Re: How to get Apple 11+ user on Net

[toddpw@beat.ugcs.caltech.edu (Todd P. Whitesel)]

erik@hypermall.com (Erik Kloeppel) writes:

>In article <3q0g5v$5sc@indy-backup.indy.net>, rkb1962@indy.net (Regina
>Bishop) wrote:
>> My friend has an Apple II+ and wants to hook up on the net
>> but because her computer only has CAPS she can't do it.
>Hmm.. this would be a serious problem indeed, since most internet access
>systems are case sensitive UNIX boxes..

..all of which support terminals with no lower case. If you login with a
username and password that have all upper case letters, the unix box will
set an option on your session so that you see and type A for a and \A for A.
This option was in the very first terminal drivers (because the oldest
terminals needed it) and as far as I know none of the modern unixes have
withdrawn support for it yet.

>> Suggestions?  What's the best way. New keyboard? Simplest
>> method and where to obtain would be appreciated.

>SIMPLEST method would be get a new computer - say, the IIGS.  Way back in
>the darkest recesses of my mind I seem to recall a third party add-on for
>the II+ that allowed for upper/lower case (a ROM update?).  Check with
>Alltech Electronics 619 724 2404

Upgrading a ][+ to properly handle lower case takes two things: a new
character generator ROM, and (on the RFI motherboard which most people have)
a DPDT switch soldered onto the keyboard's daughter board to act as a caps
lock switch. I burnt my own ROM and bought the switch at Radio Shack and
did the soldering myself -- if anybody still has kits to do this it would
be Alltech.

Todd Whitesel
toddpw @ ugcs.caltech.edu