c) /// EZ Pieces. This is an excellent integrated software program
that is easy to learn and use. Its files are also compatible with the
Apple // version called AppleWorks. (3APL-07)
d) Printer. The kind is up to you within certain limits. You can
run a printer off of the RS232 port in the back of the /// or by
using a Serial or Parallel card you plug into one of the four slots
internally. To connect your serial printer to the /// you will need
what is called a Null-Modem cable. Local computer dealers and
national chains like Radio Shack sell them. You will also need
specific device drivers you have to install in your SOS.DRIVER file
using System Utilities. WAP has a disk full of /// drivers (3SYS-07).
The /// can print to laserprinters (with serial ports) as well as dot
matrix, but does not have access to inkjet printers (no
drivers!).
e) A surge protector to prevent electrical surges from destroying
your machine.
7) WHAT'S THIS ABOUT "SOS"?
As mentioned earlier, the Apple ///
uses an operating system called SOS, or Sophisticated Operating
System. It is entirely ram-based. That means every time you load an
application, it loads the operating system as well. You will find
three files on all program disks: SOS.Kernel; SOS.Interp and
SOS.Driver. The KERNEL is the operating system itself. You want to
make sure you have the latest version: 1.3. You can tell what version
you have when you boot up. You will see a message that tells you the
version along with the Apple copyright. You can get an auto- upgrade
disk from WAP - ask for disk 3SYS-01.
The INTERP file is the language the
program uses or it may be the program itself. Applewriter, Basic and
Pascal are examples of SOS.Interp files you will find. Finally, the
DRIVER file (SOS.Driver) contains the drivers that enable the /// to
talk with your printer, disk drives, modem and hard disk properly. At
the minimum you will need the console driver, called ".Console" and
you might find others: ".Printer" to drive your printer; ".RS232"
operates the RS232 port or a serial card for telecommunications;
".Audio" lets your /// beep and play music to you; ".Grafix" is the
graphics driver. There are many more. You install these using the
System Configuration Program on the System Utilities disk. In most
instances, you want to make sure you have the 1.3 versions of the
drivers installed (WAP /// SIG SOS Drivers PD disk: 3SYS-07)
8)WHAT IS BOS3?
BOS3 is a wonderful upgrade to SOS,
released in December, 1994. Developed by Bob Consorti, it was
financed entirely by the Apple /// community (the Software
Development Fund). BOS3 adds a tremendous number of capabilities to
the /// with a hard disk. They include an easy to set-up and use menu
system, disk caching, password protection, screen saver, macro
capability to run programs with just two keystrokes and compatibility
with Selector /// pathnames. Contact WAP for more information about
BOS3 at 301-984-0300 or email to office@wap.org.
