Re: Getting started with MicroDrive / ProDos

[savant42 <jbrashars@gmail.com>]

On Nov 13, 7:57 am, savant42 <jbrash...@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Nov 13, 1:35 am, "Bill Buckels" <bbuck...@mts.net> wrote:
>
>
>
> > "savant42" <jbrash...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > >I tried using ciderpress to create a "games" directory on the main
> > >partition, and adding a .dsk file of a game...
>
> > I don't really know where to start... I feel so weary for you... so I'll
> > just give you an overview of what I do and leave it at that.
>
> > 1. I use my CF card for mostly for bootable ProDOS partitions for my
> > Microdrive but find it darned convenient to store disk images upon to create
> > real floppies or to store and transfer disk images from real floppies back
> > to my PC.
>
> > 2. Ciderpress is fabulous for copying and pasting between Microdrive Volumes
> > and files and directories in SHK archives and disk images stored on my PC.
> > Just open them simultaneously and paste between them.
>
> > 3. To get familiar with Ciderpress which is a very very full featured tool,
> > try playing with many different disk images in a good emulator like
> > AppleWin. I did this for years... (and in several other emulators). I also
> > worked with alternate tools like Apple II Oasis just to get the feel of
> > things...
>
> > 4. You got DSK2FILE and Diskmaker 8 bundled on your CF card with your
> > Microdrive. Those are your native diskimage tools:
>
> > This document (link below) has some background info for you as well:
>
> >http://www.aztecmuseum.ca/applecpm/AztecCPMToApple.pdf
>
> > In it I talk about my approach... and also a little about the Microdrive:
>
> > Converting back and forth from Disk Images to Real Apple II Disks
>
> > Two popular native Apple II utilities (DSK2FILE and DISKMAKER.8) can be used
> > to create real DOS 3.3 disks and Apple CP/M disks from disk images. DSK2FILE
> > requires
> > typing. DISKMAKER.8 is menu-driven to a greater extent and easier to use for
> > this reason. DISKMAKER.8 is used exclusively for creating disks from disk
> > images.
> > DSK2FILE can also be used to create disk images from disks. The disk images
> > created by DSK2FILE can be used in either.
>
> > DISMAKER.8http://www.markpercival.net/DM8/
>
> > DSK2FILEhttp://a2central.com/?p=131
>
> > The Microdrive
>
> > Historically a serial cable (called a "NULL Modem" cable) was used to
> > transfer files between the Apple II and other computers. In recent years the
> > use of memory cards to
> > transfer data between computers has become standard. One such card, the
> > Microdrive, allows a compact flash (CF) memory card to be plugged
> > into a Windows XP computer or an Apple II and comes with DISKMAKER.8 and
> > DSK2FILE. It also comes with the Ciderpress program which allows files to be
> > moved
> > back and forth between the Windows computer and the CF memory card. This
> > greatly simplifies moving files back and forth between the Apple II and the
> > Windows computer.
>
> >http://www.reactivemicro.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_29&products_id=31
>
> > 5. Gonna leave this there. You need to wrok with all these things for
> > awhile. Have fun.
>
> > Regards,
>
> > Bill
>
> Bill, thanks for the links, but when you say "I don't really know
> where to start... I feel so weary for you... " you sound like a real
> jerk.
>
> Don't worry, I'll stay off your lawn.

Sorry, that was half cocked of me, but it sure does seem like you're
condescending over someone who claimed from the get go I was a
complete newb at this nearly 30 year old hardware. I do appreciate the
links and will continue to try and learn more.