Re: Simple Questions from non-Apple ][ user

["Seth D. Kadesh" <thes+@CMU.EDU>]

schroede@eagle.sangamon.edu (Ray Schroeder) writes:
> I have some simple questions.  First off, though, let me give you the
> context of the questions.  I am working with three rural school
> districts on giving them access to Internet.  We have given them
> sign-ons at our site and have configured their IBM (can I say that in
> this list?) for dial-up access to our site.  But, in working with the

As long as you don't say it too loud :-)

> teachers it has become clear to me that the only effective way to get
> them real time on the system is to give them computers to take home
> (they have no time during the school day to get on line).  It happens
> that each of the schools has a number of Apple ][ computers gathering
> dust.  So, my big idea is to get cheap 2400 baud modems, appropriate
> cables and software and send them home with teachers.
> 
> My questions are these:
> 
> 1)  What is a good cheap communications software program that will run
> on the Apple ][?  How much does it cost (approx)?   Where can I get it?

There are some shareware and/or freeware communcations programs
available on the 'net.  These programs provide minimal capabilities
(which may be all the teachers require).

You haven't mentioned what model Apple II they have.  If they have IIe
(a likely possibility) then they can also use a program called
Proterm.  I'll let someone else elaborate on that....

> 2)  I guess that one must use an external modem?  Any advice on a
> decent, cheap external modem for this purpose?  How much?  Where?

Cheap external 2400 baud modems might be hard to find when some places
are selling 14.4 modems for $99....

> 3)  I understand that a special cable is required to get to the serial
> port on Apple ][ machines.  What is the cable?  How much does it cost?
> Where can I get it?

There isn't a serial port on the Apple II series (discounting the IIc
and IIgs).  You would need to add a card, which should include the
cable.

Quality Computers might be able to work some kind of
educational/discount package for everything.  You'll have to get the
number from someone else, though.

  Seth ---> thes+@cmu.edu  | "Heading for the great escape.
---------------------------   Heading for the rave.
It is not enough to watch. |  Heading for the permanent holiday."
Have foot, will insert.    |    _Brave_, Marillion '94