Re: New IIGS owner, looking for help/resources

[Polymorph <mike.a.stephens@gmail.com>]

On Sep 27, 2:26 am, Chris Hafner <hafner.s...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi everybody,
>
> I'm a long-time PC guy who just picked up a IIGS on a bit of a whim -
> I remember my time on IIe and IIc machines fondly, and always thought
> the IIGS seemed like an incredibly cool computer. I got a system with
> the CPU, Kensington System Saver, the RGB monitor, and 3.5 and 5.25
> inch floppies. They're in good condition, and the seller was able to
> boot up to Oregon Trail.
>
> However, the system didn't come with keyboard, mouse or any software.
> I've already ordered keyboard/mouse, and they're on the way, but the
> software has me a bit confused. If anybody could help me out, or at
> least point me in the right direction, I'd much appreciate it.
>
> - When I boot without anything in the drives, I get a message like
> "Check Boot Devices" (don't remember the exact terminology) and an
> animated apple bouncing between the sides of the screen. Don't these
> computers have a basic form of OS or at least BASIC in ROM?
>
> - I remember the IIGS having a GUI - either GEOS or a proprietary
> Apple software. I would assume you boot that off floppy and then swap
> floppies to load other software? How much software needs to be loaded
> this way and how much is self-booting?
>
> - Do I need ProDOS to do anything (or GS OS)?
>
> - I've been looking around for ways to get software to the IIGS, and
> it sounds like it's pretty difficult from a PC. There are a bunch of
> resources out there, but they either seem to be old with lots of
> broken links, or way above my head. Any hints on good places to go or
> things to buy to make this a bit easier (or at least to help me
> understand)?
>
> - Any must-have pieces of software for the II or IIGS specifically?
>
> Sorry for all the questions, but I'd love to really do this right. And
> again, any help would be incredibly appreciated.
>
> Thanks!
> Cheers,
> Chris Hafner

Hi Chris and welcome!

In addition to what others have said, two "not to be missed" web sites
are:
    1) the Apple II FAQ which discusses a whole range of Apple II
(including IIgs) questions you might have (http://apple2.org.za/gswv/
a2zine/faqs/faqstext/A2FAQs1START.html); and
    2) "What Is The Apple IIgs" - an excellent web site containing a
whole range of IIgs specific software (http://
www.whatisthe2gs.apple2.org.za).

I'm sure you'll be amazed at what can be accomplished on your newly
acquired Apple; and you'll almost certainly have fun along the way. I
know I did and still do.  :-)

Cheers,
Mike
http://apple2.sytes.net/