dvac@drutx.UUCP (VachonD) (08/11/86)
>I haven't touched an Apple in about 2 years, so I'm afraid that I've >gotten a bit out of touch. If someone could help me get up to speed by >answering some questions I'd really appreciate it. > >I've now got an Apple //e, Duo disk drive, 64K and another 64K on the >80 column card and a Panasonic printer. I've ordered an internal >"Hayes Command Compatible" modem, with the option to return in 30 days. > >Questions are: > 1) What's a communications program that's cheap? For > example, does Kermit exist for the //e? Is there anything that > supports XMODEM file transfers? I don't need a lot of fancy stuff, > but I'd like to XMODEM files to CompuServe and kermit them to a VAX. ASCII Express "The Professional" is the BEST terminal program available for the Apple. It runs around $120, but it has everything!! As for Kermit, it is available for the Apple line of computers, but works only with a modem that is connected to the Apple via a Super Serial Port. AE Pro supports XMODEM. > > 2) I was vaguely aware that an upgrade came out for the //e that > gave it the extras that the //c has, but at the time I didn't have > a //e. Can anyone tell me if it's necessary (i.e. is new software > not going to run on an unenhanced machine?), and roughly what it > costs? I don't know a whole lot about the enchanced //e kit. I believe it is just the 65c02 Microprocessor that is the main part of this enchancement kit. The Microprocessor itself allows more machine language opcodes, plus a few bugs were fixed. > > 3) How does one tell whether or not a modem is "good"? This one > they said ran on all commercial software they had tried with the > exception of ASCII Express--is this good or bad? > The best modem you can get for the money on an Apple, is the Novation Apple Cat II modem. You could probably find one for $150 or less, and plus, if you want, you can upgrade to a 212(1200 baud) or a 2400 baud system with an expansion unit. The "stock" Apple Cat II, comes with Com-Ware II software which is really pretty good, then "The Cat" also has built into it, a 202 mode which allows 1200 baud at half duplex...Which allows you to transfer files with other "Cat" owners using free-ware programs like cat-fur or disk-fer.... The "Cat" also has a BSR unit, a cassette interface that allows an answering machine program to answer the phone with a synthesized voice, created from the Apple Cat itself, then records the message on a cassette. There are music synthesizers, quick-dialers, etc....for "The Cat"...The Cat has the most software & hardware expansions out right now. The hayes modem just isn't the top of the market like it used to be before the Apple Cat came out. Now, it can't even compete. Like I said above, ASCII Pro (express) is the best terminal program out!! Well, hope this helps everyone out... Take it easy....Later Days -=> Dan Vachon <=- The Laboratory BBS System - 300/1200 baud - (303)-423-3156 (^^^ Run on an Apple Cat with a 212 expansion card, on a II+ with 6 disk drives^^)
mikec@tekred.UUCP (Mike Combs) (08/21/86)
The Apple //e enhancement kit includes new roms, a new character set, and the 65c02 processor. All newer Apple //e's now being sold have this built in. Features in the new roms include: support for the mini-assembler, enhanced disassembler for 65c02 opcodes, an enhanced monitor, and 'fixed' basic commands for tabbing out past column 40 with the 80 column card. The new character set is made up of icons, such as Apples, check marks, and parts to draw windows with. This may cause some incompatibility with older software; SOME inverse upper case displays may wind up looking like icons. The best terminal program depends on what you want to do with it. I prefer Softerm2 over Ascii Express Pro because it supports a wider variety of modems and interface cards. It can handle up to 9600 baud. It has a more capable macros, for automatic logins and downloading, etc. It emulates more terminals. It can read CP/M and Pascal formatted disks and transfer those files. These are all things AE Pro cannot do as well, or at all. It is from Softronix, about $195. It runs under DOS 3.3. (Though it can transfer ProDOS files as well.) Ascii Pro is less expensive, and is handy if you don't need the extra features. It is also designed for and good at running unattended as a BBS or something so people can call your computer and download files from you. It runs under ProDOS. I find that most AE Pro users just never heard of Softerm2 before they bought. To my knowledge, there are no other terminal programs that even come close to these two in features. Both of these use the xmodem protocol. Kermit can be found on GEnie for the Apple //. Hope this helps...mac ------------------------------ Mike A. Combs "Specialization is for insects." - R.A. Heinlein