[comp.sys.dec.micro] Help -- I'm new to the Rainbow

eileenp@teklds.TEK.COM (Eileen Phelan) (05/05/88)

Help!

I am a new Rainbow owner.  I bought the computer from someone who
got it at a liquidation sale, so it is sans documentation.  I am
getting the users' manual from DEC.

The system came with a backup copy of MS DOS, which is obviously
different from that used on the IBM PC.  I have 256 K memory (I
think -- I'm at work and the computer is home or I'd check), and 
two single-sided disk drives.

The only PCs I've used in the past had every option known to man,
including lots of memory, hard disk, graphics card, lots of 
software, etc.  They also belonged to my employers.  

I am at a loss as to where to start, and I don't want to spend a 
lot of money.  I am obviously not an expert, but I can usually
figure things out if I have documentation.

I think I need additional memory to do virtually anything.  Any
recommendations?  Do I buy a memory card and put chips on it?
Do I need a hardware manual to install the memory card?
What else should I put on the system?

I plan to use the machine mostly for word
processing.  I have always liked Microsoft's Word, but I think
it may be a memory hog.  I also need a printer, and don't know
one interface from another, nor do I know much about printers
(I've only used Epson and laser printers).

Thanks in advance for whatever you can tell me.

Eileen Phelan
eileenp@teklds.TEK.COM

dutler@ihuxz.ATT.COM (Dutler) (05/06/88)

From article <3065@teklds.TEK.COM>, by eileenp@teklds.TEK.COM (Eileen Phelan):
> Help!
> 
Memory is a good start for system expansion on the Rainbow. I think the
next step would be a hard disk. Other than these two, you must decide
whether any other features are required for what you want to do.

I strongly recommend purchasing a subscription to Rainbow News. This
is a newsletter specifically for the Rainbow. It has advertisements
from hardware and software vendors for the Rainbow as well as interesting
articles by other Rainbow users. It is the best source of information
I have found. They also provide a public domain software library.

Rainbow News
PO Box 567
O'Fallon, Il 62269
(618)632-1143

I am not affiliated with Rainbow News, just a very happy customer.
-- 
Stan Dutler               There ya go man, Keep as cool as ya can
..ihnp4!ihuxz!dutler          Face piles of trials with smiles