Re: Apple II Email (Network Connections)

[pubpc1@library.ucla.edu]

Jack Friess <jfriess@wctc.net> wrote:
>**Assumptions/Working Criteria (are there more?)**
>
>Internet e-mail capabilities/access for the A2 from the classroom by kids.
>
>Total hardware/software cost per workstation $100 or less; total hardware/software 
>LAN cost $5,000 or less.

OK, I have a suggestion.  Alltech Electronics sells 20MB hard disk drives
(internal, on a card) for Apple 2e and IIgs computers for LESS THAN $100.

Here is an idea.  Put such a hard disk card in every A2!  This will give
instantaneous storage and functionality to the A2s.  Next, connect each
A2 via a serial connection to a UNIX/Linux box for email.

The terminal program: ProTERM 3.1

Proterm used to be difficult to use, but since v3.0, it operates with
mice and pull down menus.  Furthermore, macros can be written to retrieve
email and send email.  You can write "KidTerm" and "Willow" as macros.
The program is also much easier to use with a hard disk.

Figure $89 for a hard disk on every A2.  $5 for each serial cable.  The
rest of the funds for can be used for a site license for Proterm.

Enlist Darek Taubert to write the Kidterm and Willow macros.

How does that sound?