Re: Connecting an Apple ][e to a Mac

[shack@onyx.southwind.net (Randy Shackelford)]

Bill Scheffler (schefflr@news.msus.edu) wrote:
: Jim Wong (jimw@vosaic.com) wrote:
: : AppleTalk is a different protocol, designed for a different set of needs
: : than TCP/IP.  What's more, it doesn't require specific hardware: you can
: : run AppleTalk over ethernet, LocalTalk or dialup connections without
: : difficulty.

: 	Exactly.  When I wanted to do a small network at home with some
: old machines (two Apple IIgs's, One PowerMac 7200, an ImageWriter II, a
: StyleWriter 2400, and an old Apple IIe), AppleTalk (localtalk) was the
: only thing that makes sense.  It's inexpensive, and older Macs (I use 
: a regular Mac SE) make great file servers with System 7.x+ file
: sharing.  Older Macs (like the SE) are being thrown out in truckloads
: nowdays, so it's easy to find one CHEAP.

Right on. I just finished building an SE from parts left over from building
an SE/30, plus parts I got out of junk piles for $1 or even free. I plan to
use it as an Appleshare 3.0 server in the localtalk zone on my network, and I
could use it for a web server if I wanted. Not bad for an 8 MHz box which
debuted in '87 and can only use 4 mb of memory.

: 	While my network is only partially realized (Mac SE server only
: serves the Apple IIgs's at the moment, I need more connectors to hookup
: the rest), it's relatively cheap to do this.  You can't do TCP/IP on a
: Apple IIe (unless someone has proven that it can be done).  What about
: the printers?  A serial cable switch box?  No thanks.  Just more
: wires to get tangled up (which I have enough already).  AppleTalk is a
: easy to use network environment.  Everything on the GS side works nicely
: together with the Macs.  If you have PCs, then yes, find another option.

Preach on brother Beavis

: 	It's NICE to store commonly used apps on a server (since the GS
: doesn't get used as much as it used too since I'm at college with a new
: machine).  It just reduces setup time (since I have collected a hefty
: amount of software over the years, all *purchased* FYI).  The speed
: penalty isn't all that great.  A little slower than a hard drive, alot
: faster than a floppy.
: 	The point is, Apple does have some good hardware/software
: solutions whether you like them or not.  If you don't fine, just don't
: insult those of us who do use it (and are very happy with it).  

Yep

: : Now, if you want to claim that TCP/IP embodies a more farsighted, scalable
: : design than AppleTalk, I certainly won't argue with you.  But AppleTalk
: : serves the applications for which it was designed pretty well, and
: : provides a remarkable degree of user-level simplicity.

: 	  Well, some people have a chip on their shoulder when Apple is
: concerned.  There's nothing wrong with that, they have their reasons.  
: It's just when they flame other people for still using Apple
: hardware/software that bugs me...

Or when you talk about how well your stuff works and point out how kludgy
the alternatives are.
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