Apple ///

In most areas of the United States, Internet host access is
available for under $20.00 a month. Similar services for similar
prices can be found in most places in the world. Normally called
"shell" access, an Internet provider generates an account for you on
their host(s). Then, using the Apple ///, a modem, and a
communications program such as Access /// or The Communications
Manager, you call into their host and begin using the programs above
in any combination to explore the Internet. In some areas popular
systems known as FreeNets are available. These offer free, text-based
access to the Internet and generally have the same capabilities as

You bet! The /// and its communications software is definitely
equal to the task of accessing an Internet host to "surf the
Internet". In fact, internet access via the /// is both viable and
enjoyable. The lack of graphics seldom is a barrier.

The world's most popular Internet hosts are still Unix computer
systems. Unix systems have traditionally integrated well into the
Internet, and plenty of text-based Internet software is available on
these hosts to enable your Apple /// to become a powerful Internet
surfer.

There were a number of communications programs produced for the
Apple /// over the years, but there are three generally considered to
be the best:

a) Access /// Interp Version: An excellent assembly-language terminal
program that can provide VT100 emulation. Scripts can be used to
automate log-ons to Compuserve and other on-line services. It does
NOT offer Xmodem protocol. It is available in the WAP /// SIG PD
library as disk 3TEL-02 (which includes an excellent Apple ///
communications tutorial).

b) XMODEM /// is also in the WAP PD - an excellent stand-alone
telecom program that offers the user XMODEM protocol for error-free

Only a few books were ever written about the Apple ///. There are
three specific books worth mentioning:

The Osborne/Mcgraw Hill Guide To Your Apple /// is the first book
on the list. The other two are by Eddie Adamis: Basic Keywords for
the Apple // and Business Basic for the Apple ///. The Guide covers
only the Apple /// and not the Plus version. The author is Stanley M.
Miastokowski. It's a good, beginning-level test for new /// owners
and good to have for us older SARAsaurs who've had their machines
around for a while. It has a good overview of Business Basic and
sections on the .Audio and .Grafix drivers that are excellent.