ralerche@lindy.Stanford.EDU (Robert A. Lerche) (10/23/89)
About two weeks ago I asked the network about connecting Mac's, a LaserWriter and a Sun workstation in such a way that the Sun can spool Mac output. (TOPS is available for the Sun but does not yet provide this feature.) Many thanks to all those who responded. Here is the summary. The method of choice seems to be a Kinetics FastPath box for the Appletalk-to- Ethernet bridge and the Columbia (University) Appletalk Package. This provides complete connectivity including spooling of Mac output and file server support on the Sun. I quote from file INFO in the CAP distribution on cunixc.columbia.edu. -------------- ABSTRACT -------- CAP is written for BSD 4.2 Unix and derivatives. CAP implements a library containing a portion of Apple Computer's AppleTalk protocols. In order to use this package you need an AppleTalk/Ethernet bridge (e.g. Kinetics FastPath box). CAP includes a number of applications that can be used to print to a LaserWriter, spool for a LaserWriter, and act as Unix based AppleShare compatible file server (no support for AppleShare PC). CAP also includes a number of sample programs and contributed software. ... In addition, you may also wish to retrieve the KIP (Kinetics IP) files from cunixc.cc.columbia.edu. They are in the directory kip. CAP currently requires that you run the KIP code in your Kinetics box. -------------- I haven't tried to obtain the code yet (much less implement it) but several responders report complete satisfaction with it. (One responder pointed out that it's a bit difficult to install, requiring a fairly competent technical person.) One responder mentioned a product from Kinetics (makers of the FastPath box) called "K-spool", which does spooling but not file server. Also, as reported, it is not available for SunOS 4.0 yet. Again, thanks for all the responses. A note to readers: I haven't checked any of this information myself (other than looking at the files on cunixc.columbia.edu).