Re: Apple II GS

[Eric Shepherd <sheppy@sheppyware.net>]

in article 20001220100837.07830.00006067@ng-fy1.aol.com, Carolphe at
carolphe@aol.com wrote on 12/20/00 7:08 AM:

> Someone just gave me a Apple II gs. It came with 4 drives and no manuals.
> Being
> a pc user owner I have no clue on how to set all these drives up...actually I
> am completely lost. I tried reading some info online but it is all greek to
> me.
> Does this computer even use anything like windows or is it DOS only? I need
> someone to walk me through the whole thing OR where to get an operators
> manual/s.Would this computer be good for a 7 year old or would it be to hard
> to
> run...

The Apple IIgs is an excellent computer for children to use, once it's
properly set up.  The standard operating system for it looks a lot like the
Macintosh, with windows and menus and the like, just like you're used to
with Windows.  The drives should all plug into the disk port on the back of
the computer (assuming they're the standard type of drives used with the
Apple IIgs, and not just some random drives they found in a box somewhere
:).  Plug the 5.25" drives (the larger ones) in first by plugging one into
the disk port, then the other one into the back of the first.  Then connect
the 3.5" drives by plugging the first into the back of the second 5.25"
drive, and so on.  You can have up to two of each size, but they must be
connected with the 5.25" drives plugged into the computer first.

You'll want to find out how much memory you have, and if there are any
additional enhancement cards installed.  Pop the lid using the two levers on
the back top corners.  Press them in and lift the cover up from the back.
Let me know what cards you find inside, either by name if they're labeled or
by description.

Of particular interest is the special memory slot at the front right corner
of the computer; is there anything in it?  Once you put it all back
together, you can find out how much memory you have by holding down the key
labeled Option while turning the computer on, then picking the option to
enter the Control Panel.  Choose the RAM Disk option using the arrow keys
and see how much your total memory is.

I don't know if you got any software, or additional hardware.  If you would
list exactly what you have, I can help you figure out what else you might
need.  Also, A2Central.com, the online Apple II community I operate, can
provide system disks and the like for $2 per disk (basically our cost of
making and shipping the disks).


-- 
Eric Shepherd
Editor
A2Central.com
Where "Apple II Forever" is a way of life.