Re: Apple ][ plus - no OS

[Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net>]

"Jim L." writes ...

>>
Hi all, I just acquired a 1979 Apple 2 plus machine with 2 5.25" floppy drives
(made by �sci, with card) and a Zenith data systems monitor and no software.
  
I can get it to start in Applesoft Basic even though the drive spins, I just 
hit reset.  How can I get my hands on an OS (I think 3.3)?
<<

     There are several ways. You could look for a local users' group and get
DOS 3.3 plus lots more from the group library. Or, you might check schools
which may use Apple II's. If there is no close-by source, you can email
someone on Csa2 and offer to pay for a diskette.

     If your Apple II has a serial card or serial port, you can download
dos33dmp.zip, unzip the file using WinZIP, and follow the directions to
transfer DOS 3.3. (For more about this, go to GS WorldView: March 2000 at
http://www.grin.net/~cturley/gsezine/GS.WorldView/v2000/Mar/index.html and
click on "Transfer DOS 3.3".)


>>
  How can I get any software or blank discs?  I also have a PC connected to
the internet.
<<

     Once you have at least DOS 3.3, you can transfer ADT v1.22 and use it to
transfer all sorts of software available on .dsk disk image files. Once you
get a telecom program that will run on your II+ (like Modem MGR), you will be
able to transfer software in ShrinkIt files. (For more info see
http://home.swbell.net/rubywand/Csa2T1TCOM.html .)


>>
Would any of these solutions work?
Get an external 5.25 drive for my PC and download Apple disk images to it.
<<

     No. A PC can not write Apple II disks without the addition of special
hardware such as a Trackstar board. A modern 5.25" PC drive would probably not
work with the Trackstar. You would need to plug an Apple II drive into the
Trackstar board. For more about Trackstar, see
http://home.swbell.net/rubywand/Csa2HDWHACK.html#018 or go to
http://www.grin.net/~cturley/USA2WUG/TrackStar/ and read the info files there.


>>
Get a 3.5 drive for the Apple 2 (I think I need a card) Or possibly connect
the Apple to the PC via serial cable (I think I would need a card, the only
'ports' are for cassette and the monitor)
<<

     Getting a serial card, modem cable, and NULL modem adaptor is a good
idea. With a NULL modem connection established, you will be well on your way
to building a solid collection of interesting and useful Apple II software.




Rubywand