Re: Connecting an Apple ][e to a Mac

[schefflr@news.msus.edu (Bill Scheffler)]

Jim Wong (jimw@vosaic.com) wrote:
: AppleTalk is a different protocol, designed for a different set of needs
: than TCP/IP.  What's more, it doesn't require specific hardware: you can
: run AppleTalk over ethernet, LocalTalk or dialup connections without
: difficulty.

	Exactly.  When I wanted to do a small network at home with some
old machines (two Apple IIgs's, One PowerMac 7200, an ImageWriter II, a
StyleWriter 2400, and an old Apple IIe), AppleTalk (localtalk) was the
only thing that makes sense.  It's inexpensive, and older Macs (I use 
a regular Mac SE) make great file servers with System 7.x+ file
sharing.  Older Macs (like the SE) are being thrown out in truckloads
nowdays, so it's easy to find one CHEAP.
	While my network is only partially realized (Mac SE server only
serves the Apple IIgs's at the moment, I need more connectors to hookup
the rest), it's relatively cheap to do this.  You can't do TCP/IP on a
Apple IIe (unless someone has proven that it can be done).  What about
the printers?  A serial cable switch box?  No thanks.  Just more
wires to get tangled up (which I have enough already).  AppleTalk is a
easy to use network environment.  Everything on the GS side works nicely
together with the Macs.  If you have PCs, then yes, find another option.
	It's NICE to store commonly used apps on a server (since the GS
doesn't get used as much as it used too since I'm at college with a new
machine).  It just reduces setup time (since I have collected a hefty
amount of software over the years, all *purchased* FYI).  The speed
penalty isn't all that great.  A little slower than a hard drive, alot
faster than a floppy.
	The point is, Apple does have some good hardware/software
solutions whether you like them or not.  If you don't fine, just don't
insult those of us who do use it (and are very happy with it).  

: Now, if you want to claim that TCP/IP embodies a more farsighted, scalable
: design than AppleTalk, I certainly won't argue with you.  But AppleTalk
: serves the applications for which it was designed pretty well, and
: provides a remarkable degree of user-level simplicity.

	  Well, some people have a chip on their shoulder when Apple is
concerned.  There's nothing wrong with that, they have their reasons.  
It's just when they flame other people for still using Apple
hardware/software that bugs me...

--
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Bill Scheffler                            | "Good...Bad...I'm the guy with
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