[comp.sys.mac.comm] NEW MODEM USER NEEDS HELP!

robbins@blackfin.rice.edu (Thomas Robbins) (03/03/91)

I have just acquired a modem (the MacUser-recommended Zoom V.42 bis) to
go along with my new MacIIsi, and I had a few questions to ask some kind-
hearted soul:

-What is the best terminal emulation software available, commercial or
not? I have used Zterm successfully, since the software included with
my modem, Quicklink II, failed to work.

-Does any software exist that will allow my mac to act as an X-server
from my university Unix account? 

-Can I use Mac IP 3.0 either by itself or as a stand-alone program to
download files from my university Unix account? I like its mac-like
feel.

-Are any of the commercial on-line services worth the money? (eg. 
Compuserve, GEnie, etc.)

-Is there ANY way I can maintain contact with Internet? I am due to
lose my university account in May, and will be going into the Navy.
I'll have no access to Internet through the Navy as long as I'm attached
to a ship. What can I do on my own?

I would greatly appreciate any help anyone can give me. Please post or
reply by mail. Thanks very much in advance!

--
--
Tom Robbins                   | "No, it's 'Blessed are the meek.'  I think
robbins@owlnet.rice.edu       |  that's nice, 'cause they really have a hell
Senior, Chemical Engineering  |  of a time."     
Rice University               |  - someone in the crowd in "The Life of Brian"

john@newave.UUCP (John A. Weeks III) (03/05/91)

In article <1991Mar2.221602.18127@rice.edu> robbins@blackfin.rice.edu (Thomas Robbins) writes:
> I have just acquired a modem (the MacUser-recommended Zoom V.42 bis) to
> go along with my new MacIIsi

> -What is the best terminal emulation software available, commercial or
> not? I have used Zterm successfully, since the software included with
> my modem, Quicklink II, failed to work.

This varies between people and what you want to do.  I would suggest
getting Kermit to start.  Kermit is free and should be easy to find on
campus.  Otherwise FTP it from Sumex.  After you use kermit for a while,
you will probably come up with a list of things that you would like to
do--then find a package that does what you want.

> -Does any software exist that will allow my mac to act as an X-server
> from my university Unix account? 

None free that I am aware of.  I know of commercial programs, but all
of these require that you are on the net with the machine running X, ie,
have an ethernet link to the machine running X.

> -Can I use Mac IP 3.0 either by itself or as a stand-alone program to
> download files from my university Unix account? I like its mac-like
> feel.

Are you on the ethernet with the machine that supports your Unix account?
If so, there are ftp programs available for the Mac (I am not familiar
with Mac IP).  If you are not on the ethernet, then you will need to use
a dial-up and some type of comm software.  Most UNIX machines support
kermit.

> -Is there ANY way I can maintain contact with Internet? I am due to
> lose my university account in May, and will be going into the Navy.
> I'll have no access to Internet through the Navy as long as I'm attached
> to a ship. What can I do on my own?

Will you have a telephone available?  If so, you can dial into one of
the public access UNIX sites.  A list is posted each month that lists
all of public UNIX sites.  One popular site is the Well (Whole Earth
eLectronic Link).  These sites allow you to use E-Mail, read news, and
some sites provide shell access.

-john-

-- 
===============================================================================
John A. Weeks III               (612) 942-6969               john@newave.mn.org
NeWave Communications                 ...uunet!rosevax!tcnet!wd0gol!newave!john
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stanger@otago.ac.nz (Nigel Stanger) (03/05/91)

In article <1991Mar2.221602.18127@rice.edu>, robbins@blackfin.rice.edu (Thomas Robbins) writes:

>[some stuff deleted]
> -Is there ANY way I can maintain contact with Internet? I am due to
> lose my university account in May, and will be going into the Navy.
> I'll have no access to Internet through the Navy as long as I'm attached
> to a ship. What can I do on my own?
-- 

I would like to find out about this as well. I would especially
like to know if it possible to use FTP from homevia modem, or can
it only be done via Internet sites?

                                Nigel.

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