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

[Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net>]

Harley writes ...
> 
> Hello; glad to find your group and hope to find some answers.
> 
>  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.

     Getting onto the net with a IIgs can be challenging and fun-- sort of
like DX-ing foreign shortwave stantions with a crystal set. Practically
speaking, it will probably cost you more money and much more hassle than just
buying a decent PC. Either way, you will want to connect via a standard ISP.

     Once you get a PC connected to the net, you will be able to quickly and
easily download tons of Apple II and IIgs software and transfer it to your
IIgs using a direct NULL modem connection. (For more information about this
see http://home.swbell.net/rubywand/Csa2T1TCOM.html .)



> 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.


     For some 'getting started' info, check out ...

http://home.swbell.net/rubywand/A2FAQs5MAINHALL.html

http://www.concentric.net/~Togega/Apple2/


     Before buying stuff, you might as well set up your IIgs and see how it
works. (The drives are connected in a chain. The 3.5" drives plug in first,
then the 5.25" dirves.)

     Power ON the monitor first and give it about 30 seconds to warm up.
Then, stick in a bootable diskette (into the first 3.5" drive or first 5.25"
drive) and power ON the computer.

     Be sure to notice whether "ROM Version 01" or "ROM Version 3" appears
near the bottom of the screen. If either appears, fine. If no ROM version is
mentioned, you have an early "ROM 00" machine and will need to get the
Version 01 ROM in order to run the current OS (or any recent OS).  Alltech
may still sell these (888-404-8848; http://allelec.com ). If you call
Alltech, a good Apple II person to ask for is Tony Diaz. Some other places to
try are Creative Solutions (937-429-5759;
http://members.aol.com/CreatSltn/index.html ) and MC Price Breakers
(619-476-9839; http://www.mcpb.com ).


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

     The Focus "Hard Card" is a very good choice. Just plug it into Slot 7.
You can get a Focus with the current OS ready to boot for around $100. See
the Alltech site for more information ( http://allelec.com/harddiap.htm ).

     If you do not have at least a 1MB Expansion Memory card plugged in (i.e.
plugged into the special Expansion Memory Slot), then getting a 4MB Sirius
card from Alltech is well worth considering.



Rubywand