[comp.sys.apple] Obtaining new updates of older software

Todd_A._Bakal@UB.CC.UMICH.EDU (01/25/89)

Doing a Spring cleaning of PC5, the U of Michigan FTP site.  Yeah, I
know it's early, but the weather outside is Spring-like.  Anyway, I've
received requests for later versions of software.  Case in point:
 
      DCOM is hopelessly out of date.  Jim Hayes said that he would be
           providing version 4.0 a long time ago.  I don't know if he
           still follows this list, but if so, could he speak up on
           availability?  I'll be happy to ftp new files over and re-post
           if that's okay.
 
      ECP is going freeware.  Very nice, Don.  He's going to send the
           object code in 4 bit packing.  Appreciated.
 
      TIC is another story.  I have 1.27 since that's the last version
           that was sent up in 4 bit Executioner form.  If Don wants
           wants to sell directly, would someone contribute the latest
           4 bit version of the Shareware version?
 
      FREETERM doesn't work under GS/OS, I believe.  True?
 
      CHAMELEON doesn't work under GS/OS.  At least, that's what I've
           heard.  Doesn't search below the top few levels of a GS/OS
           partitioned hard drive.  Anyone from LLS want to help out?
 
      DISKWORKS -- GS/OS compatible?  I don't know.
 
      VACCINE doesn't exit in GS/OS properly.  Usually crashes.
 
On the positive note: there are a number of authors providing very timely
updates.  On the thank you list:
 
      KERMIT is kept very up to date by Ted Medin.  The December
           documentation and new version is good.  He's now even
           providing a list of what changes were made in each
           version so you can decide if you need or want the latest.
 
      ZLINK is updated fairly often by David Whitney.  Couldn't do
           that if I were an MIT undergrad.
 
      DAVEX is currently on 1.23.  It's a large package, but David
           has been good about updates.
 
So, that's my list of pros and cons.  The individual authors need not
contribute the software themselves if others will do so for them.  But,
in some cases, if older packages won't work with GS/OS, then it'd be
hard for people to justify sending in shareware checks when they can't
see the software for themselves.
 
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     Todd A. Bakal                        Cubs Magic Number: 163, tied for #1
     U of M Apple User's Group
     Ann Arbor, Michigan
     ARPA: Tabakal@ub.cc.umich.edu        BITnet: Tabakal@UMICHUB