Re: New to Apple II gs: Hard drive??

[CUTblakeney@home.com (Jeff Blakeney)]

On Wed, 7 Jun 2000 03:47:36 -0500 (CDT), hardee2@webtv.net (Harley)
wrote:

> I was given an apple but know nothing about pc's. Reading your posts I
>understand I need a hard-drive to get on the internet. As you can see I
>can access to the net with webtv so maybe I can get by with out the
>hard-drive.

Well, strictly speaking, you don't NEED a hard drive to get on the
internet with an Apple IIgs but it certainly will allow you to do more
and do it with less hassles.

You can create a System 6.0.1 boot disk that includes Marinetti (the
software that lets you connect to the internet) and if you don't use
the Finder but put some other program on there like the telnet program
included with Marinetti, gwftp or gsAIM then you can use them to
telnet, transfer some small files via FTP or do AOL Instant Messaging.

However, using this method you can't use Spectrum which requires a
hard drive.  Spectrum is a much more powerful telnet program (as well
as a regular dial-up communications program) with an incredible
scripting language.  There are a couple of scripts available for
Spectrum that allow you to do web browsing and e-mail.  They are
called Spectrum Internet Suite (aka SIS) and Spectrum Automated Mailer
(aka SAM).

>I would like to get my apple II operating; I think I have everything
>needed; a 3.5 & 5.25 drive, stack of what seems to be set-up help and
>games,also a monitor,  keyboard, mouse, and an Imagewriter II with a
>stack of hinged paper.
>I also have the book with step by step set-up help, but a little scared
>to get started.

Sounds like you have lots to help you get the hang of using your new
machine.

>1. What type of hard drive would you suggest, and where can I find one?

The only hard drive solution you can get new at present is a Focus
from Alltech Electronics.

     http://www.allelec.com

>2. What are my printers limits, and will it accept other printers?

The ImageWriter II is a 9 pin dot matrix printer but still has rather
impressive output.  The maximum resolution it can give is 160x144 dots
per inch.  That printer is also capable of colour output if you put a
colour ribbon cartridge in it.  However, the colour output isn't all
that impressive but it can come in handy as long as you keep it
simple.

The Apple IIgs, with the proper serial cable, can be used with many
brands and models of serial printers.  It can also be used with some
AppleTalk printers.  If you can get a parallel interface card, then
there are lots of parallel printers you can use with the Apple IIgs as
well.

Many modern inkjet, bubblejet and laser printers can be used in
addition to the older dot matrix printers.  Check out Joe Kohn's site
for information about Harmonie, a collection of printer drivers and
what printers it supports.

     http://users.foxvalley.net/~joko

>3. Any does and don'ts for a newbie setting this up?

Don't insert or remove interface cards from the slots with the power
on.  In fact, it is probably best to avoid plugging in or unplugging
anything from the computer with the power on to avoid damaging
anything.

Other than that, I can't seem to think of anything else off the top of
my head.  If you are unsure of something, ask here or the A2 forums on
Delphi (see my signature for URLs) and someone will give you an
answer.

+------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Jeff Blakeney - Dean of the Apple II University in A2Pro on Delphi     |
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