Mac 512 serving files.

[napabar]

Everything I've ever read says that the earliest Mac that care serve files with AppleShare is a Mac Plus. Recently, I came across a 3rd party piece of software called Easyshare from around 1990. Here's the read me:

EASYSHARE DESCRIPTION: January 16, 1990

Package contents:

 

EasyShare INIT Demo, EasyShare Demo, EasyShare Demo Doc (this file)

 

• Description:

 

EasyShare is an AppleShare compatible file server that gives Macintosh users a quick and easy way to share files on an AppleTalk network.• Its main features include:

 

• AppleShare compatibility

 

AppleShare compatibility means that EasyShare works with Apple's AppleShare software.

You can mix computers running EasyShare along with AppleShare file servers on the same network.

 

• Runs in background

 

Running in background means that you don't have to dedicate a computer to be your server.

This keeps the cost down. Every computer running EasyShare can be a server, and you can continue to use the computer while others use files on its disk.

 

• Easy control of the files you want to share:

 

With EasyShare you are in control of the data you want others to use. You may allow others access to an entire volume or just selected folders within the volume. You don't have to set up complex user lists, group lists or access rights for each and every folder like other server software. You simply select a folder (or the entire volume) and publish it for others to use.

 

In addition to this, you may also:

 

- assign passwords to each volume or folder

- automatically publish a volume or folder whenever you turn on your computer

- allow others to use a file, but not change its contents

 

• Minimal installation:

 

You need only to install EasyShare on the computers that have the files to be shared. All the other computers that want to use these files simply use Apple's built-in AppleShare software that comes on Apple's System disks.

 

Differences in the demo version:

 

The demo version of the EasyShare software works exactly like the real version except for the following differences -

- only 1 volume or folder may be published at a time (the real version allows 10)

- only 1 user may access EasyShare at a time (the real version allows 10)

- automatic publishing of a volume or folder is disabled

- you may only use a published volume or folder for up to 10 minutes (it is removed from the desktop after that time)

- the EasyShare program is an application (in the real version it is a desk accessory)

 

Macintosh System versions supported

 

Any Apple supported system from System 3.2, Finder 5.1 to the present.

 

Memory usage

 

EasyShare INIT approximately 53 K bytes

EasyShare desk accessory (when opened) approximately 32 K bytes

That system software would include both the 128k and 512k. Obviously, the 128k doesn't have enough RAM, but would this work on a 512k? Unfortunately, the link to download this software is on a mirror that is no longer functioning. Has anyone used the software? Does anyone have a copy?

 

[Mac128]

Everything I've ever read says that the earliest Mac that care share files with AppleShare is a Mac Plus.

You haven't been reading the right stuff. AppleShare client 1.0 works just fine on a stock 512K with 64K ROMs. You do not need any special software to log onto an AppleShare file server. However, it only goes one way: from the 512K to the server. I regularly logged onto my System 8.6 Mac from my 512K via an AppleTalk to Ethernet bridge. Check this out as well: http://www.vintagemacworld.com/apple_software.html

EasyShare suggests the 512K can be a peer-to-peer client/host. Actual practice may prove differently, but it would certainly not be alone in software that will do this on a 512K. I recall looking for this once upon a time to try on the 128K, before I learned how it actually implements AppleTalk and had no luck finding it. Let us know if you do!

 

[napabar]

Oh, I know I can use a 512 as a client. I was wanting to use one as a file server. Should have made that clearer in my post. Have corrected it.

 

[Mac128]

Oh, I know I can use a 512 as a client. I was wanting to use one as a file server. Should have made that clearer in my post. Have corrected it.

Well that's different. Do you need actual interaction with AppleShare clients?

I have long searched for a copy of AppleShare Server 1.0 released in January '87 to test. My understanding is that it should work with a 512Ke & HD20, in which case it should also work with a 512K and HD20. It does require a hard drive. v1.1 released with the SE & II may have upped the limit to 1MB RAM as that may have been when they added the print server.

If you do not need AppleShare compatibility, then there were several file sharing options from 1985 that will obviously work on a 512K Mac. However, I sense you are looking for a way to access your 512K from your iPhone. Admittedly a cool trick if you can pull it off.

 

[napabar]

Yes, I'm trying to browse the contents of a Mac 512 on my iPhone. I wasn't aware that AppleShare 1.0 would work with a 512. Apple has always said that the 512 couldn't be an AppleShare server, but then again their info on old macs is not always correct.

I figured I'd need the HD20, as Appleshare doesn't let you serve files from a floppy. Interestingly, the iPhone Remote software on my iMac let's me serve any mounted drive, including a USB floppy!

Thanks for the advice. I'll keep my eyes open for AppleShare 1.0 as well as EasyShare.

 

[Mac128]

I wasn't aware that AppleShare 1.0 would work with a 512. Apple has always said that the 512 couldn't be an AppleShare server, but then again their info on old macs is not always correct.
I figured I'd need the HD20, as Appleshare doesn't let you serve files from a floppy. Interestingly, the iPhone Remote software on my iMac let's me serve any mounted drive, including a USB floppy!

I have never seen an Apple Tech document referencing AppleShare server and v.1.0. Everything on their TIL refers to clients or server v.2.0 and up which definitely requires a Mac Plus.

It doesn't surprise me that the iPhone software will see a physically mounted drive and I am only mildly surprised that it will see a mounted network drive where OS X won't. OS X never ceases to amaze me and of course it makes sense that if your system can see a drive then it should be able to share it. Third party software circa 2008 most definitely would make use of that ability, which is why I reference third party software may be able to accomplish the same thing under System 7.6.1. But that was a whole different system running in an era with totally different needs. You may want to upgrade your CC to run 8.1 as it will offer you even more options for similar software to the iPhone remote to translate a mounted AppleShare volume to TCP/IP. I used to use IP Net Router on my PowerBook Duo running 8.1 to set up two different IP addresses on the same Mac. There was a firewall that interacted with the global IP address and then a separate address that handled my internal networking, via AppleTalk. The net result is that any drive mounted on my Duo was accessible by the software router to share through my firewall connection, because all the resources were being handled by the software, without AppleTalk's limitations. OSX was not around then and I certainly didn't use it as you are trying to, but it seems like a good candidate for accessing an AppleTalk volume. Do a Google search for it as I seem to recall several good article about setting up networks this way.

 

[napabar]

The Color Classic can't go beyond 7.6.1, but I have maxed out the versions of Open Transport and AppleShare. They are the same now or better than what shipped with System 8.

The cool thing about iPhone Remote is, you don't install anything on the iPhone. It's a service that runs on your OS X Mac. You just use Safari on the iPhone to browse through the contents of a drive (among other features). I've played MP3's off of my 16 mhz Color Classic on the iPhone and it works great! Very cool stuff. I just want to go a step further back (Plus or 512 if possible) and try the same thing. If I get it working, I'll document it with a YouTube video. First Mac 512k MP3 server! LOL!

 

[Mac128]

The cool thing about iPhone Remote is, you don't install anything on the iPhone. It's a service that runs on your OS X Mac. You just use Safari on the iPhone to browse through the contents of a drive (among other features).

Yeah, see that's what I'm talking about, the software you install on OSX doesn't come from a reputable company and as such has complete access to your system and passwords. In addition to allowing your iPhone to connect to your system it also theoretically allows anybody access to your system. This is the same kind of software as Apple's Remote Desktop which costs a bundle, but I trust Apple to protect me, whereas this iPhone shareware ...

 

[Charlieman]

You haven't been reading the right stuff. AppleShare client 1.0 works just fine on a stock 512K with 64K ROMs. You do not need any special software to log onto an AppleShare file server. However, it only goes one way: from the 512K to the server. I regularly logged onto my System 8.6 Mac from my 512K via an AppleTalk to Ethernet bridge. Check this out as well: http://www.vintagemacworld.com/apple_software.html

Off topic, but if you follow the instructions in Mac128's link, you can run AppleShare client 2.x on a 512K. The later client may be required for later AppleShare server implementations.

 

[Aoresteen]

That system software would include both the 128k and 512k. Obviously, the 128k doesn't have enough RAM, but would this work on a 512k? Unfortunately, the link to download this software is on a mirror that is no longer functioning. Has anyone used the software? Does anyone have a copy?

I think I do but I will have to wait until I get back to the states in July to check. Send me a PM to remind me to start looking.

 

[napabar]

That would be awesome, Tony! I will get back with you then.

Be safe!