Apple /// questions - yes, I can count!

[The Blue Meanie <bluemeanie@quality.NOSPAM.net>]

Sorry to post this here - I realize that /// is one more than ][ - but
there actually seem to be a few people here (in amongst all the moronic
drivel going on) who can probably provide the insight I need.

Let me set out two facts first.  YES, I *have* read the Apple /// FAQ.
Please don't tell me to go read it again.  And NO, *none* of the software
I mention below is pirated.  Please don't accuse me of such and start in
on any anti-piracy tirades.  With that out of the way, here goes.

I recently acquired an Apple ///+ (yes, the plus belongs there).  It has
the newer //e-style keyboard, and apparently 256K was installed at the
factory.
In addition, this particular one came with a brand new(!) 5 Meg ProFile
and controller, a Universal Parallel Interface Card, the Titan ///+// and
///+//e pair of cards, and an AppleColor 100 RGB monitor (the motorized
tilt one).  It looks to be about as well-equipped as a /// could ever be,
save for the ProFile being 10 Megs.  I want to do the computer justice by
keeping it in active use.  In order to do this, I have a series of
questions I need answered.  Any CONSTRUCTIVE input is welcomed, either in
personal e-mail or in the group.

1> I have begrudgingly come to terms with the fact that the current
set-up will not boot from the ProFile, but it's REALLY annoying.  Is
there a change that can be made to either the computer or the ProFile
controller to allow it to be the boot device?

2> SOS does not seem to have a "quit" mechanism like ProDOS 8 does.  Is
there a program-selector style application that will allow me to launch
an .interp file of my choosing, hopefully from the ProFile?

3> In the absence of both the ability to boot the ProFile and a selector,
it would seem that the ProFile is resigned to simple data file storage.
What would be the logic of having 5 Megs of fixed storage that can't be
used to run applications from?

4> I have VisiCalc /// (with manuals), which appears to be copy-
protected.  Considering the age of these disks, I would like to make a
copy to keep in reserve.  Is there a bit-copier for the Apple ///
somewhere?  If there's a program selector available (as mentioned in #2),
is there any way to remove VisiCalc's protection and have it installed on
the ProFile (with the original tucked away in storage, of course)?

5> I have no software or documentation relating to the Titan ///+// and
///+//e cards.  I understand these give reasonably good 64K Apple ][+ and
128K(?) unenhanced //e compatibility (as opposed to the 48K ][/][+
Emulation disk included with the ///).  Does someone have a set of
manuals and disks for these cards they would sell me?  Can the cards be
modified to behave as an enhanced //e instead?  I figure the CPU in the
/// can be changed to a 65C02 pretty easily, right?  What else might be
required?

6> I have the Apple drivers for the UPIC, but no documentation or cable.
Has anyone got instructions and pinouts for this card?  A cable maybe?

7> There was a precursor to AppleWorks called 3EZ Pieces (WP, SS, DB,
file-card motif) available for the Apple ///.  Considering how bad the
AppleWriter /// I have is (blech), and that VisiCalc is copy-protected, I
would like to acquire 3EZ Pieces.  Can anyone sell me disks and manuals?

8> There is apparently a better Operating System than SOS (not too hard
to do) available for the /// mentioned in the FAQ along with the name of
the author.  What is not mentioned is WHERE to get this OS.  Can anyone
point me to a place to get/purchase this new Operating System?

9> I have two Disk /// external disk drives from an Apple ///(non-plus).
However, the ///+ has a DB-25 external disk connector, not a DIP-20.
Rather than hunt for Disk /// drives with DB-25 connectors, which are
likely near impossible to find, can I alter these Disk ///s to connect?
Pinouts of the DB-25 and the DIP-20 would be sufficient, since I'm handy
with a soldering iron.  Or does someone have two Disk ///s with DB-25s
they'd trade for my Disk ///s with DIP-20s?

10> Anyone got a set of ProFile low-level format ROMs and software they'd
sell me?  Just in case...

11> Are there any real Apple /// "power users" or "gurus" out there that
would be willing to share their knowledge of how they've made good use of
their machine and what it's really capable of?

That's it.  I know that's a lot to ask, but I really do want this machine
to do something other than just sit like a museum piece and look cool.
It'll never replace my //e or IIgs, of course, but I'd feel bad if it
just rotted away.

*** The Blue Meanie
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