Archive-name: apple2/faq/part1
Posting-Frequency: monthly
Last-modified: 2008/11/01
URL: http://home.swbell.net/rubywand/A2FAQs1START.html


Apple II Frequently Asked Questions: Main Hall 1 ... Start Here!

Csa2 FAQs-on-Ground ref: Csa21MAIN1.txt  rev128 November 2008


The Csa2 (comp.sys.apple2) Usenet newsgroup Apple II FAQs and Resource
 files originate from the II Computing site, 1997-2008.
 
Mirrors- GS WorldView (formatted Text) also maintains copies 
 of the FAQs Resource files.
 http://apple2.org.za/gswv/a2zine/faqs/

 Text and HTML-ized Text versions are maintained by FAQs mirrors
 around the world-- ref. the news.answers pure Text MIT archive.
 ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/comp.sys.apple2/
 
Note: To correctly view tables and diagrams in Text files, use
a fixed spacing Font such as CoPilot or PCMononspaced (IIgs)
or Roman 12cpi (PC).

The HTML version of the FAQs is maintained on the II Computing site.
 http://home.swbell.net/rubywand/A2FAQs1START.html

____________________________






                 Csa2 Apple II FAQs Main Hall

               Revision 128 Update: 1 November 2008


     Welcome to the comp.sys.apple2 newsgroup Frequently Asked Questions!
This file is called "Main Hall" because it's your starting-off point for
accessing the Apple II FAQs.

     You can peruse a listing of all FAQs questions in Main Hall-2; OR,
you can check out some 'getting started' and 'what's where?' 
Questions & Answers here.

     There have been a few revisions since the October 1, 2008 release.
These include the usual updates to the various site listings. 

     Thanks to those who have suggested modifications and posted answers
or sent contributions which have been incorporated.

     As always, feel free to send information pieces, diagrams, etc. for
both established and new FAQs Q&A or resources. Ideas, suggestions, and 
FAQs content contributions can be emailed as Text or attached as .zip 
files or they can be uploaded to Ground's Faqs/uploads folder (as soon
as it's back on-line). 


Best wishes to all Apple II users! 

Jeff Hurlburt, 1 November 2008
rubywand{at}swbell.net  (Include "Apple" in the message title.)




General Apple II and Getting Started Q&A

 001- What is a FAQ?
 002- What is comp.sys.apple2 and how can I read/post messages there?
 003- What software do I need to get started and how do I get it?
 004- How and where do I download and upload Apple II files?
 005- Where can I get Apple II information, software, books, and parts?
 006- What is an Apple II: The KIM
 007- What is an Apple II: The Apple I
 008- What is an Apple II: The Apple ][ and Apple ][+
 009- What is an Apple II: The "Black Apple"
 010- What is an Apple II: The Apple //e
 011- What is an Apple II: The Apple //c and IIc+
 012- What is an Apple II: The Laser 128EX and 'EX/2
 013- What is an Apple II: The Apple IIgs
 014- What is an Apple II: The Apple IIe Emulation Card
 015- What is an Apple II: The Trackstar Apple II Emulation Card
 016- What is an Apple II: Emulators
 017- Apple "][", "Apple II", "Apple //"--
which is correct?
 018- What is "8 bit" and "16 bit"?
 019- How can I tell what version my computer is?
 020- Suppose I just want to start using my Apple II Now!?
 021- Where do I find out about Apple II users' groups?
 022- How can I find out more about using and programming my Apple II?
 023- Where can I find out about Apple II developers?






001- What is a FAQ?

     A "FAQ" is a "Frequently Asked Question". The Csa2
FAQs is a collection of topics files and resource files which seeks to
supply answers to questions about the Apple II series of computers and
Apple II computing. --Rubywand

____________________________



002- What is comp.sys.apple2 and how can I read/post messages there?


     Comp.sys.apple2 (Csa2) is a USENET newsgroup. Messages posted to these
newsgroups spread to many thousands of servers and millions of readers
throughout the world.

     Most Internet Service Providers support posting and reading newsgroup
messages via popular browsers like Netscape and Internet Explorer. A few
internet sites also provide free access to newsgroups and allow posting
messages. Two are Google and Mailgate. Google also allows searching for
information in an archive of newsgroup messages which goes back to 1981.
(For links see Q&A 001 in MAINHALL4.txt.)

     There are several newsgroups in the Csa2 and related families, all
concerned with Apple II series affairs. They provide a forum for users to
compare notes, ask questions, and share insights.


comp.sys.apple2 (Csa2)       - Discussion plus questions & answers
                               relating to all Apple II computers

comp.sys.apple2.comm         - Communications and networking related
                               issues

comp.sys.apple2.gno          - Discussion of GNO/ME, a UNIX-like
                               multi-tasking environment for IIgs

comp.sys.apple2.marketplace  - Buying, selling, and promoting
                               Apple II and related products

comp.sys.apple2.programmer   - Discussion relating to any aspect of
                               programming the Apple II

comp.sys.apple2.usergroups   - Discussion relating to Apple II
                               users' groups

comp.binaries.apple2         - Public Domain software, shareware, and
                               freeware for Apple II's in Text-encoded
                               (binscii) form.

comp.emulators.apple2        - The unofficial 'Apple II games stuff'
                               newsgroup features discussions of
                               Apple II games as well as of Apple II
                               emulation on PC, Mac, and other
                               platforms.

comp.sources.apple2          - A newsgroup for the posting of Apple II
                               source code

alt.emulators.ibmpc.apple2   - Discussion about the use of Apple II
                               emulation software/hardware on a PC.


--David Kopper, Dan DeMaggio, David Empson, Al Kalal, Rubywand

____________________________



003- I'm an Apple II beginner. What software does a newbie need
     to get started and how do I get it?

     If you bought an Apple II with no software at all, then, at the very
least, you will need to get diskettes which boot DOS 3.3 and ProDOS (which
pretty well means you need to have a disk drive). Here is a listing of
basic stuff to get ...

o- DOS 3.3: DOS 3.3 is an old but a good operating system for software on
5.25" diskette. There is a _lot_ of Apple II software on DOS 3.3
diskettes. To write and save programs, etc. under DOS 3.3 you want a disk
which boots DOS 3.3 and lets you get to a BASIC prompt. Once in BASIC after
booting DOS you will be able to CATALOG the diskette, and LOAD, RUN, SAVE,
... programs. DOS 3.3 commands are described in more detail in the
Csa2DOSMM Q&A.

Commercial game disks often do not allow you to get to a BASIC prompt.
Disks with programs from other users, software from Apple user groups, and
copies of Apple's System Master disks will, usually, let you get to BASIC
either by exiting a program or by doing a Reset. (See Q&A 020 below for
more about this.)

o- ProDOS: Practically all of the above applies to ProDOS. ProDOS is the
newer Apple II DOS which allows having sub-directories. It works with
5.25" and 3.5" diskettes as well as hard disks and other large
media. (See Csa2DOSMM Q&A for more about ProDOS.)

Note: Diskettes used with an Apple II should be double-density (DD)
diskettes. High-density (HD) diskettes sold for PC's will not work reliably
in Apple II disk drives.

o- Copy II Plus: This is the standard general purpose disk/file management
utility. Good versions for working with both DOS 3.3 and ProDOS disks are
Version 7.1 and 7.2.

o- A telecom utility: an Apple II telecom utility (e.g. ZLink, ProTerm,
...) together with a serial interface board (or built-in serial port) lets
you transfer the Apple II files you download on the net from your PC or Mac
to your Apple II.

o- ShrinkIt: Most Apple II files are maintained on the net as shrinked
files (.shk files) or on shrinked disks (.sdk files). ShrinkIt v3.4 is the
standard utility for unshrinking these files; it requires a 128k Apple IIe
or later Apple II. Earlier versions of ShrinkIt work on Apple II's with
less than 128k memory.


     Aside from Apple II user friends, there are many places you can get
the above, as well as all sorts of other Apple II utility, game, etc.
software:

1. Apple II Users' Groups maintain software libraries of utility and games
diskettes you can copy. (See Csa2USERGRP.txt.)

2. Some schools and universities have Apple II areas where you can copy
system and utility diskettes.

3. Many sellers of original and second-hand software advertise on the
comp.sys.apple2.marketplace newsgroup and/or maintain web sites you can
browse. Be sure to check the listing of vendors presented later on.

4. If requested via email, regular posters to Csa2 will often send one or
more 'getting started' diskettes which will boot DOS 3.3 and/or ProDOS and
which include some copy, telecom, etc. utilities plus games. (Expect to pay
mailing and materials costs.)

5. The Apple II archive sites listed below maintain large collections of
software which you can download via PC or Mac and transfer to your Apple
II.

--Rubywand

____________________________



004- How and where do I download and upload Apple II files?

     How: By far, the easiest and quickest way is to access software sites
on the net using a PC or Mac. Files can be moved to and from your Apple II
via a NULL modem connection with the net computer. If you use a Mac, you
may have the option of transferring the files via a ProDOS or HFS diskette
or an HFS Zip disk. (For details on hardware, file transfers, downloading,
and uploading, see the Telecom-1 and Telecom-2 Q&A.)

     Where: Today, most users upload software, info files, etc. to one or
more of the major Apple II ftp software archive sites. Other options
include comp.binaries.apple2 and BBS systems. The software archive sites
are good places from which to download software. In addition, some software
vendors, developers, and Apple Computer make software available for
download at their sites.

--Rubywand

____________________________



005- Where can I get Apple II information, software, books,
     magazines, and hardware?

     A good place to look is Csa21MAIN3.txt ("Main Hall-3: Apple II
Web Sites") ...

For places to buy systems, parts, boards, and software, see Q&A 005.
 Or, see http://home.swbell.net/rubywand/A2FAQs3VENDORS.html

For places to get books and periodicals, see Q&A 006.
 Or, see http://home.swbell.net/rubywand/A2FAQs3VENDORS.html#021

For places to get Apple II information and software on the net, see general
and/or game-specific Q&A.
 Or, see http://home.swbell.net/rubywand/A2FAQs4MAJORSITES.html
 or http://home.swbell.net/rubywand/A2FAQs7GAMESITES.html


     If you are looking for a specific piece of utility or system software,
check Csa21MAIN4.txt ("Main Hall-4: Get It- Links to popular software
packages") ...

For links to File handling utilities, see Q&A 001.
 Or, see http://home.swbell.net/rubywand/Csa2FLUTILS.html

For links to Telecom wares, see Q&A 002.
 Or, see http://home.swbell.net/rubywand/Csa2T1TCOM.html

For links to System software, see Q&A 003.
 Or, see http://home.swbell.net/rubywand/Csa2DOSMM.html
 or http://home.swbell.net/rubywand/Csa2APPLICS.html
 or http://home.swbell.net/rubywand/csa2pfaq.html


     For links to specific emulator packages, check Csa2APPLICS.txt
("Applications") Q&A 003; or, see
http://home.swbell.net/rubywand/Csa2APPLICS.html#003 .


--Rubywand

____________________________



006- What is an Apple II: KIM and SYM

My Ex bought a KIM in ... had to be 1976, 'cause that's the year we
split. He played Hunt the Wumpus on it. I couldn't see the point of
messing with those red LEDs at the time.

Nancy Crawford,  Csa2 post on 27 December, 1995


     KIM (for "Keyboard Input Monitor") was a 6502 'development
system' release in 1976 by MOS Technology. A single board with six
7-segment LED displays, it soon had a wide following of avid experimenters
who wrote programs like Jim Butterfield's "Lunar Lander" and Stan
Ockers's "Hunt the Wumpus" and published numerous articles in
magazines like Byte and KiloBaud describing hardware add-ons.

     Another 6502 based board was SYM from Synertek Systems. It arrived two
years after KIM near the end of the 'computer experimenter' era. SYM
offered a speaker and more extensive interfacing capability, including
support for a CRT display.

     KIM and, to a lesser extent, SYM, were the introductions to 6502
computing which would, in a few years, lead many to become Apple II users.
-- Rubywand and Tim Aaronson

____________________________


Related FAQs Resources: R010APPLE1.GIF (gif picture file)

007- What is an Apple II: The Apple 1

     The original Apple was not much more than a board.  You had to supply
your own keyboard, monitor and case. It sold for $666.66, but now they are
worth much more as a collector's item.

     For Apple 1 pics and more information, ...

Applefritter Apple 1 Owners Club 
  http://www.applefritter.com/apple1/index.html 

Dr. Tom's Apple 1 Pics and Info
  http://apple2.org.za/gswv/gsezine/GS.WorldView/{at}APPLE.HISTORY/
  Faqs Resource File R010APPLE1.GIF at ...
  http://apple2.org.za/gswv/a2zine/faqs/R010APPLE1.GIF


--Dan DeMaggio, Charles T. Turley

____________________________


008- What is an Apple II: The Apple ][ and Apple ][+

     The II and II+ are the computers that launched the Apple II line. They
have the 6502 microprocessor, ability to do Hires and Lores color graphics,
sound, joystick input, and cassette tape I/O. They have a total of eight
expansion Slots for adding peripherals such as the Disk ][ controller,
MockingBoard, serial I/O, and printer interface. Clock speed is 1MHz and,
with Apple's Language Card installed, standard memory size is 64kB.

     The distinction between the ][ and ][+ is the installed ROMs. The ][
starts you in the Monitor program and includes in-ROM Integer BASIC. The
][+ has the AutoStart ROM which tries to locate and boot a diskette upon
startup and defaults to Applesoft BASIC which is included in-ROM. Many ][
owners upgraded to the ][+ ROMs.

     Apple ][ and ][+ computers can run thousands of games, utilities, and
other programs created to run under Apple DOS-- chiefly, DOS 3.3. Both
machines can, also, run under ProDOS through v1.9 so long as the software
does not require features of an "enhanced" 128k IIe. For
instance, you can run Appleworks if you have more than 128K RAM installed
and a program called PlusWorks. However, the ][ can not run BASIC programs
under ProDOS since Applesoft must be in ROM.

Recommended configuration: 16K "language card" (in Slot 0), an
80-column video card (not the same as a //e Extended 80-column card), shift
key modification (a wire running from shift key to game port), modified
character ROMs to display lower case, composite color monitor, Disk ][
controller card, two 5.25" Disk ][ or compatible drives, parallel
printer interface card, and parallel-interface printer. You can add memory
beyond 64k in various ways, but many programs that "require 128K"
probably will not work

, no matter how much RAM you have. You can also add accelerators like the
SpeeDemon or Rocket/Zip. --Dan DeMaggio, David Empson, Rubywand


____________________________


009- What is an Apple II: The "Black Apple"

     Bell & Howell marketed the "Black Apple" made by Apple.
It is an Apple II+ done in black with some extra audio/video connections to
fit with projectors, etc. made by B&H-- mainly for use in the
classroom. A nice feature is the "handle" attached to the back.
It contains a few power outlets, allowing the CPU, Monitor, etc., to be
controlled with one switch. Evidently, 5000-10,000 units were produced.
--Coaxial, Mike McGovern, Rubywand


____________________________


010- What is an Apple II: The Apple //e

     The //e comes in two flavors: Enhanced and unenhanced. When you start
your computer, the unenhanced IIe displays "Apple ][" at the top
of screen; the Enhanced IIe displays "Apple //e". 

     Apple made an Enhancement kit to upgrade an unenhanced to Enhanced by
replacing 4 chips: CPU 65C02, Video ROM includes MouseText, and new
Monitor/Applesoft ROMs. Some places used to sell a IIe Enhancement kit for
$20.00.

     The current IIe operating system is ProDOS-8. (The IIe can also run
DOS 3.3, earlier DOS's, and Pascal.) A lot of ProDOS software requires an
Enhanced //e, and sometimes 128K, too.

     A IIe Enhancement Kit does not include any extra RAM. You can expand a
64k IIe to the standard 128k required for a fully Enhanced IIe via an
Extended 80-column card. It plugs into the Aux Connector on the
motherboard. Alltech ($19.00), and MC Price Breakers ($14.95) sell such
cards.

     Except for being able to type and display lower-case characters, the
unenhanced IIe is very similar to the II+. A 128k Enhanced IIe adds a
number of features including 80-column firmware and 16-color double-lores
and double-hires display capability.


     The Apple //e remains useful for four major reasons:

 1) It runs AppleWorks, a simple to use, yet sophisticated Spreadsheet/Word
Processor/Database.

 2) It can run many games and other entertainment software products.

 3) There were many Apple II's in schools and a ton of Apple II educational
software is available.

 4) It is was and will always be a _Personal_ computer.  You can learn as
little or as much as you want, and nothing stops you from learning about
every nook and cranny in it. Ask any big name programmer in MS/DOS or Mac
where they learned to program.  Most of them taught themselves on a good
ol' Apple II.

Recommended configuration: Extended 80 Column card (gives you 128K) or
RamWorks (512K to 1MB RAM), Enhancement kit (for unenhanced IIe), and a
composite color monitor which can display decent 80-column text, Super
Serial card, Disk ][ controller card, two 5.25" Disk ][ or compatible
drives, parallel printer interface card, and parallel-interface printer. A
Hard Drive is recommended if you use a lot of different programs. Heavy
Appleworks users should add the hard disk, extra RAM, and a 4MHz or better
accel

erator (like the Rocket Chip, Zip Chip or TransWarp). --Dan DeMaggio, Rubywand

____________________________


011- What is an Apple II: The Apple //c and IIc+

     The //c and IIc+ are compact 'luggable' versions of an Enhanced //e,
with many built-in 'cards'. Included are 2 serial ports, a mouse port, a
disk port and 128K of RAM. Support for the original Apple cassette tape I/O
is gone. The //c has a built-in 5.25" drive while the IIc+ has a
built-in 3.5" drive.

     The IIc+ has a built-in accelerator that runs at 4MHz (vs. the //c's
1MHz) making it the fastest Apple II as well as faster than any of the A2
clones. (To boot your IIc+ at 'regular', 1MHz, speed, include the Escape
key in the usual boot keypresses-- i.e. OpenApple-CTRL-ESC-RESET.) The
IIc+, which was introduced after the IIgs, also allows daisey chaining the
GS Apple 3.5" drive along with 5.25" drives.

     The //c and IIc+ run just about all of the DOS 3.3, ProDOS,
"128k" software, etc. that an Enhanced //e runs plus the few
//c-only software releases. However, the use of certain locations for
storing system variables and ROM differences means that //c series machines
will not run a number of old games designed for the ][ and ][+ which the
IIe and IIgs will run.

     Even though //c machines don't have slots, you can still add extra
memory (there's room under the keyboard) and a hard drive (through the disk
port-- a bit slow by ordinary standards, but usable.  Hard to find though..
Was made by Chinook). There is also a for-//c "D" version of
MockingBoard you can plug in to get much improved sound and music from
software supporting the board, and a module you can attach to convert
output to RF for using a TV as a monitor.

Recommended configuration: A composite color monitor which can display
decent 80-column text, 1 MB RAM, and, maybe, a hard drive. For the //c, add
a second 5.25" drive; for the IIc+, add a second 3.5" drive and
two 5.25" drives. --Dan DeMaggio, Rubywand

____________________________


012- What is an Apple II: The Laser 128EX and 'EX/2

     While not made by Apple, these Lasers can run just about anything that
an Enhanced //e can run. They are as luggable as a //c and include built-in
'cards'. They are also fast; the entire motherboard runs at 3.6MHz. If you
want to use a card in the single expansion Slot, you may have to disable
the internal UDC (for 3.5" drives) or the internal 1MB memory
expansion.

     Unlike the EX model, which supports one additional disk drive, the
EX/2 supports as many daisy chained drives as a IIgs and has a built in
BRAM control panel for saving settings. The EX/2 also has a built in
3.5" disk drive, a MIDI port, and a video port which can support
analog RGB and digital CGA monitors as well as an LCD display.
--Supertimer, Dan DeMaggio

____________________________



Related FAQs Resources: R024GSSPECS.txt (text file)
Related FAQs Resources: R002WOZGS.GIF (gif picture file)

013- What is an Apple II: The Apple IIgs

     The IIgs (or "GS") represents a giant leap in the Apple II
line.  It's 65C816 microprocessor can switch to 6502-emulation mode for
running 8-bit Apple II software favorites, while, in native mode, it runs
16-bit GS applications. GS delivers  new super-hires graphics modes, a
toolbox in ROM, a 32-oscillator Ensoniq sound chip, and a max base speed of
2.8MHz. Base RAM memory is 256kB (ROM-01) or 1MB (ROM 3) expandable up to
8MB.

     GS built-ins include modem and printer serial ports good for up to
230k baud, Disk Port supporting two 5.25" and two 3.5" (800k)
drives, RGB and composite video outputs, enhanced and 'old Apple' sound,
ADB bus for keyboard and mouse, game port supporting two two-button
joysticks, clock/calendar, and battery RAM to retain user settings
accessible via the Control Panel. (To get to the Control Panel press
OpenApple-Control-Escape and select "Control Panel".) There is
more about Apple IIgs specifications 

in the FAQs resource file R024GSSPECS.txt.

     The IIgs can run DOS 3.3, ProDOS, Pascal, and any other OS the earlier
8- bit models can run. In 8-bit or "emulation" mode, it works
much like an enhanced //e, even down to supporting nearly all of the old
monitor routines and softswitches. One notable difference is that users
must go to 64k Bank $FF (e.g. FF/F800 - FF/FFFF) to view monitor ROM
contents. In the default (Bank $00) area, an F800L etc. monitor command
shows code in the "Language Card" RAM. Like the //c series, it
does not support the ori

ginal Apple cassette tape I/O.

     GS is the only Apple II machine which can run GS System (sometimes
called "GS/OS"). GS System and Toolbox routines make it possible
for the System Finder program to deliver a sophisticated 'mouse and
windows' environment which looks very much like PC's Windows. The current
version of System is System 6.0.1.

     The first GS's were released in the Fall of 1986. The batches produced
until mid-late 1987 became known as "ROM 00" machines after
release of the "ROM 01" models. Many ROM-00 owners took advantage
of Apple's offer to convert their machines to ROM-01 via swapping in chips.
By 1989 the ROM 3 GS was released. It is essentially a ROM-01 with 1MB base
memory and several minor enhancements. Few ROM-01 owners moved to the ROM
3.

     The first GS's were released in the Fall of 1986. The batches produced
until mid-late 1987 became known as "ROM 00" machines after
release of the "ROM 01" models. When you turn ON or force
restart* a ROM-01 GS, the startup screen shows "ROM Version 01";
on a ROM-00 GS the startup screen says nothing about ROM version. *(Press
OpenApple-Control-Reset to do a forced restart.)

     The original GS's came in cases marked "Limited Edition"
with Steve Wozniak's signature. Often, these are referred to as "Woz
GS's". (See FAQs resource file R002WOZGS.GIF for a picture.) Only
about 50,000 ROM-00 IIgs's had the "Woz" signature. A relatively
small number of users chose Apple's option to upgrade their //e's with a
motherboard swap. Introduced in early 1987, the upgrade included
"IIgs" labels which users could substitute for "//e" in
the case insert.

     At the time of the ROM-01 change-over in 1987, Apple supplied a
ROM-00- to-ROM-01 upgrade service free. It consists of swapping in a new
ROM and a new Video Graphics Controller ("VGC") IC. ROM-00
machines which have not had the upgrade can not run modern GS software--
the ROM must be upgraded. Alltech (760-724-2404; http://allelec.com ) is a
good place to check for a ROM-01 'upgrade kit' consisting of the 01 ROM.
(Price: around $30.00)

     The VGC upgrade is not required for software compatibility, and is not
needed for all machines anyway. It is supposed to fix cosmetic problems in
monochrome double-hires graphics mode (pink flickering or fringing on what
is supposed to be a black and white screen).  On some machines the VGC swap
also fixes some color combination problems in 80-column text mode.

Note: ROM-00 machines can boot disks which start System up through Version
3. (Booting these disks typically starts by displaying some version of
"ProDOS 16".) The downside, of course, is being unable to boot
modern versions of System and use software which needs to run under the
later versions. On the other hand, a number of very early products run
under versions of System which have no patches for ROM-01 or ROM 3.
Original diskettes for these products will boot correctly only on a ROM-00
GS.

     Whether via the upgrade or original purchase of a newer GS, by late
1987 nearly all GS users were 'on the same page'. That is, we had the
ROM-01 platform with its base 256kB RAM plus the official Apple 1MB
Expansion Memory Board plugged into the Memory Expansion Slot for a total
of 1.25MB of fully- accessible system RAM. For the next couple of years,
practically all GS software was designed to launch from 3.5" diskette
under "ProDOS-16" and to fit within the 1.25MB of RAM everyone
was assumed to have 

installed.

     In 1989 Apple introduced the "ROM 3" GS-- the startup screen
shows "ROM Version 3". (No ROM-02 GS was ever released). The only
major improvement over ROM-01 is more base RAM-- you get 1MB instead of
256kB. This is a very nice benefit. It means that a ROM 3 with a 4MB Mem
Exp Board will have 5MB of fully accessible RAM whereas a ROM-01 can have
4.25MB of fully-accessible RAM. In effect, the ROM 3 owner gets a 'free'
800kB RAM disk.

     As Mitch Spector notes in his listing of ROM 3 features (in the
"Hardware Hacking" FAQs), the newer GS offers a number of other
nice pluses with the only significant minus being incompatibility with a
few older GS programs and pre-System 5 versions of GS System. Chiefly, ROM
3 is a 1989 re- do of ROM-01 featuring more streamlined hardware and more
built-in firmware.

     Since System 5, booting GS System applies in-RAM patches matched to
ROM version 1 or 3. The patches, located in System/System.Setup/, are TS2
for ROM- 01 and TS3 for ROM 3. This achieves nearly identical operation.

     Very few ROM-01 owners felt any urge to move to ROM 3. Even today, the
vast majority of installed GS's are ROM-01 machines.

     The 1990's saw wide adoption of four major GS enhancements:

OS- After years of foot dragging, Apple finally produced a decent 16-bit GS
operating system with release of System 5.0. Within a few years this
evolved into today's System 6 (System 6.0.1). System 6 has won wide
acceptance as a relatively stable OS which, at last, allows GS users to
access many of the features of GS computing promised back in 1986. Although
any ROM-01 or ROM 3 IIgs with at least the 1MB Apple Expansion Memory card
installed can boot a fairly decent install of System 6 from diskette, the f

act that it is likely to use at least 800kB of RAM somewhat limits the
applications which can be run, especially on the ROM-01 GS.

Memory- Driven, in part, by the need for more memory to run System 6, 4MB
became the standard size of installed Memory Expansions. Except for school
GS's and GS's taken out of circulation and tucked away in closets, the old
Apple 1MB Expansion Boards have long ago been replaced with boards adding
4MB- 8MB.

Hard Disk- As with memory, the size of newer versions of System supplied a
strong push toward adding a hard disk. Software was becoming larger, too,
and there was so much of it that making everything work from diskette
became impossibly cumbersome. Lower HD prices, attractive SCSI interfaces
such as RamFAST, and low-cost, easy single-card IDE solutions such as the
Focus "Hard Card" and SHH Systeme "Turbo" cards have
helped make the hard disk a standard, expected peripheral on today's GS.

Acceleration- Few commercial software offerings actually sought to push GS
users to higher speeds; and, as a result, users went for years feeling no
great need for Applied Engineering's expensive Transwarp accelerator. The
arrival of Zip Technology's lower cost ZipGS board together with a clear
need for more speed to handle System 6 sparked a nearly overnight
'acceleration revolution'. Today, an accelerator running at 8MHz or better
is considered, very nearly, to be a necessary IIgs enhancement.

Recommended configuration: ROM-01 or ROM 3 with 4MB or 8MB Memory Expansion
board-- i.e. at least 4.25MB (ROM-01) or 5MB (ROM 3) of total system RAM,
RamFAST SCSI + 120MB or larger SCSI hard disk OR 120MB or larger
HD-on-a-card IDE drive (e.g. Alltech's Focus Hard Card or SHH's Turbo IDE
series) with System 6.0.1 installed, 8MHz/32k TransWarp or 9MHz/32k ZipGS
or better accelerator board, Stereo Card, Imagewriter II printer, two
3.5" and two 5.25" diskette drives.

A minimum GS system that will run many older wares and still deliver a
decent operating system is a ROM-01 GS with the Apple 1MB Memory Expansion
board, two 3.5" drives, at least one 5.25" drive, and 
Imagewriter II printer, which boots System 5.0.4 or System 6.0.1 from
3.5" diskette. --Dan DeMaggio, Rubywand, David Empson, Supertimer,
Randy Shackelford, Hal Bouma

____________________________



Related FAQs Resources: R028LCA2CARD.TXT (text file)

014- What is an Apple II: The Apple IIe Emulation Card

     This is a '//e on a card' plug-in which lets you run Apple II
software. The card fits into Mac LC and some subsequent machines that have
the LC Processor Direct Slot (PDS) and which support 24-bit memory
addressing.

     Many of these cards are sold today without documentation. In case
you've just plugged one into your Mac Color Classic, etc., it will help to
know that pressing Command-Control-Escape gets you to the Preferences
panel.

     The Apple IIe Emulation Card is actually more like a //c because the
card is not an expandable machine like a //e. There is a place on the back
of the card to plug in a Y-cable to which you can attach a Unidisk
3.5" disk drive (white, A2M2053) and/or an Apple 5.25" disk drive
(platinum, A9M0107) and a joystick.

     Because the graphics are handled by the Mac, animation may be slow if
you don't have a decent Mac. For more information, see FAQs resource file
R028LCA2CARD.TXT. --Dan DeMaggio, David Empson, Owen Aaland, Edward Floden,
Liam Busey, Phil Beesley, Joan Sander

____________________________



Related FAQs Resources: R022TRKSTAR.TXT (text file)

015- What is an Apple II: The Trackstar Apple II Emulation Card

     A TrackStar is a single board Apple 2 computer that plugs into a PC
Clone with at least one ISA slot or into an IBM PS/2 computer. The most
advanced models, Trackstar E and Trackstar Plus, work like an enhanced 128k
//e.

     Trackstar can run Apple II software from virtual
"trackstore" disk images, virtual hard disk, and, with Apple II
disk drive plugged, Apple II diskettes. (With the correct cables, it can
use some Apple II diskettes in compatible PC 5.25" drives.)

     For more about Trackstar boards, software, and setup, see FAQs
Resource file R022TRKSTAR.TXT.) --Bill Whitson, Michael Kelsey, Mike
"Moose" O'Malley, Rubywand, Wayne Stewart

____________________________



016- What is an Apple II: Emulators

     An Apple II emulator-- also called an "emu"-- is a program
which lets a PC, Mac, etc. work like an Apple II and run Apple II software.
Usually, the Apple II software is in the form of a "disk image"
file-- a kind of virtual diskette. For more about Apple II emulators and
where to get them see Q&A 003 in Csa2APPLICS. --Rubywand

____________________________



017- Apple "][", "Apple II", "Apple //"--
which is correct?

    "][", "II", and "//" tend to be used
pretty much interchangeably for any model of Apple II computer, although,
practically speaking, there are a few usages which may provoke a
correction.

    "][" is the original Apple II symbol. It appears on all early
II's and II+'s as well as on the Disk ][ drive. It is, easily, the most
attractive and distinctive II symbol; but, it is also associated with _old_
Apple II 's. The "//" usage is associated with the c and newer e
models.

    "II" is widely accepted as  'okay' for all Apple II models.
(And "II" and "A2" are commonly used for referring to
series-wide products, etc. as in "II software", "A2
programmers", ... .)


     The generally preferred machine designations are ...

Apple ][   or  Apple II for pre-II+ models
Apple ][+  or  Apple II+
Apple IIe  for non-enhanced IIe computers
Apple //e  for 128k enhanced //e computers
Apple //c
Apple IIc+
Apple IIgs or  GS  or best (if you have the fonts for a small "GS")  IIGS

--Rubywand

____________________________



018- What is "8 bit" and "16 bit"?

     Number of bits usually indicates how big a chunk of data a computer's
main microprocessor can manipulate. The Apple IIgs is based on the 65C816
microprocessor and is considered to be a 16-bit machine. Previous Apple
]['s are based upon pure 8-bit microprocessors such as the 6502 and 65C02.
These are considered to be 8-bit machines. Sometimes II+ or IIe or IIc
software is called "8-bit software".

     The 65C816 is a member of the 6502 family which includes expanded
registers and adds many new commands while retaining the ability to go into
8- bit mode. So; the GS can run most 8-bit wares designed for older Apple
II machines as well as newer 16-bit wares. Meanwhile, 8-bit machines are
pretty well limited to 8-bit wares. --Rubywand

____________________________



019- How can I tell what version my computer is?

Apple II

     Upon Reset, the original Apple II starts you in the system monitor
looking at the "*" prompt. It allows step execution of machine
code and has Integer BASIC in ROM. The major division between kinds of
Apple II is Revision 0 and Revision 1. The Revision 1 motherboard adds a
number of features including a few which are easily observed:

Power-On Reset: The computer automatically does a Reset when turned On.

More hires colors: To the Black, White, Violet, and Green available on a
Rev0 machine, Rev1 adds Blue and Orange.

Color Killer added: Full-text displays are black&white without the
color fringing and tinting you see on Rev0 machines.


Apple II+

     All Apple II+ machines have the Revision 1 or higher motherboard and
the Autostart ROM. On power-up the Apple II+ does a Reset and displays
"APPLE ][" at the top of the screen. If a disk drive is
connected, the II+ will try to boot a diskette. The Apple II+ loses some
monitor features (like instruction stepping) and in-ROM Integer BASIC found
in the earlier Apple II; but, it gains the more powerful Applesoft BASIC in
ROM. A II+ Reset normally leaves you in BASIC looking at the "]"
Applesoft BASIC prom

pt.


Apple IIe

     You can usually tell a IIe from a II or II+ by the nameplate. On
models with the classic Apple II case but no nameplate, you can check the
keyboard. IIe models include a key embossed with the outline of an apple
called the "OpenApple" key located near the bottom left corner of
the keyboard. (All later Apple II's have this key, too; but, they do not
look anything like a II, II+, or IIe).  A few IIe models produced for third
parties may have some other special-logo key in place of OpenApple.

     Within the IIe series, the major division is between Enhanced and
unenhanced IIe models. Look at your computer while booting.  If it says
"Apple ][", it is not enhanced. The enhanced computers will say
"Apple //e".

     Today, "Enhanced IIe", "//e", and "128k Apple
IIe" are used interchangeably because nearly every Enhanced IIe has an
Extended 80-Column Card plugged into the 60-pin Aux Slot (which adds 64kB
of RAM).  Technically, an Enhanced IIe is defined by the presence of three
or four IC's: the 65C02 microprocessor (replaces the 6502), new Character
(or "Video") ROM which includes MouseText characters, and new
monitor firmware in ROM.

     If a IIe has the 65C02 microprocessor, it is probably an Enhanced IIe.
If your IIe is not enhanced, you can do the enhancement yourself with an
"enhancement kit" consisting of the four chips you need to swap
in.

     The last significant upgrade to the IIe series came in 1987 with the
release of the Extended Keyboard //e. This model is a 128k Enhanced IIe--
it comes with an Extended 80-Column Card plugged into the Aux Slot-- which
adds an 18-key 'numeric keypad'. It also replaces the eight on-motherboard
RAM chips with two 64kx4 IC's; and, it replaces the two BASIC/monitor ROMs
with a single large ROM.

     Quite a lot of later 80's 8-bit software, including all double-hires
software, requires a 128k Enhanced IIe. (If you have a //c, IIc+, IIgs,
Laser 128, or Franklin Ace 2000-2200, you have good to at least decent
Enhanced IIe compatibility.)  Unfortunately, a small number of
early-release IIe's can not be upgraded to handle double-hires. Check the
serial number on the motherboard (in the back, by the power-on led). If it
is 820-0064-A, you must change the motherboard to upgrade (unless you have
the PAL

 video output version).

     The IIe was produced in very large numbers and sold around the world
in countries with different power systems using different video standards.
So, it is not all that unlikely that you may need to check a bargain IIe to
make sure it will work in your home using your monitor. The two major video
output formats you may run into are NTSC (used in the US, Canada, Japan,
and most countries with 60Hz power, except Brazil) and PAL (used in
Australia, most of Europe, and most countries with 50Hz power). One w

ay to tell which video standard a IIe uses is the location of the Aux Slot.
If it is on the side of the motherboard near the power supply, you have an
NTSC model. If it is in line with Slot 3, you have a PAL model.


Apple //c and Apple IIc+

     Go into Basic and type "PRINT PEEK (64447)" and press
return.  If it says 255, you have a very old //c. This model is known to
have problems producing accurate baud rates for serial communications. It's
been many years since the //c was released; but, some long-time Apple
dealers may still perform the upgrade for a nominal fee. (Tell the dealer
that the Apple authorization number is ODL660.)

     If PRINT PEEK (64447) displays 0, you can use 3.5" drives, but
you don't have the memory expansion connector. If it says 3, you have the
memory expansion connector and can plug in extra memory. If it says 4, you
have the latest model of the //c with the memory expansion connector and
other upgrades.

     If PRINT PEEK (64447) displays 5, you have an Apple IIc+. The IIc+
also has "IIc Plus" silk-screened in dark gray onto the upper
right corner of the case.


Apple IIgs

     There are 3 major versions of the GS: Check the initial power-up
screen. It will probably say ROM-01 or ROM 3. If it does not say either,
you have a ROM-00 model. You must upgrade a ROM-00 machine in order to run
current system software. The ROM-01 has 256K on the motherboard, while the
ROM 3 has 1 MB on the motherboard. Most of the enhancements of the ROM 3
are added to the ROM-01 simply by booting up with current system software.
--Dan DeMaggio, CreatSltn, Steve Leahy, Nathan Mates, Bevis King, Davi

d Empson, Jeff Blakeney, David Wilson, Rubywand

____________________________



020- Suppose I just want to start using my Apple II Now!?

     Okay; suppose you have zilch info, do not feel like looking through
the FAQs, and want to start Now. The following _may_ be all you need to get
going with some game or utility from diskette:

o The Disk Controller Card for Apple ][, ][+, and IIe goes into Slot 6
(next to last Slot on the right when viewed from the front). Drive 1 plugs
into the top connector with the ribbon side of the cable plug facing out.
Plug in the cable(s) before plugging in the card so that you are sure the
connector and plug line up correctly.

o On the IIgs, the 3.5" drive(s) plug in first, then, the 5.25" drive(s).

o Unless a hard disk is installed, most Apple II's try to boot a diskette
and start DOS 3.3, ProDOS, or GS/OS when turned ON. (On the old Apple ][
you can type in 6 Control-P RETURN to boot from the Monitor, assuming your
Controller Card is in Slot 6. To press Control-P, press and hold Control,
then P, then release both keys.)

o Most, but not all, diskettes are bootable. If one diskette doesn't boot,
try another. If no diskettes boot, use a Radio Shack Head Cleaner diskette
to clean the drive head(s).

o If the prompt you see is ], you are in Applesoft BASIC; > indicates
Integer BASIC; and * indicates the Monitor. If both Integer BASIC and
Applesoft are in memory, you can enter FP to switch from Integer to
Applesoft and INT to switch from Applesoft to Integer. To go from either
BASIC to the Monitor, enter CALL- 151. To start the current BASIC from the
Monitor, enter Control-B. To go back to BASIC with program and variables in
tact from the Monitor, enter Control-C.

o Except for the ][ and most ][+'s, you must press Control-RESET to do a Reset.

o To boot a diskette when viewing a BASIC prompt, you can enter PR#6 to
boot a drive associated with Slot 6-- usually a 5.25" drive-- and PR#5
to boot a drive associated with Slot 5-- usually a 3.5" drive.
--Rubywand, David Empson

____________________________



021- Where do I find out about Apple II Users' Groups?

     Especially for beginners, a user group is an absolute golden of
software, information, and bargain hardware.

     Several Apple II users groups continue to meet, especially in major
cities and on university campi. If a local group listing is 'missing' from
your phone book, check for a Mac users group-- a number of Apple II groups
have merged with their Mac counterparts. 

     For more info and links, see Csa2USERGRP.txt or see the links at
http://home.swbell.net/rubywand/A2FAQs9USERGROUPS.html .

____________________________



022- How can I find out more about using and programming my Apple II?

     You can peruse the newsgroup FAQs Q&A Contents page. You can also
check out the Apple II Major Sites page (Csa21MAIN3.txt).

     All Apple II's come with some version of BASIC installed in-ROM on the
motherboard. The original Apple II's have Integer BASIC. Starting with the
II+ model, all Apple II's have floating-point Applesoft BASIC in ROM.
Owners of early Apple II's can load in Applesoft or plug in a card with
Applesoft ROMs.

     There are several good places to find out about Apple II BASIC programming:


Apple II Textfiles
  http://www.textfiles.com/apple/

Byte Works (new IIgs GSoft BASIC)
  http://www.byteworks.org

Ground
  http://www.apple2.org.za/mirrors/ground.icaen.uiowa.edu/MiscInfo/Applesoft/
  http://www.apple2.org.za/mirrors/ground.icaen.uiowa.edu/MiscInfo/Programming/
  http://www.apple2.org.za/mirrors/ground.icaen.uiowa.edu/apple8/Beagle.Oldies/

The comp.sys.apple2.programmer newsgroup and Csa2P FAQs
  for programming Q&A plus more links
  http://home.swbell.net/rubywand/csa2pfaq.html


     Besides BASIC, you can load and use many languages including Fortran,
Pascal, Modula, C, Logo, Forth, Assembly, and others. The Apple II
"Monitor" included in-ROM lets you enter 6502 and (on a IIgs)
65816 machine language programs. IIgs owners can also create Hyperstudio
and HyperCard stacks. For more information and links go to the
comp.sys.apple2.programmer FAQs (see URL above).


     There is really no substitute for having the technical manual for your
particular Apple II or clone. The manual for the ][ and ][+ is the Apple ][
Reference Manual. For the IIe and IIc you want Apple's Technical Reference
Manual for your machine. For the IIgs you will want, at least, the IIgs
Hardware Reference and IIgs Firmware Reference.

     Naturally, you will want to get manuals and materials covering DOS,
ProDOS, BASIC, and many other areas relating to your Apple II. Below is a
decent 'getting started' sampling:


General Apple II

Apple II Reference Manual  from Apple
Apple II User's Guide by Poole, Martin, and Cook
  Note: Third Edition, 1985 (Apple II User's Guide for APPLE II Plus
  and APPLE IIe) is completely revised to include ProDOS coverage
Beagle Bros "Peeks, Pokes, and Pointers" (poster)  by Beagle Bros
The Apple II Circuit Description  by Winston D. Gayler
Understanding the Apple ][  by Jim Sather
What's Where in the Apple II?  by William F. Luebbert


Applesoft BASIC and Assembly Language

Assembly Lines: The Book  by Roger Wagner
BASIC Programming Reference Manual  from Apple
Programming the 65816 Including the 6502, 65C02, and 65802
  by David Eyes and Ron Lichty
65816/65802 Assembly Language Programming by Michael Fischer


DOS, ProDOS, and GS/OS

Apple IIgs GS/OS Technical Reference (Apple/ Addison-Wesley)
Beneath Apple DOS  by Worth & Lechner
Beneath Apple ProDOS  by Worth & Lechner
Exploring Apple GS/OS and ProDOS 8  by Little
ProDOS Inside and Out  by Doms and Weishaar
ProDOS Technical Reference Manual (Apple/ Addison-Wesley)
The DOS Manual  from Apple


     Some technical manuals and other materials can be obtained in original
or reprint form from Byte Works and Kula Soft. Major book sellers, such as
Amazon list many Apple II books. For current Kula Soft, Byte Works, and
other seller links, see Vendors Q&A in Csa21MAIN2.txt or go to ...

http://home.swbell.net/rubywand/A2FAQs3VENDORS.html#020 .

Though most Apple II books are out of print, many sellers will search for
and, with luck, locate the book you want.

     Apple II manuals and other books also turn up for sale on Csa2
newsgroups like comp.sys.apple2.marketplace, at used book shops, and at
local Users Group swap meets. Some manuals and other items, such as
Reference Cards and posters (usually in Text or HTML form) are available
for downloading at the major Apple II archives and other support sites.
(See Q&A 005 above.)

     You may be able to find a local Apple II users' group or a group
on-line that you like. Besides knowledgeable users, you will often find a
software library stocked with useful software. (See Csa2USERGRP.txt.)

     Another good resource is a subscription to an Apple II newsletter or
magazine; and, don't overlook collections of major Apple II magazines
published through the 1980's (e.g. inCider, Nibble, Computist, etc.). They
are virtual encyclopedias covering many areas of II computing. For current
publishers and net sites which offer on-line copies of back issues see
Q&A 005 above.


     Often, the easiest, quickest way to an answer for some Apple II
question is to 'just ask it' on comp.sys.apple2 and/or another Csa2 family
newsgroup. There are no Csa2 rules about posting to just a newsgroup which
deals with a particular topic or making sure your question is hard enough
or reading the FAQs first. Supplying information is the main purpose of the
newsgroups. -- Rubywand, David Wilson, Tony Cianfaglione, Steve Sanders,
Terence J. Boldt, Wayne Stewart

____________________________



023- Where can I find out about developers of Apple II and II-related products?

     For current information on developers and software/hardware products see ...

GS WorldView's "Developers at Work" pages
 http://apple2.org.za/gswv/a2zine/Sel/A2DevelopersAtWork.htm

Postings on Csa2 newsgroups
 news:comp.sys.apple2

A.P.P.L.E. 'zine news
 http://www.callapple.org/

A2Central.com, including "A2 News and Notes" 'zine
 http://www.a2central.com/
 http://lamp.a2central.com/ 


     For information on classic A2 game developers see ...

The Giant List
 http://www.dadgum.com/giantlist/list.html

--Rubywand
--- SBBSecho 2.12-Win32