Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!munnari.oz.au!csc!srb813
From: srb813@csc.anu.oz
Newsgroups: comp.protocols.appletalk
Subject: Re: Sharing LW with Macs and PC's
Message-ID: <2298.268889c2@csc.anu.oz>
Date: 27 Jun 90 10:26:08 GMT
References: <1982@sparko.gwu.edu>
Organization: Computer Services, Australian National University
Lines: 39

In article <1982@sparko.gwu.edu>, viraf@seas.gwu.edu (Viraf Bankwalla) writes:
> Hi,
> 
>   I was wondering what the best way to share a LW between macs and PC's
>   are.  I am aware that there are localtalk cards for the PC, could
>   someone please recommend some of them.  Is there a better alternative ?
> 
>   Thanks
> 
>   viraf bankwalla
>   viraf@seas.gwu.edu
>   uunet!gwusun!viraf

Putting the PCs onto AppleTalk is the way to go since then the Macs to get
the LaserWriters for free.

I use TOPS/DOS v3.0 with TOPS FlashCards to get the PCs talking to the
LaserWriters (and each other).  TOPS is a fine product except for DOS's
major weakness ... memory.  TOPS is memory-hungry.  If you have extended
memory then you haven't got a problem (384K is OK, but I would recommend
1MB of extended memory).  If you're stuck with 640K and can't afford to
buy an extended memory board (like the mob I'm doing a contract for) then
you definitely do have a problem.  You (like me) will be minimally
configuring everything in sight, or loading and unloading modules, or
trying to convince people (or yourself) to buy some extended memory.

The other alternative is AppleTalk/PC.  v2.1 runs on a FlashCard (or so I
am told) which is good because FlashCards are cheaper (at least in 
Australia they are :-) ).  The disadvantage is that you must have an
AppleShare server to share files.  This can only be a Macintosh or a host
(a Unix box or a VAX).  If you're not sharing files between the PCs then who 
cares?  But since you've got a network and all this great software you may
as well use all of it!


Steven Ball, Department of Computer Science, ANU
E-mail: steve@anucsd.anu.oz.au		Ph. (06) 2495147
Snail-mail: GPO Box 4, CANBERRA CITY ACT 2600, AUSTRALIA
           He's not the messiah, he's a very naughty boy!