Supplying 'getting started' software

[Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net>]

     As we get more and more new and returning users, it is certain that there
will be more postings requesting software to get started.

     At one time, local users' groups were everywhere and they took care of
supplying newbies with bootable DOS 3.3 and ProDOS diskettes plus basic
utilities to handle copying and other disk management functions. Since this is
no longer the case, ways to obtain the software via net downloads and transfers
have been developed.

     Even so, there is no getting around the fact that starting from scratch
via net downloads can be a discouraging process. Some new users may enjoy the
'adventure' but others are likely to feel that it is too much bother.

     Really, there is no good reason to insist that new users immediately
become skilled in doing NULL modem transfers and/or hunt for individuals who
will send diskettes. There should be some clear, easy way for users to obtain
basic startup software on disk via mail at a sane price.

     By "basic startup software" I mean items such as ...

DOS 3.3

DOS 3.3 System Master disk
DOS 3.3 BASICS disk
Disk Muncher for quick disk diplication
a Joystick checker/adjustment utility
a simple program selector HELLO
a Text displayer to display docs in Text files


ProDOS

ProDOS v1.9 with ProDOS Utilities
a simple program selector STARTUP
a Text displayer to display docs in Text files
ShrinkIt v3.4 plus Shrink and Unshrink for 64k Apple II's
ADT v1.22, ADTcomm, and ADTgs for disk image transfers
DSK2FILE for handling disk images
Copy II Plus v7.x for general disk management
Modem MGR for general file transfers


     Others may have different ideas about what should be included. So, what
software should be in a 'getting started' package and how should we arrange for
getting the diskettes to new users?



Rubywand