The Information Alley, Volume 2, Issue 7 -- July 24, 1995
Copyright 1994-95, Apple Computer, Inc.
The "Information Alley" is a publication of Apple Computer, Inc., Support Information Services. It is available to all Apple customers and Apple computer users through a variety of online services.
The goal of the "Information Alley" is to help Apple computer users get full use of their Apple computers, peripherals, and software. Feel free to distribute the "Information Alley" to anyone.
The "Information Alley" is published in these formats: Adobe Acrobat 2.0, No Hands Common Ground, and SeText. Please note you must download the Acrobat reader separately and that the Acrobat reader requires 2.5 MB of RAM. The Common Ground reader requires 1 MB of RAM.
Contents of Part 1 of 2 (this document)
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Thoughts From the Alley Cat -- Article Ideas Inspired by Apple Summer Camp
Apple Certified Service Engineer Program
Explicit and Inherit Access Privileges Defined
Setting Up an MAE Application for Multiple Users
Scrapbook File Maximum Size
What the System 7.5 External CD Sound Extension Does
Turning Off the PC Exchange Control Panel
OpenDoc Overview
New Places to Find the "Information Alley"
Contents of Part 2 of 2
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CD ROM Standards Used
Why Microsoft Word Does Not Show in the Macintosh Easy Open List
Telecom 2.0 -- Different Features Depending on Computer
Printer Sharing Between GX and non-GX Users
Global Village Modems -- Questions and Answers
AppleShare Platforms and Supported Mac OS Releases
Thoughts From the Alley Cat -- Article Ideas Inspired by Apple Summer Camp --------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Janet Christian
I just returned from Apple Summer Camp, a week of intensive technical classes about Apple's current and future products. The primary audience for this event is Apple's field support and technical personnel, so I had the opportunity to speak with many of them about the issues that you tell them are important. I brought back pages of notes with article suggestions based on their input. For example, page 9 includes an overview of OpenDoc technology and a list of OpenDoc terminology.
* Article Updates and Comments
- Update on Printer Sharing Article
We included an article in Volume I, Issue 17 (12 December 1994) about
sharing a printer between QuickDraw GX and non-QuickDraw GX users. This
issue includes updated information about this process on page 16, in an
article titled Printer Sharing Between GX and Non-GX Users.
- Update on CD-ROM Article
Volume II, Issue 6 (10 July 1995) included an article titled CD-ROM
“This disk is unreadable" Message. This article provided the following list
of files that should be in the Extensions Folder of the System folder. The
note ("if you plan to use Photo CDs") should have been next to the Apple
Photo Access bullet, not the Audio CD Access bullet. We apologize for any
confusion this misplacement caused:
- Apple CD-ROM
- Apple Photo Access
- Foreign File Access
- High Sierra File Access
- ISO 9660 File Access
- Audio CD Access (if you plan to use Photo CDs)
- A Comment About the ACSE Program Article on Page 4
Page 4 includes an article about Apple’s Certified Server Engineer (ACSE)
Program. This is a bit different from the articles we usually include in
the "Information Alley". However, the review committee believed that our
readers would find the information useful and interesting. We hope you agree.
* Fax Line Update
The Information Alley fax line (512 908-8018) was temporarily down but should
be back online by the time this issue is published. If you recently attempted
to fax us your feedback, please try again -- we value each feedback form we receive.
Apple Certified Service Engineer Program
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By Dan Fitch
The Apple Certified Server Engineer (ACSE) Program institutes an industry certification in Workgroup Server and networking technologies. It provides a reliable indicator of the technical capability of certified individuals.
This document outlines the Apple Certified Server Engineer program, it's purpose, operational characteristics, and details on pursuing a certification.
* Overview
This certification has been created to identify individuals that have demonstrated their capability to install and support Apple Workgroup Servers and design or manage AppleTalk based networks. Candidates who successfully complete this certification are demonstrating their ability to provide knowledgeable support and troubleshooting of server installations, AppleTalk based network design, and AppleShare based server tuning and implementations.
The overall purpose of this program is to:
- Identify individuals with proven Workgroup Server support skills.
- Encourage further development of support skills by providing a skill
development path.
- Encourage an employer's investment in Apple support skills by providing
a method of measurement and recognition of these skills.
This certification program is a cornerstone of the new Apple Premium Server Reseller Program. This program was created to identify Apple authorized resellers that are committed to the business of selling servers and workgroup solutions. This program requires the reseller have an ACSE on staff.
* Definition of Certification
This certification is earned by the successful completion of three tests. It is important to note that the certification does not require any class attendance. These tests will be administered by Drake Prometric through their worldwide organization of testing centers. Any and every person is eligible for this certification. It is Apple's hope that people outside of the Apple authorized reseller community will become certified as well. It is anticipated that professional support people in customer locations and internal Apple personnel will attempt certification. This certification offers them a way to demonstrate their level of product knowledge as defined by Apple Computer.
When a candidate successfully passes these three tests and signs an agreement with Apple the candidate becomes an Apple Certified Server Engineer. This certification automatically expires after two years unless the certification holder retests successfully. These recertification tests give employers of certification holders the confidence that their knowledge is timely. This gives Apple the opportunity to keep these certified individuals technically current on Apple's view of important technology and products.
The current version of the certification covers technology associated with Mac OS – AppleShare based servers only. This initial certification does not have parts or levels. Later versions of the certification might have different components that reflect different product expertise.
Completion of this certification earns the individual the right to use a certification icon for business cards, and other relevant materials.
* Test Preparation
Apple has taken steps to ensure candidates are provided with two different methods of test preparation. Since this certification is based on successful completion of tests there is no requirement for specific training classes.
- Self-Study
One method of test preparation is to acquire the classroom material to use
as self-study guides. Four guides are available from Network Frontiers today
to cover the material taught in the classes. The cost of the guides range
from $40 to $65 and are available directly from Network Frontiers. In the
future, textbooks will be available from commercial book sellers.
- Classes
Apple has arranged for classes to be available for those that choose to prepare
for the tests with training. Apple has a contractual arrangement with Network
Frontiers to provide classes tailored to these tests. These classes are
available today nationwide, and the schedule will grow as class demands grow.
To register for a class, call Network Frontiers at 800-NET-TRN1 or 415-896-2939
for the schedule and dates. They can be reached by AppleLink at NETFRONTIERS.
Network Frontiers is an Apple Preferred Provider of this training.
- Test Details
Initially there are three tests for Mac OS based certification:
- The first test covers installation, tuning, management, and support
of AppleShare based servers. This includes AppleShare version comparisons,
Server Manager software overview, backup strategies, AppleShare install
and configuration, and installation design.
- The second test is the design of AppleTalk based networks, which includes
design, media choices, planning and sizing network installations, multiprotocol
issues, and services tuning.
- The third test is AppleTalk network management. This includes more network
design issues, software license management, network station and traffic
management techniques/tools.
Drake's testing service provides a specific type of testing capability. Their testing centers provide a consistent environment to take computer given and graded tests. Each test is one hour in length. Each test topic has several tests that are randomly chosen for each testing instance. Thus, an individual who is repeating a test will not necessarily take the same test.
A $95 administrative fee for each test is payable at the time of testing to Drake. To sign up for a test, contact Drake directly. Drake is unable to answer program questions and is not able to schedule tests until they are available, which is currently scheduled for mid August 1995. Please do not call Drake's registration line until then. Call the program information line at 408-862-3385 for details on test availability. Until October 1, priority attendance will be given for technical employees of resellers attempting to achieve authorization in the Apple Premium Server Reseller Program.
* For More Information
Call the Certification Program information line at 408-862-3385 from 8 AM to 4 PM Pacific Time. For training registration or study guide orders, contact Network Frontiers directly at 800-638-8761.
As candidates work through the certification process they can call Apple to check their status, change their address, verify the credentials of an individual, and get general program information. The number is 408-862-3385 (8 AM to 4 PM Pacific Time).
Explicit and Inherit Access Privileges Defined
----------------------------------------------
By Roger Meador
The terms explicit and inherit are commonly used when referring to access privileges with AppleShare File Servers. Here are definitions for explicit and inherit access privileges:
* Explicit
Retain access privileges regardless of the enclosing folder.
* Inherit
Always change to reflect access privileges of enclosing folder.
* Defaults
The default on an AppleShare File Server is explicit access privileges. The default on Personal File Sharing is explicit access privileges.
Adding an Application to the Launcher
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By Elizabeth Leight
This article describes how to set up an environment where a single copy of an application that generates preferences can be used by multiple accounts simultaneously.
Setting up an application this way lets you reduce the amount of server RAM and disk space required for the application. It also lets you minimize set up and configuration time.
Here are the steps to set up an application for multiple users:
Step 1
As "root", create a directory called Applications in the /usr/apple directory. Place all the applications that users will have access to in this directory.
Be sure to instruct users NOT to copy these applications to their home directory, since this would use more disk space and defeat the purpose for doing this.
Step 2
Add the -appledir option to the user's MAE startup script, to point to /usr/apple/Applications.
Step 3
Add the following line to the /usr/apple/lib/AliasList file:
persistent|desk|/usr/apple/Applications
This ensures that an alias of the Applications directory is on the user's MAE desktop.
Scrapbook File Maximum Size
---------------------------
By Doug Korns
The Scrapbook, located in the Apple Menu, has a maximum limit of 255 items. The Scrapbook stores items as resources in the resource fork. All Macintosh resource files have a maximum limit of 2727 resources, however the Scrapbook was designed to hold a maximum of 255 resources.
In addition to only being able to store 255 resources, there is a maximum size limit of the combined resources. The total combined resources of the Scrapbook cannot exceed 16 MB. This limit of 16 MB on the resource fork of a file is a Macintosh Hierarchical File System standard, so it applies to all files, not just the Scrapbook.
What the System 7.5 External CD Sound Extension Does
The External CD Sound extension lets users connect an external CD-ROM drive to the Power Macintosh/Performa 5200 and play audio CDs through its internal speakers (see Note).
Without the External CD Sound extension, users are able to select the external CD-ROM drive using the AppleCD Audio Player, but the user does not hear the audio. The External CD Sound extension solves this problem.
The following is the text that should be included in the About Apple Extras SimpleText document on the Performa 5200. However, this information is NOT included in the About Apple Extras document on the Power Macintosh 5200/75 LC but the information still applies.
"External CD Sound: You may need to use this extension if you connect an external CD-ROM drive to your Performa and wish to play audio CD-ROMs using AppleCD Audio Player. To use the External CD Sound extension, locate drag it from the Apple Extras folder to the Extensions folder."
NOTE: If you want to hear the audio from the external CD-ROM through the internal speakers of the Power Macintosh 5200, you need to use a Y-Adapter cable (not included with the Power Macintosh/Performa) to connect from the external CD drive's RCA audio jacks to the Sound In (Microphone) jack on the back of the Power Macintosh or Performa 5200 computer.
Turning Off the PC Exchange Control Panel
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By Daniel Carr
The off button in the PC Exchange control panel is intended for temporarily disabling PC Exchange. If you turn off PC Exchange this way, on restart PC Exchange turns back on.
To disable PC Exchange each time the Macintosh is restarted, Apple recommends using Extensions Manager in System 7.5 to prevent the PC Exchange control panel from loading.
If you are using System 7.1, drag the PC Exchange control panel out of the System Folder before restarting.
OpenDoc Overview
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Excerpts from OpenDoc for Macintosh -- An Overview for Developers
OpenDoc is a cross-platform software architecture that enables the development of component software. Component software is a term used to describe reusable, compatible building blocks of code that work seamlessly with applications—-called "part editors"—-from different vendors. OpenDoc consists of five functional layers:
- Compound Document Services
- Component Services
- Automation Services
- Object Management Services
- Interoperability Services
These technologies are being licensed to CI Labs, an organization established to provide open access to OpenDoc source code and specifications. CI Labs is responsible for adopting, licensing, validating, and promoting essential OpenDoc technologies. By providing reference source code for these foundation technologies, CI Labs facilitates the adoption of a common component software architecture across all major industry platforms. CI Labs also provides developers and system vendors with test suites and a conformance validation process, to ensure that software enabled by OpenDoc interoperates properly. OpenDoc will be available for Macintosh, Windows, OS/2, and UNIX systems.
* OpenDoc Terminology
- Document
A collection of OpenDoc parts, assembled by a user or developer.
A part becomes a document if dragged from its document to the desktop.
A document becomes a part if dragged from the desktop into an open document.
- Part
The fundamental building block of an OpenDoc document. This is the content
that users see in their documents. The functionality in the associated part
editor or part service allows the user to manipulate the part. Part viewers
allow the user to view, but not edit, the part.
- Container Application
A monolithic application that has been modified to support embedded OpenDoc
part editors and part services.
- Part Editor
A part editor displays a part’s content, facilitates manipulation of the
content, and provides a user interface for modifying that content. This user
interface may include menus, controls, tool palettes, rulers, and other modes
of interaction. (For example, a text editor is a part editor.)
- Part Service
A part service provides "back-ground" functionality for a part, and provides
the necessary user interface for manipulating that part’s content. For
instance, database access functionality would be a part service that could
be added to an OpenDoc document. Its user interface could be a menu item
or a database query screen.
- Part Viewer
A part viewer offers a subset of a part editor's functionality; it allows
users to display and print a part’s content, but not to edit it. Viewers can
be useful in document-sharing situations—for example, when the recipient of a
document doesn’t hold a license to some of the kinds of parts included in
the document, or when the person sending the document doesn’t want the recipient
to alter it.
* How OpenDoc Works
By enabling users to work in a task-centric rather than an application-centric manner, OpenDoc makes it easier for them to create and edit content-rich documents. With OpenDoc, users can purchase or build a "container" document that includes all the functionality needed to complete a task. They no longer have to launch separate applications, worry about incompatible data types, and manually create links to update data. They will have the freedom to buy preassembled OpenDoc software solutions, just as they buy application suites today, or they can mix and match part editors from a variety of vendors to suit their specific needs. No matter where the part editors are obtained, the user will be able to focus on a single solution that contains all needed functionality.
The OpenDoc model also improves upon the current drag-and-drop method of manipulating data. For example, a user can drag a desktop file icon into a document window, and it will automatically open and embed itself within the document. This contrasts sharply with today’s way of doing things: opening one application, selecting an item to be edited and moved, copying it onto the Macintosh Clipboard, opening a second application, and then pasting the results into the window of this second application.
OpenDoc also supports irregularly shaped, overlapping parts, and the ability to have a variety of different parts active concurrently. What’s more, between OpenDoc parts, data can be “linked” together. A link is a permanent reference from one part to another. When data in the first part changes, the link notifies the second part to change. Suppose, for example, a company creates an investment portfolio pie chart with a link to stock market data. Each time stock prices change, the chart adjusts accordingly. Before creating software enabled by OpenDoc, programmers will need to become familiar with some new naming conventions.
* The Anatomy of an OpenDoc Document
The fictional document shown on page 9 [in the graphic edition of this magazine] illustrates several unique features of OpenDoc. This oil industry report uses many OpenDoc part editors and services: a text editor, a graphics editor, a page layout editor, live buttons, a grammar checker, and a window that displays live oil commodity prices from the New York Mercantile Exchange.
You do not need a separate application to work on each part -- just click on an area to edit it. As you click on another object, its own menu bar and tool palette appear. Parts like the live oil market commodity quotes shown in the document stay active even while others are being edited.
The ability of software enabled by OpenDoc to have multiple parts concurrently active allows the author of this newsletter to edit the crude oil production chart while the current oil prices roll across the top of the page. The editor can wrap text around the irregularly shaped oil derrick graphic part. Live buttons within the "What’s Inside" field allow readers to click on a button to call up a feature article. And by dragging the "Grammar Checker" icon into the document, the part service can check grammar throughout the entire newsletter.
New Places to Find the "Information Alley"
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You can now find the Information Alley on these online services and BBSs:
* E.Central BBS (Denver, Colorado) 303-860-1211
E.Central is a Denver-based online community and information service provider, with up-to-date information on the Denver metro area. New users get a 30-day/20-hour free trial membership. Sign on with Account ID new; no password is required. Modem speed: 28.8.
*** End of Part 1 of 2, Information Alley, Volume 2, Issue 7, 24 July 95 ***
