Simon Williams wrote:
Before I shell out 60 bucks for ProTerm... I was checking it out at <http://www.intrec.com/proterm-a2/> and it all sounds good, but I'm wondering if there is anything else I need (other than a computer and modem). ie: will it work with my regular internet connection? What exactly can a person do online with an Apple ][... I'm assuming flash and streaming audio is out of the question ;-) Can I download from ftp sites for example, or run Lynx or a similar browser? I'm mainly interested in downloading software... there seems to a lot available, but I have no way to transfer it from my iMac to the A2 -- unless someone's willing to invent a USB 5.25 floppy drive (wouldn't that be cool?). In replying, please assume that I don't know what you're talking about, since my experience with the internet consists of plugging the iMac into the phone jack... I'm sure it won't be so user-friendly for the A2. Any help appreciated, Simon Williams
Proterm (as I recall) is very useful software. It is what is called terminal software. This is because it can emulate what used to be called "Dumb Terminals". In addition it has some features which allow it to use a modem to connect to the outside world. There are other features which allow the transfer of files uning ZMODEM protocals from one machine to another. I seem to recall connecting a GS to a DOS PC with a null modem cable. It was a matter of not using any modem commands. Telling the computers they were both online did the trick.
The interface itself is text based. You are not going to get colour or graphics out of it.
To connect with a modem to another computer may be a problem. If the other computer is set up to allow in a direct connection (without going through the SLIP or PPP protocals) then that is half the problem solved. The other problem is being able to run software on the machine you are dialed into (the host machine). If there is no software you can run in terminal mode then you are out of luck. Ideally Proterm is used best to connect with BBSs or *NIX shell accounts.
BBS programs are self contained and will present you with a finite number of options. A shell account will typically connect you with the internet.
Things which may be available with shell accounts. Lynx - a text based web browser. Pine - E-mail and news. nn, tin, rn - news readers. Various programming languages (typically C, Perl, tk, tcl, etc.). Storage - typically in the MB range. Text games - some are quite fun. IRC - it was originally text based and still is. Gopher - I've never figured this one out. Archie, Veronica, Jughead - early search engines. File transfer - sz (send with ZMODEM) and rz (receive with ZMODEM). ftp, ncftp - file transfer from the net to the host.
Over all Proterm is a useful program. You just have to find an appropriate application for it.
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