Contact J.LANGE7@genie.geis.com for details like technical specs, pricing, and S/H procedure.
Q#48 How do I USE stuff I have transferred to/from an IBM/Mac?
A: In general, only certain types of files can be usefully transferred back-and-forth between computers. One thing that you CANNOT do is run programs designed for another type of computer. But often you can transfer data files between similar programs (Spreadsheets) on different platforms. Here are some pointers:
One helpful hint is that all computers can read text files. Most word processors can save your file as text and import as text. But with text files, you will loose all your formatting (font type, centering and so-forth). For spreadsheets, saving as DIF will make conversion a breeze. Databases can be saved as tab-delimited records. (Note that in AppleWorks, you have to go to Print to save in these formats). Look for options like "Import" or "Export" (or "Save As" in the Mac world).
If you want to do better, there are several options available. A commercial program called MacLinkPlus can do some conversions. Some Claris programs do conversions automatically. Also, AFE can convert between some kinds of documents (For example AppleWorks Word Processor to MsWorks) if you have the right translator.
ftp://sumex-aim.stanford.edu/info-mac/util/afe-appleworks-msworks.hqx
For IBM folk,The CrossWorks program can convert between many Apple and IBM formats, and even comes with a universal null modem cable. Alternately, If you use AppleWorks a lot, you can get SuperWorks for the IBM, a clone of AppleWorks. It can import AppleWorks files directly. For graphics, SuperConvert can convert between all Apple-specific graphics formats and many Mac, Amiga and IBM specific formats. It can also save as GIF, which is a universal standard.
You can also play Mac sounds resources (the sort you keep in the system folder as alert sounds) with IISound.
Q#49 How do I get cool Mac Icons and fonts onto my GS?
A: Find the program "Resource Spy"
ftp://apple2.archive.umich.edu/pub/apple2/gs/util/resource.spy.bsq
Q#50 What programs are there for conversion of graphic images?
A: There are quite a few:
ftp://apple2.archive.umich.edu/apple2/8bit/graphics/iic.patch.for.iigif
Q#51 I have an old CPM / PASCAL / DOS 3.3 disk. How do I get it into ProDos?
A: The //e system software, the DOS3.3 FST (GS/OS System 6), and Copy ][+ can all convert Dos 3.3 files into ProDos. This is only helpful for text files, graphics, and some Basic programs. For ProDos, CPM, Pascal, Dos 3.3, try the program Chameleon. You have to use the 'force disk as ProDOS' option to use your hard drive.
ftp://apple2.archive.umich.edu/apple2/8bit/util/chameleon.bsq
Q#52 How do you copy from a 5.25" disk to 3.5" disk?
A: ProDos has no problems with this, as long as you copy by files. Note that ProDos can only have 51 files in the main directory. If you try to exceed that, it will give you a cryptic 'Disk Full' error. If there really is space left on the disk, you can copy all the files into a subdirectory to get around the 51-file limit. In theory, you can put an unlimited number of files in a Subdirectory, but in practice, you should limit them to a few hundred.
A: Type the word "BYE" and press return. Now get out the Apple manual 'A Touch of BASIC' and read it.
Q#55 What are the problems with GSCII?
A: GSCII is a great program, but has two subtle problems: First, it won't work correctly if you extract to a HFS disk (so extract to a ProDOS disk). Also, it won't set the size correctly on S16 files. This should only be a problem when downloading Shrinkit GS. In that case, use BINSCII. The rest of the time you will be extracting .SHK files, which don't care about extra bytes at the end.
Q#56 AppleWorks won't print to my printer. What gives?
A: AppleWorks will refuse to print to a slot that has a disk device. In the past, this worked well because if you try to print to a slot that has a disk controller in it, you will re-boot. But now, this can cause problems when a disk device is 'mapped' into your printer slot (due to a limitation in ProDos, you can only have 2 drives per slot. Extra partitions on your hard drive will be re-mapped to other slots). If you have a RamFast, you can re-map the drives to different slots. Otherwise, (for AW 3.0) use this patch:
POKE 768,128: POKE 769,10 BSAVE APLWORKS.SYSTEM,TSYS,A$300,L2,B$AE3If you didn't understand that, e-mail me, or look into John Link's SuperPatch program, which includes many more patches.
Q#57 My GS control panel keeps resetting to the defaults and/or forgetting the date.
A: It's probably your battery. If you have a ROM 03 GS, you just pop it out an get another. On the ROM 01, you will need a Slide-On Battery Replacement Kit from Night Owl Productions. See address in 'Resources' section.
Q#58 I'm getting Error XXX. What's it mean?
A: Some common errors and their cause:
ProDos Errors:
UNABLE TO LOAD PRODOS - You can't boot a disk unless it has ProDos and a
something.SYSTEM file on it (Pre-1.9 ProDOS)
$27 I/O Error. Possibly a bad disk? Verify it with Prosel or Copy II Plus
$44 Path not found (You gave an invalid directory name)
$45 Volume not found (you didn't type in the right disk name)
$46 File not found (you didn't type a valid filename)
GS/OS errors:
0911 Either your GS is overheating, or the ADB port is having problems
0301 Bad TransWarp
0308 see 8021
8020 Either random TransWarp, or SCSI (try using different SCSI connector)
8021 If you get this at random times and you have a HS Apple SCSI, it's
probably a version conflict. Install the SCSI drivers from your GS/OS
disk, not your HS Apple SCSI disk.
Q#59 Why does my Apple II lose characters when I'm using the modem?A: Check the following: 1) Your software may need interrupts enabled. Examine DIP Switch 2-6 on your Super Serial Card. 2) If you have an unenhanced //e, you need to enhance your //e. 3) If you have a //c, it may be one of the ones that had a serial port problem. Talk to your dealer about upgrading it for 2400 baud support.
Q#60 Where do I get support for AE boards now that they are closed?
A: Bruce BABB, ex-AE bench tech, is offering support out of his home for customer support of AE's boards. He also hints that another company is opening that will sell many of the Apple II products the AE made. You can reach Bruce via Email at 76004.1575@compuserve.com
Q#61 Is there a QWK reader for the Apple //e?
A: Yes, it's called 2qwk!. To use 2qwk! you must patch prodos to allow filenames sent by MS-DOS machines. The beta version is available now on grind and caltech.
EasyAccess is also incompatible with some applications, (especially on ROM 01). Symptoms are a locked keyboard, and not being able to reboot. Remove it or make it inactive.
Missing features of system 6? Perhaps you just used easy install, which doesn't install all the bells and whistles. Try clicking on customize and add the nifty things like Calculator, Find File, HFS FST, etc. You can also read the Shortcuts file on SystemTools2 for some great keyboard shortcuts.
Finder icons that match by name and have a leading wildcard require uppercase letters. For example, a name like "[star].txt" never matches, but "[star].TXT" works fine (it matches regardless of a file's actual capitalization). (This was accidental; the 5.0.4 Finder did not care about capitalization in icon files.)
Two misconceptions about System 6: The A2.RAMCARD is not for the GS's /RAM5. It only works with "slinky" (i.e. standard slot) cards. Also, the DOS 3.3 FST has nothing to do with MS-DOS.
If you don't want to see your icons on boot, set bit 1 (i.e. the 2nd LSB) of BRAM Location $5F. Be sure not to mess with the other bits. Use the toolbox calls!
The FinderExtras folder goes in the same folder as the Finder (generally the System folder).
If you don't like yellow folders in the Finder you can change the byte at offset +65 in the Finder resource with type $C001 and ID 1. Change the $E0 to whatever you want (the first digit is the default folder foreground color, and the low nibble is for the outline color). Only folders that do not already have a color recorded in a Finder.Data file get the default color.
[ Mega-thanks to Dave Lyons & friends for these. ]
A: Hard Drives, Scanners, Video Digitizers, Laser Printers, Video Overlay Cards, Tape backups, Inkjet Printers, 24 pin Dot Matrix Printers, EPROM Burners, AppleTalk Networks, High Density 3.5" drives, serial cards, parallel cards, audio Digitizers, CP/M boards (Z-80 processor), an IBM-on-a-card, 9600 baud modems, D/A and A/D cards, joysticks, mice, graphics tablets, touch screens, extended keyboards, track balls, several Megabytes of RAM, Real-time clocks, (cheap) IBM disk drives and of course, Users!
This list is by no means exhaustive: This is just what I personally have done. All of it is available NOW, and can be done on any Apple //e. In the very near future, you will be able to hook up:
EitherTalk Networks, DSP boards, and cheap FAX modems.
Q#72 What can you do with an Apple ][?
A: As if the above weren't impressive, how about: Optical Character recognition, Desktop publishing, Integrated Spread sheet, Database and Word Processing, Interactive fiction adventure games, Arcade quality games, Educational games, Programming, Telecommunications, Inventory, Accounting, Money Management, and that's not even scratching the surface.
Q#73 What can the //e can "borrow" from other computers?
A: GS bitmapped fonts, Mac Disks, MacPaint pictures, GIF pictures, just about any Mac/PC SCSI device (Hard Drives, Tape backup), Mac sounds with IISound (sounds are stored in the resource fork), many archive formats (like uudecode), any serial device (EPROM burners, FAX modems, mega-fast modems w/ MNP5), etc.
Q#74 What can the GS can "borrow" from other computers?
A: Mac bitmapped fonts, Mac Icons, Mac and Windows TrueType fonts, Mac Disks, Amiga Mod songs, MacPaint pictures, MacWrite documents, GIF pictures, WordPerfect documents, just about any Mac SCSI or ADB device (including Hard Drives, Pen Mice, etc), Mac sounds, Many archive formats (.uu, .zip, .arc, .sit, .hqx, etc), any serial device (EPROM burners, FAX modems, mega- fast modems w/hardware MNP-5), IDE hard drives (check out a card called "Turbo IDE". Mail J.LANGE7@genie.geis.com for details)
If you are interested in doing any of the above, feel free to e-mail me (dmag@umich.edu). Someday, maybe I'll fill in the specific software or hardware you need to do any of the above. If you have any additions, let me know too!
USUS (Keith Frederick (Secretary), P.O. Box 1148, La Jolla, CA 92038) is an international non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and influencing software standards to aid in the development of portable software. They have a large software library including a lot of source code (for almost every language or computer).
NAUG, the National AppleWorks Users Group (313-454-1115, 313-454-1965 FAX, 615-359-8238 BBS) is a group devoted to that wonder program, AppleWorks.
Quality Computers (800-777-ENHAnce or 313-774-7200, 313-774-7740 Tech Support, 313-774-2698 FAX) not only sells Apple II products, but maintains a list of user groups and publishes an informative newsletter geared towards educators (called Enhance). They also published AppleWorks 4.0! To get a QC catalog and a free subscription to Enhance, just call! Contact QC (on GEnie), QualityCom (on AOL) or quality@pro-quality.cts.com.
Alltech (800-995-7773 orders, 619-721-2823 FAX, 619-721-7733 Technical Support/inquiries) sells all kinds of replacement parts for Apple II's. They are also pretty knowledgeable about the II. and inquiries)
Sun Remarketing (800-821-3221) also sells used Apples parts and books.
Parkhurst Micro Products (510-837-9098) sells ANSITerm, a GS-only communications program that supports X/Y/Z-Modem (plus variants), Kermit, VT-100, Color ANSI, and offers features like a text editor, a large scrollback buffer, and macros.
Sequential Systems (800-759-4549 or 303-666-4549,800-999-1717 tech, 303-666-7797 BBS) announced software for the GS that will let you use many (but not all) CD-ROMs. Audio, Still Pictures and searching text are supported. Contact SEQUENTIAL@genie.geis.com
The Big Red Computer Club, (402-379-4680) or BRCC, (formerly the Big Red Apple Club, sells all kinds of good software that you can't get anywhere else. (including discontinued games, etc.)
Chuck Orem (PO Box 1014, Benton City, WA, 99320-1014 USA) distributes a 5.25" disk with a terminal program (Comm.System 2.5), Shrinkit 3.4, BinSCII 1.0.3, UU 1.1, Sneeze 2.2 and UnShrink 2.1 in ready to run format. Also included are all the docs for the above programs, plus Zlink (in archived format). The disk is distributed for $2, to cover postage and materials. Contact Chuck for more information at: corem@pro-greens.cts.com or progreens@delphi.com
Digisoft (digisoft@aol.com) has a CD called Golden Orchard that is full of Apple II-specific programs. 18MB is accessable from 8-bit //e's, the rest is in HFS partitions that can be accessed with GS/OS System 6. Cost is around $60.
Edlie Electronics (800-645-4722 or 516-735-3330) is selling "The ProDOS User's Kit". It seems to be your basic ProDOS operating system and a manual. I doubt that it's a current version, but it's worth a look if you need ProDOS on 5.25". Heck, for $1.95, you can't go wrong. [there is a minimum order, and I have never tried it... Let me know if you try it.]
Washington Apple Pi (301-681-6136, 301-593-0024 BBS [7 bits, odd parity]) has an extremely active Apple /// Special Interest Group. They have 250 PD disks and have funded a new revision of the OS. Contact Dave Ottalini at 72457.2401@Compuserve.com
Educational Resources (800-624-2926) sells educational programs for the II.
MECC (800-685-MECC) is a well-known educational software shop.
The Cynosure BBS (410-549-2584 Settings: 8 data bits, No parity 1 stop bit, up to 14400 bps) has a license to distribute system Apple software (ProDos and GS/OS). Contact Doug Granzow at dig@pro-cynosure.cts.com
You can also get system software off of Apple Computer's FTP site. It is maintained by DTS in their spare time. Thanks guys!
ftp://ftp.apple.com/aii/sys.soft/
The Apple User Group Connection (800-538-9696 ext 500) can tell you the closest Apple II (or Macintosh) User Group. (Check Quality Computers too..)
Resource-Central (913-469-6502, FAX: 913-469-6507) publishes an 8-page monthly newsletter. It's small but packed with information. It has technical discussions and philosophical discussions. It is also available on disk, with many PD/SW programs each month. Resource Central also publishes many monthly disks, including ones for HyperStudio users, TimeOut users, HyperCard users, and probably others. All are on 3.5" disk only. They also have taken over APDA's job of keeping the latest and greatest from Apple and some 3rd party vendors. They have programming tools and manuals not available anywhere else (like the Video Overlay Card Development kit, Tool 35/SynthLab docs, etc). Contact A2-CENTRAL, UNCLE-DOS, or DENNIS.DOMS on GEnie.
Night Owl (913-362-9898) makes a slide-on battery for ROM 01 GS's. You need a replacement if the time and system settings go back to their defaults whenever you turn the computer off.
Conversion Technology (801-364-4171) sells a drive that allows you to hook up cheap IBM 3.5" and 5.25" disk drives to you Apple II.
Silicon Systems (714-731-7110) makes that 22 pin DIP DTMF decoder chip that Apple-Cat modem owners are always looking for. Part #: SSI 75T201 - Integrated DTMF Receiver.
Shareware Solutions II (166 Alpine Street, San Rafael, CA 94901) is a new Apple II magazine with the latest scoops, written by long time Apple II writer Joe Kohn. Mail joko@crl.com for details. You can also finger him, or check out his WWW homepage (see FTP).
Adam Barr (barr@railnet.nshore.org) and Cindy Field (former InCider/A+ editor) are starting a new Apple II newsletter, only this one is only available via e-mail.
GS+ Magazine (800-662-3634 orders, or 615-843-3988 or 913-469-6507 FAX) is published bi-monthly, as a magazine and as an accompanying disk. They are a great source for unique programs, which are not available anywhere else. They also have reviews of new software. Of course, it's GS specific. Contact: GSPlusDiz (on AOL orDelphi), JWANKERL (on GEnie), or jwankerl@pro-gonzo.cts.com.
Hyperstudio Network (609-446-3196) is a quarterly newsletter about HyperStudio. They put out an annual 'Best of HyperStudio' disk of stacks, and have discounts on HyperStudio accessories. They even do some teacher-oriented stuff.
Computist (P.O. Box 110846, Tacoma, WA 98411) is a publication devoted to gathering and distributing information on removing copy protection from Apple II software.
Softdisk and Softdisk GS (800-831-2694 or 318-221-8718) are monthly disk magazines containing a variety of software (PD/SW, clip art, reviews, etc). Softdisk is available on 5.25" or 3.5" disks. Softdisk GS is available only on 3.5" disks. Contact zak@aol.com.
Sequential Systems (1-800-759-4549 customer service 1-800-999-1717 technical support) have taken over CVTech's products.
Larry Beyer (312-735-9010) likes to fix InnerDrive hard drives.
Apple has a toll-free customer assistance line for handling sales questions and user concerns. This toll-free line is not designed to be a technical support hotline, but instead is an extension to the comprehensive Apple customer relations effort. The Customer Assistance Center is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time by dialing 1-800-776-2333.
A new ShareWare-Fee payment service has been established for info, write to:
Some Assembly Required shareware@uwo.ca OR 1132 Adelaide St. N. #719 hackett@gaul.csd.uwo.ca London, Ontario N5Y 2N8 Canada
Email suggestions to dmag@umich.edu. As always, let me know of any mistakes, updates, corrections, additions, etc.
At first, there was the Apple Rev 'C' SCSI card (named after the final ROM version--all previous versions MUST be upgraded to work with current software). There were several clones from the likes of CMS and Chinook. Then Apple came out with it's High Speed DMA SCSI card. This has the ability to do Direct Memory Access to the RAM in your computer, which speeds things up. This created a lot of problems with cards that were not DMA compatible. CV Technologies also has a DMA SCSI card called the RamFast. This card has 256K or 1MB of on-board RAM to make it even faster than Apple's card. It can also supply terminator power if you drive does not supply it. Both of the new cards support things like SCSI tape backup units, removable SCSI drives, SCSI CD-ROM, and of course SCSI hard drives. Both the new cards also require an Enhanced //e.