From: Derek Fong (and the rest of the AppleNET programming group) Date: Thu, 15 Oct 92 23:10:12 To: All who download AppleNET v1.5a or previous versions Thanks for downloading AppleNET v1.5a. Bear in mind that if you're new to AppleNET, you probably won't be able to run this as-is. AppleNET 1.5a requires ModemWorks 2.1 -- NO OTHER VERSION WILL WORK! ModemWorks 2.1 is available from the Morgan Davis Group. However, since the most recent version of ModemWorks is v3.0, getting v2.1 may be a problem. But, I have heard from some new AppleNET sysops that Morgan has made special arrangements to get them v2.1. I don't doubt Morgan's continued generosity (and service to the Apple II community), but I know that going to the trouble of shipping out copies of v2.1 to new customers may be a pain for him, and that's why we're working to try and get a new, improved version of AppleNET out. Something COMPLETELY written by the "new group"... AppleNET v1.5a, as you may or may not know, was not completely written by me. As a matter of fact, the only reason I have any claim to it is because my name appears as its author. AppleNET is, and has always been, a collective effort of other sysops who have contributed what they thought was a neat addition to AppleNET. The AppleNET authors then decided whether to make those changes standard in future revisions. However, my entrance into the AppleNET world was only fairly recent. A little history of AppleNET here (no exact dates...sorry!), as I believe it. AppleNET was originally started by Kevin D'Haeze in 1988-1989 as a school project. He continued to support AppleNET until version 1.3e, around 1989. AppleNET was then picked up by Larry "WESTARK" Edwards, who took AppleNET and released version 1.3f-1.4a. WESTARK BBS was then opened up to support AppleNET sysops, both current and future. Unfortunately, Larry Edwards died after the release of v1.4a, and AppleNET fell into a state of stagnation between then and November 1991. That's where I come in... I was asked by one of AppleNET's early authors (Erik Kloeppel) to release the version I had at my BBS. I had originally started the BBS with AppleNET v1.4a back in 1990, but had made a considerable number of changes, bug fixes, and other minor improvements. However, in heart, it was still AppleNET v1.4a, and that's clearly evident in the code and the operation of the program. Now that I look back on the release of 1.5 and 1.5a, I realize that the release was somewhat "rushed", and the quality of the overall program probably could've been better. Still, it works, people have told me they like the program, and many do use it. Don't get me wrong -- it's a great BBS program, but it could be a lot better, which is why.................. ....AppleNET v2.0 is under production! This version had been planned quite a while ago, back to 1990 when Larry was still working on AppleNET. That version (2.0) has now become synonymous in the AppleNET world with something great happening to AppleNET, and I intend to keep with that. Being a completely new version, I've decided to rewrite the whole AppleNET BBS system from the ground up. No code from the original will appear in AppleNET v2.0, new file formats have been created, and overall performance has been increased drastically (from what we have right now). Among the newer features of AppleNET v2.0 are: X/Y/Zmodem support, faster userlog searches, a faster message system, a more powerful files system, more flexibility with system events, and a powerful new menu system. There will also be more "bells and whistles" (this is what many have asked for), and it will also support ProTERM Special, ANSI, and standard TTY. And, in keeping with tradition, AppleNET v2.0 will be easy to modify and customize. Everything is written in Applesoft BASIC. Networking is definitely something we've got in mind for AppleNET. I've personally got my heart set on making AppleNET Internet-compatible, but we've run into a couple of obstacles. If you're knowledgeable with the Internet, and know specifics, please get in touch with us at one of the sources listed below. If the Internet option bombs completely, we're considering Fidonet as a backup. This network is much easier to link into, and is an established network -- not as big as the Internet, but still well-worth it. As well, whether EITHER of those options goes through or not, we do have plans for an Internet-based (ok, ok, Internet-lookalike) proprietary network for AppleNET v2.0+, Prime BBS, and possibly Warp 6 BBSes (if Jim Ferr gets in touch with us). Mailers will probably be written to extend support of our network to other systems (eg: IBM BBSes, etc.). It won't be big, but it'll be something nonetheless... Again, if you are knowledgeable in the Internet, and know specifics, please get in touch with us! Contact me at one (or more!) of the following places, in order of preference: Eagle-Eyes' Emporium BBS (514) 337-8844 300/1200/2400 bps We are now the AppleNET flagship! GEnie's A2 Roundtable: Type "m645;1" at any GEnie prompt to get to the A2 BB. Once there, "Set 41" to go to Category 41. We provide AppleNET support in Topics 1 to 3. Don't be shy to post us a question, comment, or anything! My GEmail address is M.POTTER4. Snail Mail: Derek Fong 1837 St. Germain Blvd. St. Laurent, Quebec H4L 3S9 Canada Internet (not recommended): dfong@cam.org I don't particularly recommend this option because I don't know how long I'll have the account. It's quite expensive for an unemployed student to keep paying (month after month) for Internet access, and my account may be gone even as you read this! ---------------- Again, if you are knowledgeable with the Internet, PLEASE get in touch with us! We need specifics, and are quite new to the Internet itself, and any help is greatly appreciated. If possible, it's preferred that you contact us on GEnie, either in the A2 RT (preferable) or GEmail (free).