Brief Instructions for getting started with TCP/IP on the Macintosh
by Douglas Thom N6OYU
21 April 91
File: Purpose:
Read Me This helpful file
BM/Mac Mail program to read and send mail
bm.rc Configuration file for the BM/Mac
ftpusers Access list for incoming FTPs
hosts.net Currently a list of IP address coordinators -
replace with your local IP address table
autoexec.net Configuration file for TCP/IP
pub folder Folder for files that may be transfered using FTP
spool folder Folder containing the working files for logging and SMTP mailer
finger folder Folder containing text files describing user on your system.
NET/Mac TCP/IP program (sometimes called NET in the documentation)
Docs folder Contains important TCP/IP documentation.
NOTES:
1. This diskette does not contain a system folder. If you wish to install a system folder and files, USE THE INSTALLER program with your Macintosh, and install a minimum system for your computer. If you have a Macintosh 512Ke, use a stripped down version of the system file (4.1) and finder (5.5). You need to have the Geneva 10 and 14 size fonts installed in the system.
2. All text files are provided in Teach Text format. A copy of the Teach Text editor can be found on your Macintosh System 6 master diskettes. You may use any word processor to edit these files, as long as they remain in Text Only format.
5. The escape character to get out of a TCP session and back to the "net>" prompt is the Escape key. MacPlus and 512K users do not have an Escape key, therefore you may change the escape character with the following command: escape <character> where <character> is any keystroke. This command is in the autoexec.net file (and is set to the tilda character in this distribution).
6. In general, where the IBM-PC documentation refers to file paths you can substitute a colon ":" for a backslash "\".
7. Before you can use this release, you need to customize it for your station. You will need to edit the files 'bm.rc', 'ftpusers', 'hosts.net', 'autoexec.net', and optionally 'alias' to insert your personal information -- your callsign, first name, and IP address, etc. Your IP address MUST be in the 'hosts.net' file inorder for you to attempt connections later on. The 'hosts.net' file contained on this diskette contains a list of the official IP address coordinators. Contact one of these people to obtain both your IP address assignment, and a current 'Hosts.net' file to replace the one provided.
8. The version of Hosts.net that is provided with this release, is an example, and should be replaced by one for your area. The hosts.net file appropriate for your area may have been updated or may even be entirely different. Contact a local TCP/IP user for a current (local) file.
9. If there is no one around who can help you get started, try taking the following steps.
a. Make a backup of this TCP/IP disk for insurance.
b. Get an IP address assignment and modify files as per Note 5 above.
c. Put your TNC into KISS mode. Note: AEA PK-232 requires the latest ROMs AFTER 30-Dec-88 for proper operation in KISS mode.
d. Double-click on NET/Mac. You should get a Console window with a 1 or 2-line introductory message and then a "net>" prompt. If you do not, read the messages that come on the screen for info on the problem. Often there is an incorrect setting in the Autoexec.net file.
e. A good way to test out your installation, is to do an ftp to yourself. To do this type, 'ftp<space>yourcall<CR>'. If all goes well, you should see a new command line awaiting your login. Type 'user anonymous<CR>', and when prompted for a password, type 'pass yourcall<CR>'. You should now be logged into your own station, now type 'dir<CR>' and you should see a directory listing of files in your pub directory (initially empty!). Type 'quit<CR>' to exit back to the net>.
Good luck!
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Compatibility Notes
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This release works best under Multifinder with 2.5 Megabytes of memory! Most problems have been traced to corrupted system files, inits that do not fully support the Mac OS, or setup problems. If you run into any problems, please refer to the bug reporting proceedures listed in the help files.
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Final Notes, etc.
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Bug reporting and newer versions for the Macintosh.
If you encounter any bugs, please take the time to determine exactly what went wrong, and carefully document the conditions (use Macsbug if available). We will need the type of machine, memory size, system revision levels, what programs, cdev's and init's that were running, etc. We are aware of a number of things that need to get cleaned up, so suggestions will be gratefully appreciated. Please send the above information to:
Douglas Thom (N6OYU) [44.4.1.209]
Macintosh KA9Q Project Coordinator
1405 Graywood Drive
San Jose, CA 95129-4778
(408) 253-1306 (Evenings PST)
If you wish to be included in future revisions/beta testing of this package, please also send me your complete mailing address along with a SASE (or $5) and an 800K 3.5 inch diskette. Source code is available seperately. You may also download from the latest versions of this package from either MacSciense BBS at (408) 866-4933, or Digikron Systems BBS (408) 253-1309
