UnAOL is a tiny utility that converts Macintosh files downloaded from versions of America Online other than the Mac version. For example, if you use the ProDOS, GS/OS, MS-DOS, or Windows versions of America Online and download Macintosh files, once you move them to the Mac, you'll find that they're not recognized by the Macintosh Finder and archive utilities. This is because Macintosh uploads include special information used only by the Macintosh version of America Online during downloading.
To use UnAOL you first need System 7.0 or newer, then:
o Open or double-click the UnAOL application
o Choose New Conversion from the File menu
o Select the foreign AOL download file (1) in the standard file dialog box and click Open. (You are alerted if the file is not a Mac file, or does not contain the AOL Mac file header.)
o A second standard file dialog box appears asking for the converted file's name. You can replace the original file if you want--UnAOL is smart about doing this, and it avoids creating an extra copy of the file. You'll then possess a file that is known to the Finder or archiving utilities. (2)
UnAOL is a non-commerical product of the Morgan Davis Group, provided for the benefit of others. Future versions may include drag-and-drop batch processing and the ability to AOL-ize Mac files for transmission to America Online from non-Mac versions.
Footnotes:
(1) Moving an AOL download from an Apple II or PC to the Mac requires that the file reside on a 3.5" diskette or can be transmitted over a network or serial connection. For the PC, the disk has to be a 1.44MB high-density type in MS-DOS format, and your Mac needs a 1.44MB high-density 3.5" floppy drive (sometimes called a Super Drive). Most Mac models made after the SE include a high-density drive. For the Apple IIe and IIGS, you can use a ProDOS formatted 1.44MB or 800K disk.
(2) If the resulting file is still not recognized by your Mac, you may need to obtain software to process it. Your collection of utilities should include a copy of StuffIt Lite (or similar Aladdin product) as many Mac files from AOL are contained in StuffIt-formatted archives (these are automatically unstuffed by the Mac version of America Online for you).
Morgan Davis Group
10079 Nuerto Lane
Rancho San Diego
CA 91977-7132 USA
+1 619 670 0563 TEL
+1 619 670 9643 FAX
+1 619 670 5379 BBS
UnAOL is copyrighted 1993 by the Morgan Davis Group. All Rights Reserved. Permission to distribute the 1.0b1 version without charge is publicly granted. The Morgan Davis Group and America Online, Inc., are not responsible for any damages or loss caused by the use of this program.
America Online is a registered service mark of America Online, Inc.
