goodin2@pro-charlotte.UUCP (Susan Goodin) (09/28/87)
TECH TIDBITS
SPECIAL ON-LINE SERVICES EDITION P
March through August, 1987 Apple II - Volume IV
APPLE II FAMILY
IIgs VGC and ROM Upgrade
========================
There are two free upgrades available for the IIgs:
THE ROM UPGRADE corrects some minor bugs and provides some enhancements for
future software releases.
THE VGC UPGRADE corrects screens that may be cosmetically flawed in various
modes of display.
Quick Serial Number Identification for Who Needs What
-----------------------------------------------------
Check the first three numeric characters of the serial number on the bottom of
the IIgs.
Units with numbers 704 or lower require both the new VGC and ROM
Units with numbers 705 - 724 (inclusive) require only the new ROM
Units with numbers 725 or higher do NOT require any upgrade
However, since some customers may have had logic board swaps since they
purchased their systems, it may be necessary, or at least prudent, to double
check the VGC and ROM numbers themselves against the numbers below:
Old ROM ENDS IN "A" New ROM: ENDS IN "B"
Defective VGCs Good VGCs Good Replacement VGC
--------------- ---------- ---------------------
AMI 344S0046-1 AMI 344S0046-2 AMI 344S0046-3
AMI 344S0046-A AMI 344S0046-B IMP 344S0046
IMP 344S0056
To obtain your VGC and/or ROM upgrade, please call your local dealer and find
out how he is handling the orders for upgrades. Please keep in mind that he
has to order the upgrades, and there may be a waiting list.
Control Characters Needed for AppleWorks
========================================
Q: Can you tell me what control characters are needed for AppleWorks using a
Grappler or a PKASO card?
Q: What is the correct control code for a Tymac card?
Q: What printer control code do I need to send for a Practical Peripherals or
Microtek card?
A: The printer control codes required for AppleWorks for the cards are listed
below. Since some cards have been updated/upgraded by the vendor, you may
need to try both the listings provided to determine which one is correct:
CARD CONTROL CHARACTERS
------------------- ------------------
PKASO Control-I 0N
Tymac or Microtek Control-I 99N or Control-I 255N
Practical Peripherals Control-I N
Grappler Control-I 0n or Control-I N
Access II - Why Won't It Save?
=============================
Q: A customer is using Access II version 1.2 on a 128K IIe to connect to
Easylink. When he attempts to record information using the Command Open-Apple
R command, he gets a message that says "File is full. Enter name for file or
type Temp." At this point he is stuck. He cannot get past this point no
matter what he does. Even using a blank formatted disk at this point does not
help. Can you give some insight to this problem?
A: From your description of the problem, it would appear that Access II has
filled up its recording file which, by default, is located on the Access II
program disk. Normally, typing TEMP will take care of the problem. However,
if the disk to which he is trying to write is full, then he will not be
allowed to save to the TEMP file either. He will have to insert a formatted
diskette with adequate space on it to which to save the file, and type in the
complete pathname to which he wants data to be saved. For example, his disk
(volume) may be named Data, and he may want to save the file as "download."
He would insert the disk, type "/Data/download", and press return.
To change the default settings permanently for the downloads to a different
disk, select the "Set Up Communications" option from the main Access menu.
Choose option 7, "Close the Recording File and Open a New One" to specify a
different ProDOS pathname for the recording file. To make this change
permanent, select the option to "Save the current ACCESS configuration" from
the Set Up Menu.
DVORAK - All Keyed Up and Nowhere to Go!
========================================
Q: The IIgs manual refers to the DVORAK keyboard, but I can't find it. Where
is it?
A: You can activate the DVORAK Keyboard layout by entering the Control Panel
and accessing the Options. Use the up/down arrow to highlight Keyboard, then
your left or right arrow to step through the various foreign language keyboard
layouts until you come to DVORAK, then press RETURN. You MUST press RETURN to
select.
Booting with AppleWorks
=======================
Q: What is involved in making the Hard Disk 20SC the start up device running
AppleWorks on an Apple IIe?
A: The simplest way is to:
1. Format the HD20SC, then copy the file ProDOS onto it. Now, copy
AppleWorks to the HD20SC, making sure that the APLWORKS.System is the FIRST
system file on the disk after ProDOS(first file with ".System" as the last
part of its name). Copy Basic.System to the hard drive. Now, the hard disk
will auto book AppleWorks automatically.
2. If the HD20SC is already formatted, and the customer does not wish to
reformat his drive, and Basic.System is the FIRST system file after ProDOS, he
can utilize a simple Startup program to invoke AppleWorks such as that listed
below. The one line program should be saved as "Startup."
10 PRINT CHR$(4)"-APLWORKS.SYSTEM"
In order for this startup program to work, AppleWorks files must be on the
root directory along with Basic.System. If AppleWorks is not on the same
directory, modify the program to reflect its location, e.g.
10 PRINT CHR$(4)"PREFIX /VOLUMENAME/DIRECTORYNAME"
20 PRINT CHR$(4)"-APLWORKS.SYSTEM"
Visi-Visi-AppleWorks
====================
Q: How can I import a VisiFile file over to AppleWorks? I follow the
instructions for DIF files, but when AppleWorks reads the data, it only reads
for a second or two, then stops, and no data is read in. My DIF file is 108K
in length.
A: There are two mildly incompatible DIF formats. The one used by AppleWorks
and VisiCalc is the newer version, while VisiFile uses the older version.
AppleWorks can read in only the newer version, while VisiCalc can read in
both. In order to transfer VisiFile to AppleWorks, you would have to port the
VisiFile file through VisiCalc to put it into the new format in order to get
AppleWorks to read it.
IIGS Hidden Desk Accessory
==========================
Here are 2 things you can do with the Apple IIGS that you may not find in any
of the manuals:
1) Turn on the Apple IIGS with no disks in any disk drives, so that the "Check
Startup Device" message appears. When you get the message, hold down the
Command, Option, Control, and N keys to see the names of those who developed
the computer!
2) Get the Apple IIGS into BASIC. From the BASIC prompt, enter the Monitor by
typing CALL -151. Then type =e and press Return, then FF/1800X and press
Return. [Make sure you type in a LOWER case "e".] Next, type Control-C and
press Return, bringing you back into BASIC. Now access the Control Panel
(with a Command-Control-Escape keypress). You'll see a new desk accessory
called Memory Peeker!
Quick File Expansion?
=====================
Q: Is there any way that I can get Quick File to recognize the memory
expansion in my Apple?
A: No. Quick File will not recognize extra memory. It was written under
PASCAL 1.0 and can only address 64K. AppleWorks, which has greatly expanded
capabilities, may be the solution. Quick File files can be readily converted
into AppleWorks files.
APPLE III FAMILY
Apple //e Emulation on an Apple III
===================================
Titan Technologies, Inc. has a product called the III Plus II. This board
allows an Apple III to emulate an Apple IIe. It features standard Apple II
game ports, and comes in three flavors, 16K, 64K and 128K of RAM.
Titan Technologies, Inc. * P. O. Box 8050 * 310 W. Ann * Ann Arbor, MI * 48017
* Customer Support: (313) 662-8545 * Sales: (313) 662-7777.
DISK DRIVES
ProFile on Any Other System...
==============================
Q: I have several users who have asked whether a ProFile used on an Apple III
or on a Macintosh XL will work on any other system. They are considering
buying IIe's and IIgs' but don't want to find themselves having to use their
ProFiles for doorstops or paperweights!
A: Mighty expensive doorstops and paperweights they'd make, to be sure!
Fortunately, however, the ProFile is compatible with both the IIe and the
IIgs, and can be used on both systems after they are reformatted. Be sure to
check page 5.4 in the GS Technical Procedures manual for information on
modifying the ProFile interface card for use with the GS.
Which 800K Drive Can I Use?
===========================
Q: I have just connected an Apple 3.5 Drive to my Apple //c and cannot get the
system to acknowledge the drive. What am I doing wrong?
Answer: Below is a chart showing 800K 3.5 Drive compatibility for all Apple
CPU's:
//e | //c | //GS | Macintosh | Macintosh II
| | | 128K/512K/512KE |
| | | Macintosh Plus |
Drive | | | Macintosh SE |
=====================|=======|=======|==================|=====================
UniDisk 3.5 X | X | X | | External diskette
(white case) | | | | Drives not
A2M2053 | | | | Supported
---------------------|-------|-------|------------------|---------------------
Apple 3.5 | | X | X | External diskette
(platinum case) | | | | Drives not
A9M0106 | | | | Supported
---------------------|-------|-------|------------------|---------------------
Macintosh 800K Ext. | | | X | External diskette
(beige case) | | | | Drives not
M0131 | | | except 128K | Supported
==============================================================================
FEATURE ARTICLE
Access II Auto-Logon Procedure for CompuServe
by Sue Goodin
One of the most frustrating activities that any user can get involved in is
writing macros for "auto-logon procedures" for various commercial services - I
know, because I've done it with every Terminal Program I've ever owned - and I
have a proclivity for collecting the darned things! Of course, SOME
programmers have the good sense to provide the program with a "watch me"
function that allows a user to capture the manual logon sequence, and then
write that sequence out as a macro for future use (which is what EVERY
terminal program today should be able to do...[smile]). For those programs,
however that don't provide a self-writing macro or "watch me" feature, the
trouble, hair-pulling, and gnashing of teeth necessary to write macros is
directly proportional to the complexity and sophistication of the macro
language.
Apple's Access II's command language is a prime example. It is powerful...but
it also tends to be less than easy to manipulate unless one is fairly
proficient with programming and programming languages. This is not a
reflection on Access' macro language, which is excellent, only a statement of
fact. If you have never programmed a line in your life, you will probably be
stumped... which is why discovering that the macro file for logging on to
CompuServe that comes with your Access II, Version 1.2 disk doesn't work is
all the more frustrating.
Help is near at hand however, and the autologon procedure listed below WILL
work with Apple, Hayes, and Courier modems. It has been tested on those three
modems at 300, 1200, and 2400 baud. It will probably work on any Hayes
compatible modem, though we haven't the specific hardware to test it further.
Enjoy!
To implement this, boot up AppleWorks or your favorite word processing program
that can read/save in a ASCII text file format. Type in this file, and name
it CompuServe. Write or save this file as a TEXT (ASCII) file to disk.
Transfer this text file to your Access File. Now, follow normal procedures
for setting up autologon as described in your Access manual.
@!! This command file provides:
@DL
@DL Auto-Logon to CompuServe
@DL
@!! (See below for instructions on entering your password into
@!! this command file)
@C8
@WS3
@XC'003
@MC
@ML1LOG1
@MU1:
@MS1^C
@MT
@JPERRS
@LBLOG1
@!! 1. Enter your User ID on the line indicated below.
@!! 2. Enter your password on the line indicated below.
@!! 3. Save the modified command file onto your Access II disk
@!! as an ASCII file.
@!! WARNING: Once you have saved your password onto disk, do
@!! not allow anyone to copy or play with your disk. If they
@!! do, they will be able to copy your password!!
@MC
@ML1LOG2
@MU1V
@MS1ID
@MT
@JPERRS
@LBLOG2
@WS1
Put your CompuServe ID on this Line
@MC
@ML1LOG3
@ML2LOG2
@MU1V
@MU2V
@MS1Password
@MS2ID
@MT
@JPERRS
@LBLOG3
@WS1
Put your Password on this Line
@JPFIN2
@LBERRS
@DL
@DL
@DLLOG-ON ERROR: INCORRECT RESPONSE FROM HOST COMPUTER. AUTOLOG-ON TERMINATED.
@DLYOU MAY RETRY DIAL-A-SERVICE OR ATTEMPT MANUAL LOG-ON.
@DL
@DL
@LBFINI
@LBFIN2
@DL
@DL
@DLAUTOLOGON TO COMPUSERVE COMPLETED
@DL
@DL
FEATURE ARTICLE
The Apple Magazines - An Important Resource
One of the most often overlooked resources that any Dealer can have on hand
are the Apple specific magazines: They are full of excellent articles,
reviews and advertisements that can add greatly to your list of resources.
This week, we would like to features some of those magazines.
The Macintosh Buyer's Guide
---------------------------
This publication is published Quarterly by Redgate Publishing Company, and
includes:
NEW PRODUCT LISTINGS, which includes a description of products that have
become available since their last issue.
DIRECTORY, which includes every product listed in the Mac Buyer's Guide Data
Base, arranged by category.
REVIEWS, which include a number of reviews written by indepenedent reviewers
and users, not based on product information provided by vendors.
ARTICLES, staff written, that reflect Mac Buyer's Guide's impression of
products and subjects.
Subscription Information: 305/231-6904
MacUSER
-------
MacUser is published monthly by Ziff-Davis Publishing Co. Its regular
features include the following departments:
LETTERS in which readers comment on products and other issues
NEW ON THE MENU which has the latest updates and rumors
QUICK CLICKS which include short reviews of products
TIP SHEETS providing Mac hints, tips and shortcuts
MINIFINDERS which contains hundreds of mini-reviews
STRIP SHOW - a page of programs for Softstrip format
ENTERTAINMENT, RESOURCES and FEATURE ARTICLES
Subscription Information: 1/800-MAC-USER
MACWORLD
--------
MacWorld is published monthly by PC World Communications, Inc., and includes
the following departments:
MACWARE REVIEWS which contain short assessments of a number of products
OPEN WINDOW which is an exchange of Mac discoveries and tips
COMMUNITY which reports on the use of Macs in foreign countries
LETTERS [from readers]
MACWORLD VIEW
GET INFO
FEATURE ARTICLES and MAJOR REVIEWS
Subscription Information: 800/525-0643
NIBBLE [Apple II Family]
------
Nibble is published monthly by MicroSPARC and includes:
FEATURE ARTICLES
REVIEW BOARD containing feature length reviews of products
A WIDE RANGE OF Application/utility/entertainment/educational type-in
program listings.
LETTERS FROM READERS
ON THE SCENE - Difficult questions from readers answered
NIBBLE SOFTWARE CATALOG - Nibble type in programs available on disk
THE NIBBLE HOT LIST - top selling software listing
Subscription Information: 617/371-1660
NIBBLE MAC [Macintosh Family]
----------
Similar in layout and content to NIBBLE. Published also by MircroSPARC.
Subscription Information: As noted above.
A+
--
A+ is published by Ziff-Davis Publishing Co., and contains these departments:
LETTERS from readers
NEWS+ which is an "inside" source for developments and trends in the
personal-computer industry
GRAPHICS
BOOKS, providing information about Apple, computer and programming related
publications
RESCUE SQUAD, containing questions from readers about problems they are
having
PIPELINE, a compendium of new products for the entire Apple-computer line
THOUGHTWARE, a monthly column covering various Apple topics
THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT, which contains reviews of several entertainment
programs
REVIEWS
FEATURE ARTICLES
Subscription Information: Ziff-Davis Publishing, One Park Ave., NY, NY 10016
Each of these publications features a Product Information Reader Service Card
for obtaining more information about all the products mentioned in the
magazine, each issue.
These magazines can become an invaluable source for those consumer questions
that start out "Do you know if there's a program that will..." or "Do you know
if XXX can do...", and the price of a subscription for your store can
potentially reward you with satisfied customers and increased sales.
TECH.EAST
International AppleCare?
========================
Q: Is there such a thing as International AppleCare? Or is AppleCare
purchased in the US valid overseas?
A: AppleCare purchased in the U.S. is valid only in the U.S., and there is no
International AppleCare. Some foreign countries offer an extended warranty,
but most do not. You would need to query the dealers in each country
individually to determine if they offer AppleCare. For the addresses of the
Apple International Service Offices, please refer to your Apple Service
Programs Binder under Level II, beginning with page 4.1.4.
Apple's limited warranty is valid only in the country of purchase. A
defective unit must be returned to the country of purchase if service is
desired under warranty. Apple dealers overseas are capable of servicing the
equipment designed for their country only.
Copyright, August 14,1987 Apple Computer, Inc., East Coast Technical Support.
Permission is hereby granted for the use of Tech Tidbits, in part or in whole,
in any non-commercial publication, or for use by any non-commercial group or
organization or Apple User Group with the following credit: Reprinted from
"Tech Tidbits" with the permission of Apple Computer, Inc., East Coast
Technical Support." Permission to use "Tech Tidbits", in part or in whole,
for
commercial use must first be obtained in writing.
Sue Goodin, Editor-In-Chief.
AppleLink Address: Goodin2
Distributed via ProLine by Goodin2.
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