Apple III dos, manual and help needed

[soderburg@ccsua.ctstateu.edu]

I have aquired an Apple 3 business machine.  I don't own a PC so I don't
even know how to use it.  I was told when I received it that It needed the
dos to get it up and running.  Can anyone help me out.  What I have is a
hard drive without a place to put a 5-1/4 disk.  A keyboard attached to a
box with a slit for a disk.  A monitor and a seperate disk drive.  I was
given the flat cable to attach one thing to another.  Sounds like I could
use a manual if one still exists.  I know nothing about this machine and
quite possibly am wasting my time.  I was told that the dos is all I need.
If you can copy one or have a copy you can part with I would be very 
greatful.  If this is big bucks is anyone interested in parts?  I don't know
how old this thing is either.  Any advise would be greatfully appreciated.
Please e-mail me if you can help.  Otherwise I'll have a great boat anchor.