MacIntosh Telecommunications Manual Rick Merullo P. Jayne Rotsko Telecommunications (computers communicating over phone lines) has the reputation for being one of the least friendly areas of personal computing. Although this is apparently true, telecommunications on the Mac is a lot easier than on other computers because of its user friendly format. To make this venture even easier we have created this user's directory to telecommunications on the MacIntosh, and, for the purposes of this manual, we will be utilizing the Microsoft Works integrated software program, although other software programs, such as Red Ryder or TermWorks could easily be used instead. Telecommunications using Microsoft Works (from now on MSW) allows you to utilize an integrated software package to create word processing, data base and spreadsheet documents, and then allows you to import or export these documents with its built in telecommunications option. It also allows you to connect with people from all over the world to talk and share ideas on the subject of your choice. This manual will take you step by step, from installing your NetModem modem to uploading/downloading files using MSW communications. Following is a glossary of terms used throughout this directory. Glossary of Terms ASCII files - standard text language for all American computers baud rate - used as a measure of how fast data is transmitted by a modem BBS - Bulletin Board Systems; a computer dedicated to maintaining a list of messages and making them available over phone lines at no charge capture - take text from screen and put into a file download - retreiving information from a distant computer and storing it modem-device that lets computers talk to each other over phone lines no carrier - message on screen when modem connection was unsuccessful on-line - actively connected to a computer parity - electronic file polarity protcol - agreement between computer systems to send/receive using same approach shareware - software that is distributed on the honor system, usually through BBS, user groups, information services, etc. telecommunications - transferring information between computers on telephone lines upload - sending information to a distant computer from your own Xmodem - protocol to use with MSW on telecommunications MODEM INSTALLATION The Shiva NetModem modem is very easy to install. There are many other types of modems that can be used, but make sure that it is 100% Hayes compatible. The one we are installing is 1200 baud; you will see that 1200 baud is the default on the Communications menu "settings" once the installation is complete. Follow the steps listed below to install the Netmodem: 1. Connect the NetModem phone line to the jack insert in the back of the modem and to the phone jack on your telephone(it is not necessary to take the phone off the hook). 2. Connect the black power chord to an outlet and to the back of the modem. 3. Connect the computer's printer cable from the printer port to the 8-pin port on the back of the modem. 4. Insert the NetModem Installation disk into the floppy drive and turn on the Mac. a. open this disk and double click on the install icon (you should see a message that the installation was successful). Click on the netmodem name second from the bottom. b. if you ever need to re-install this software, follow the same steps, but before you click install, click remove to get rid of the first installation 5. Open the Control Panel on the Apple menu and click on the NMPrefs icon(scroll until it appears). a. click on the non-interupt status and printer emulation buttons and close the window 6. Open Chooser on the Apple menu and click on the NetModem icon (the netmodem name should appear in the box). Then close this window. 7. Open MSW and choose File -Open and double click on the Communications icon. 8. Select Communications on the menu bar and drag down to settings(a box will appear that will allow you to set the netmodem to your needs). a. all settings should remain at default with the exception of: 1. telephone touch-tone or rotary 2. capture text(check box) or not 3. connect to modem icon BBS Connection You are now ready to make your first BBS Connection (appendix B has a data base of local BBS networks). 1. Select Communications on the menu bar and drag down to "dial"(this allows you to enter BBS names and #'s for quick redials). 2. Check the button of the BBS with which you wish to connect. 3. You will see a screen indicting that dialing is taking place and, after a few moments, whether a connection has been made or not (no carrier indicates no connection). 4. At this point, depending on the BBS you have entered, you will have to register(first call only) by answering certain questions on-line. If you read the screens this should be very easy. DOWNLOADING using MICROSOFT WORKS on the MacIntosh 1. Go to conference area of the BBS. On Channel 1 choose conference J 248 or J Professor. 2. Choose "F" for files. 3. Choose "F" again for flag. 4. Type "N" 6. Type "D" for download. 7. Choose "X" for Xmodem protocol. 8. Go to communication menu and choose "receive file". When dialogue box appears select Xmodem text if it is a text file or select Xmodem data if it is a data file (ZIPPED or STUFFED). 9. Type in a name for the file you are receiving and select the "receive" button. UPLOADING using MICROSOFT WORKS on the MacIntosh. 1. Choose or create a file you want to upload. The file most be converted to ascii format (standard text language). To do this, go to the menu and choose "save as". When the dialogue box appears select "export" and then "Export As Rich Text Format". Alter the filename to indicate the ascii format. Select "Save". 2. Dial a BBS. 3. Type "U" for upload. 4. Type in name of file and description when asked. 5. Choose "Xmodem" protocol. 6. In communications menu, go to "send file". 7. Select Xmodem text or Xmodem data under Send Protocol. 8. Highlight file in scroll box. 9. Select "send" button. 10. Computer will verify. DRAFTING AND DESIGN TECHNOLOGY TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROJECT - MAILBAG FORMAT PROJECT NAME: HOUSE SWAP REQUIREMENTS: Two architectural drafting/design technology classes from different geographical areas of the country or the world desiring to communicate with each other. Word processing and telecommunications hard/software. OBJECTIVES: 1. This project will enlighten students' awareness of house styles and designs and how they may differ in other locations and cultures. Students will describe their house or apartment from a design standpoint. Architectural style, layout, and how the design accommodates the climate and environment will be key points for description and discussion. 2. To give students a knowledge of how architectural design, climate, geography, history and culture are related. DESCRIPTION: Each student in both classes will word process a brief answer to the following hypothetical situation: You have been selected as an exchange student. You will swap families and of course living situations with another student from another part of the U.S. or a foreign country. You are to use this opportunity to describe your house or apartment to the student who will be coming to Ipswich for two months. Key points to include in your correspondence: * Architectural style of the building - include roof style and trim details. Be very descriptive! * Age of the building - is it an antique? reproduction? contemporary? Is there a history of this design? * How is your house designed to accommodate climate and the environment? * Describe in general the floorplan. * How does this house meet your personal needs? What do you like about it and what do you dislike about it? What changes would you make to better suit your needs?