Re: Apple 2s in the classrooms during the 80's

[dalloff@freenet.columbus.oh.us (Dave Althoff)]

Edhel Iaur, Esq. (LOSETHECAPITALWORDSedhel@bigfoot.com) wrote:
: On 6 Aug 1997 21:42:15 GMT, slim150@aol.com (Slim 150) wrote:

: >In the late 80's we used Apple 2s on the classroom.  We were all connected
: >and had to punch in passwords to get into the system.  What might this
: >system be?

: >main frame?

: Could be--Apple //s can emulate terminals, but I'm not sure if they
: could physically connect.  How does a typical VT-52 terminal attach to
: the mainframe?  I'm guessing it isn't via serial cables.

Ah, but it IS via serial cable.

Here at Capital, we are preparing to retire an old computer network in
favor of a new one.  Data travels between buildings on CATV wire, making
use of some mid-band space that the CATV system wasn't using.  In the
building, the signal feeds a multiplexer/demultiplexer that directs the
appropriate data packets to the appropriate serial ports; then serial
cables run from the multiplexers to the terminals, with data moving at a
mind-blowing 9600 baud.  The terminals aren't VT-52's, but it is the same
general idea.  Apples running Procomm or Kermit or ASCII Express
(remember that one?) or whatever would work just as well.

--Dave Althoff, ][.
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