[comp.sys.mac.misc] Networking two Macintoshes--SUMMARY

long@mcntsh.enet.dec.com (Rich Long) (01/19/91)

 Recently I posted asking how to network two Macintoshes together to exchange
 files. I received many responses, and thank you very much to all who
 responded. I love the Net!

 Here is a summary of what I received.

 The preferred hardware method to connect the machines is with Phonenet, a
 product of Farallon. It is a device that plugs into the printer port, and
 allows the use of regular phone cable (4-conductor) to connect the machines.
 One supplier mentioned is  Micro-Computer Cable Company in Romulus, MI. They
 sell PhoneNet "look alikes" for $20 a piece. Their phone # is (313) 941-6500.

 (It is an alternative to the Localtalk connectors from Apple, which do not
 use phone cable.)

 Note: it the machines were close enough, some people recommended a straight
 serial cable (Mac/Imagewriter). Others said there would be "electrical
 problems".

 Software methods vary. One option is Public Folder, from Claris (free, and
 available in the usual places). Public Folder is accessed through the
 Chooser. I'm told it allows you to make one folder available as a monolithic
 entity. Therefore, if you want to copy one file, you must copy the whole tree
 rooted by the public folder (small letters intentional). 

 Oscar is another alternative. It implements a sort of instant in/out box. It
 is available in the same places where Public Folder can be found. Files
 placed into Oscar's "out box" are instantly copied to the "in box" on the
 receiving node (this is what I was looking for, I think).

 A commercial alternative is TOPS. It apparently implements real file sharing,
 and remote volume mounting, etc. It was highly recommended, but probably
 overkill for what I want. It must be purchased for each machine. The current
 version, 3.0, includes InBox, which allows you to send Email back and forth
 over the network.           

 SingleShare (Shareware) was also mentioned. It apparently works like
 Appleshare but does not require a dedicated machine as server.

 A final option is "peer to peer appleshare" from Information Presentation
 Techologies  at (818) 347-7791. I have no more information on that.

 Thanks again, everyone.
 Rich

Richard C. Long  *  long@mcntsh.enet.dec.com       
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