Re: Supplying 'getting started' software

[ladyphoenixxii@my-deja.com]

In article <392C293D.B9DEA04D@swbell.net>,
  rubywand@swbell.net wrote:
>
>      As we get more and more new and returning users, it is certain that there
> will be more postings requesting software to get started.
>
>      At one time, local users' groups were everywhere and they took care of
> supplying newbies with bootable DOS 3.3 and ProDOS diskettes plus basic
> utilities to handle copying and other disk management functions. Since this is
> no longer the case, ways to obtain the software via net downloads and transfers
> have been developed.
>
>      Even so, there is no getting around the fact that starting from scratch
> via net downloads can be a discouraging process. Some new users may enjoy the
> 'adventure' but others are likely to feel that it is too much bother.
>
>      Really, there is no good reason to insist that new users immediately
> become skilled in doing NULL modem transfers and/or hunt for individuals who
> will send diskettes. There should be some clear, easy way for users to obtain
> basic startup software on disk via mail at a sane price.
>
>      By "basic startup software" I mean items such as ...
>
> DOS 3.3
>
> DOS 3.3 System Master disk
> DOS 3.3 BASICS disk
> Disk Muncher for quick disk diplication
> a Joystick checker/adjustment utility
> a simple program selector HELLO
> a Text displayer to display docs in Text files
>
> ProDOS
>
> ProDOS v1.9 with ProDOS Utilities
> a simple program selector STARTUP
> a Text displayer to display docs in Text files
> ShrinkIt v3.4 plus Shrink and Unshrink for 64k Apple II's
> ADT v1.22, ADTcomm, and ADTgs for disk image transfers
> DSK2FILE for handling disk images
> Copy II Plus v7.x for general disk management
> Modem MGR for general file transfers
>
>      Others may have different ideas about what should be included. So, what
> software should be in a 'getting started' package and how should we arrange for
> getting the diskettes to new users?

I've been re-elected to head GSAUG's GS SIG.  Do to the slow attrition of GS
owners attending meetings it's become obvious that we need to do something
that would benefit people who can't or don't want to go online.  Software by
itself isairly easyo come by but written instructions or videos would be
important too.	I took note of your request for such software last year.  One
of the problems that I have addressed with the GSAUG board is that we have an
aggreement with Apple Inc to sell systemoftware only to GSAUG members.	And I
want to get permission to copy the system 6.0.1 manual.  We also honor stware
copywrite.  I will talk to our disk librarian about putting together a disk
such as you propose.  Until we get the go ahead from Apple it will be
available only to members ($25 per annum).  We have a GS disk library of
almost 500 3.5" disks.	We are looking to acquire a copy of the
Sacramento/Davis library.  And we have II/c,IIe,IIc+ library as well as the
Mac library which is offering CDs now.


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