A2 News and Notes
February, 2004

INDEX

* Apple II Gaming
* Apple //e Ethernet?
* CFFA Still Being Sold
* Apple I I/O
* MD Software Available
* Old Software New Again
* SignOff

- Gamers who remember Sokoban will be interested in this latest Apple II
clone, called BoxWorld.  Created by drHirudo, this multi-level game can be
downloaded at:  http://drhirudo.foronlinegames.com/Apple2.html 

- Developers interested in working on Ethernet options for the Apple //e
and the LANceGS card should contact Joachim Lange at ///SHH Systeme for
the new ProDOS 8 driver information.  Release of this package to
developers means that 8-bit users may soon be able to use the LANceGS to
access Ethernet networks directly.  Joachim can be reached
at: lange@tasha.homeip.net for driver information.

- Rich Dreher continues to sell the CompactFlash for Apple II Adapter
card, and has sold all but approximately 75 of the cards made to
date.  These cards, which allow the use of either CompactFlash cards or
IDE drives to be used as storage media on an Apple II, have been favorably
reviewed in the past.  More information including ordering information can
be found on the CFFA website:  http://spudboy.dreher.net/CFforAppleII

- Fans of the original Apple I computer might be interested in the new
serial I/O board developed by Vince Briel, who also brought us the Apple I
Replica.  This board piggybacks on to a chip socket and gives the computer
a serial I/O ability.  More information and board price can be found
at:   http://www.applefritter.com/apple1/members/replica1/r1serial.htm

- Morgan Davis, developer of the popular ProLine BBS and MDBasic programs
has made all of his Apple II software available for download from his own
website. Files and manuals (in PDF format) may be downloaded
at:  http://www.morgandavis.net/portfolio/mdg/


- Old Software New Again

Several announcements were made concerning Apple II emulation:

-- ActiveGS has been upgraded to version 2.0.  This new release, using the
newest KEGS emulation code,includes such features as an active information
window, as well as a way to store image files.  ActiveGS runs under
Internet Explorer, on an IBM (or clone) computer.  More information can be
found at:
http://www.freetoolsassociation.com/tech_ActiveGS.html

-- A hardware solution for running Apple II software off of non-Apple II
computers may be in the works. Eric Rothfus has developed the
"Semi-virtual Diskette" hardware adapter.  The SVD is a small hobbyist
hardware device that emulates a floppy drive through an RS232 interface on
a Linux or Windows box, eliminating the need for setting up disk
images.  Currently the SVD is running on a TRS-80 emulator, and developer
is looking into a version for the Apple II.  Volunteers are also being
sought.  Information on this project can be found at:
http://www.rothfus.com/SVD/

- Early Apple II users remember how difficult it was to back up legally
purchased software that was "protected" against duplication.  A
publication called Hardcore Computist was published with hints on
"cracking" such software.  Long out of print, this magazine is being made
available again via scanned images.  For a look at one part of Apple II
software history, check out:  http://computist.textfiles.com/  


* Sign Off

A2 News and Notes is produced with real or emulated Apple II computers
using AppleWorks 5.1.  Apple II Forever!

A2 News and Notes is (C) copyright 2004 by Ryan M. Suenaga, M.S.W. and
edited by Howard Katz.  All rights reserved.
Opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not
necessarily represent the opinions of the copyright holder and publisher.
The publisher does not guarantee the accuracy or suitability of any
information included herein.  We reserve the right to edit all letters and
copy.

Material published in this edition may be reprinted free of charge
anywhere provided this copyright notice is included.

