There is a thread from a while back here -- initially about an obscure terminal console add-on, but eventually discussing the TOPS protocol as a whole.
For reference, this is about the Transcendental Operating System -- TOPS, originally from Centram Systems West, then SUN, and then I think finally Sitka.
As the Wikipedia article notes, TOPS was only really used between 1985-1991; System 7's Personal File Sharing wiped it out. However, it was popular due to its relative low cost, cross-platform support (with a PC LocalTalk card), and ability to function without a dedicated file server.
Why should we care about TOPS today? Besides the the fact that it was a pretty important part of early Macintosh networking culture, it also happens to be the only way certain obscure handheld devices -- such as PenPoint -- can print or share files. I'm curious if anyone has ever thought about emulating it in modern code, similar to Netatalk?
For reference, this is about the Transcendental Operating System -- TOPS, originally from Centram Systems West, then SUN, and then I think finally Sitka.
As the Wikipedia article notes, TOPS was only really used between 1985-1991; System 7's Personal File Sharing wiped it out. However, it was popular due to its relative low cost, cross-platform support (with a PC LocalTalk card), and ability to function without a dedicated file server.
Why should we care about TOPS today? Besides the the fact that it was a pretty important part of early Macintosh networking culture, it also happens to be the only way certain obscure handheld devices -- such as PenPoint -- can print or share files. I'm curious if anyone has ever thought about emulating it in modern code, similar to Netatalk?
