AlkSoft / Contents / Software / Networks & Internet
1.2.1) What software do I need to connect to the Internet?
At the minimum, you will need a version of what Apple calls "classic networking" (also known as MacTCP or MacIP) or a version of OpenTransport (OT). MacTCP works on System 7.5.x and probably higher, but because it is so old, I don't recommend you use it. I only mention MacTCP because there are a handful of older applications that don't know how to use OT. OT works on System 7.5.x, so unless you have some really old software, there's no reason to use MacTCP. If you absolutely must use MacTCP, FreePPP is reportedly good PPP software. OpenTransport includes software to enable modems and other types of network connections (such as ethernet). OT includes PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol) functionality so you can use your modem to dial into your ISP. OpenTransport comes with Mac OS 8 and higher. Otherwise, you can get it from Apple's website
Additionally, you may need special modem drivers for your brand of modem. GlobalVillage tends to like you to use it's Teleport software with it's Teleport modems.
You may also want a terminal emulator if you are connecting to a bulletin board or terminal service.
1.2.2) What software do I need to connect to Ethernet?
You will need either classic networking software (MacTCP) or OpenTransport (see 1.2.1 above). In addition to the system networking software, you may need driver software for your particular ethernet card. Most ethernet cards (all of them are 3rd party cards - Apple never produced an ethernet card for this PowerBook) require additional drivers in order for the system software to correctly identify them. If your card is still supported by the manufacturer, you can problem find the drivers on the manufacturer's website. A few quick tips: Dayna is now owned by Intel, and the Dayna drivers can be found on Intel's website; you can download drivers for the MV-16en (Focus/Lapis 16-bit video and ethernet PDS card) from this website right here; Pure-Mac is a good place to look for older drivers that are no longer available elsewhere.
1.2.3) What software do I need to connect to a LocalTalk network?
You will either need MacTCP or OpenTransport and a relatively current version of the AppleShare extension to make sure that you will be able to access newer servers. If you intend to print to a networked LaserWriter printer, you should also get a copy of LaserWriter 8. Other networked printers such as the ImageWriter II or StyleWriter 2500 may be accessed with their respective drivers.
1.2.4) What software do I need to connect to a wireless network?
You will definitely need MacTCP or OpenTransport since most wireless networks are IP based. In addition to that, you will need drivers for the wireless communication card.
1.2.5) What software do I need to connect to an AppleShare server?
You will probably need a newer version of AppleShare in addition to MacTCP or OpenTransport.
1.2.6) What software do I need to connect to a Windows-based file server?
If the server is a Windows NT or Windows 2000 Server running Services for Macintosh, then you can use the AppleShare software to connect to a Windows srever. Otherwise, you will need to find a utility that can do Windows networking. I personally reccomend DAVE from Thursby Systems.
1.2.7) What software do I need to connect to a Unix/Linux-based server?
That depends on what services the server is running. If the server is running an AppleShare server, you will only need to standard AppleShare setup. Otherwise, you may need a telnet or SSH client or FTP client.
1.2.8) What web browsers will run on this computer?
If it runs on Mac OS, chances are it will run on the 5300. Of the graphical browsers, the choices consist essentially of Internet Explorer, Netscape, iCab, and the Opera beta. All versions of Internet Explorer will run on the 5300. Netscape versions 6 and 7.x are probably too bloated to run on the 5300, but 4.8 and lower work fine. Mozilla is also probably a little too heavy on the system for the 5300. The Opera 5 beta will probably run on the 5300 as well. iCab, of course, runs like a champ! MacLynx and the rest of the text-only browsers ought to run just fine on the 5300.
1.2.9) What software do I need to use email?
At the least, you will need connectivity software (MacTCP/OT) and an email client. Among my favorite email clients are PowerMail, Eudora, and Claris Emailer. Of those, only Eudora has a "free" version. If you subscribe to AOL, you will either need to have the AOL software on your computer to download your AOL email or use Claris Email which can also access AOL email accounts. Alternatively, many email providers (AOL included) have webmail servers so that you can access your email on the Internet with a web browser. Also, some email servers allow users to connect with a telnet client. Once connected, you can use whatever email cilent the server provides (such as Tin or Pine).
1.2.10) Can I use this computer as a server/DNS server/router/firewall?
Yes. The 5300 doesn't make a very good server, having generally poor system perfmance, but you can use it as a server if you have server software for it. AppleShare IP won't run on the 5300, but traditional Mac file sharing works fine. MacDNS (from Apple) is a fairly easy to use DNS server. There are various web, ftp, and email servers that will also run on this machine. Using the appropriate software (such as IPNetRouter or Vicomsoft's Internet Gateway), the 5300 can also function as a firewall and router.
1.2.11) What are some good Internet/network utilities to have?
There are a whole bunch of utilities that are handy. There's a whole bunch of telnet clients out there that are useful for the odd telnet connection. BetterTelnet is a good one. There's also tools like IPNetMonitor from Sustainable Softworks that lets you monitor the IP traffic on your computer. The list of utilities, though, is far too long to detail. Go check out VersionTracker or something... ;-)