Ask A Scientist© Computer Science Archive

Index Key:   CSI015
Author:     TMyers
Subject:    Network, file server, and modem?
Text:       We just had our labs updated from Apple IIe to Mac LCII with 
ethernet, file server, and a modem.  I would like to set up a pen pal 
situation between my students and other students.  Could I hook up my modem to 
my file server, access TENET to Newton, and then have my students login and 
talk to other students all at the same time?  I was given this new equipment 
but no training.  I wanted to ask before doing this since I do not want to 
screw up my file server.  Also, I was wondering if anyone has used ClarisWorks 
graphics.  When we print our graphics, sometimes it does not print all of it, 
and sometimes the color is not the same as it is on the monitor.  What are we 
doing wrong?  I looked in the manual but could not find any help on printing 
graphics.

Response #: 1 of 2
Author:     Robert Topper
Text:       It should be possible to use your environment to let students 
access NEWTON, but I am not sure if you will be able to get more than one 
student at a time online, unless you have more than one LCII...I wish I could 
give you some specific advice but I am no network expert myself.  However, if 
you can describe your situation to me a little more fully, I might be able to 
ask more knowledgeable people.  Unfortunately I have never used ClarisWorks so 
I cannot comment, but if I were you, I would try to contact a local Mac 
bulletin board or user's group.  Someone there should be able to answer all of 
your questions in detail and help you get going! You might also consider 
subscribing to MACWORLD or MACUSER. Perhaps your school library might be able 
to pick up a subscription.

Response #: 2 of 2
Author:     Chris Baker
Text:       Ok, I assume that your ethernet network has a number of work 
stations (individual user machines) and a single server.  There are two forms 
of connections that can be done. One is called modem sharing.  By adding 
special software and connecting a modem (or many) to the server (some software 
will allow the modems to be on any machine on the network - actually there are 
little boxes you can attach to the ethernet that a modem will plug into), you 
can share the modem with all the work stations on the network.  In this case, 
you are only sharing the modem in the sense that every work station can use 
the modem to make a call as if it were attached to the work station itself.  
This does not mean that it can handle multiple users at once.  Only one person 
can use it at once.  Another thing that can be done is to physically extend 
your ethernet net to the TENET via a modem.  The difference here is that you 
use your modem to connect the network not a work station.  This sounds easy 
but it is NOT.  Once you connect your net to TENET (expensive and requires 
special equip.) then you can have your work stations 'speak' a special 
language (tcp/ip) and run a different telecom package (telnet) that allows you 
to remotely login to another machine on that network (yours and whoever is 
connected to the TENET - NEWTON included).  This is most likely WAY OUT of 
your budget and not allowable by TENET, but I am not sure.