BBS in a Box 5/BBS in a Box -Volume V (BBS in a Box) (April 1992).iso/Files/Word/Ao-Az/AUX

Text File | 1988-02-13 | 27KB | 601 lines

A/UX, UNIX Power with Macintosh Personality

DALLAS, Texas.  February 9, 1988.  Apple Computer, Inc. today began shipping
A/UX(R), its implementation of the UNIX(R) operating system for the
Macintosh(R) II computer that merges strengths from the Macintosh
environment, including its intuitive user interface, with the power of UNIX.
Apple chairman and chief executive officer John Sculley made the announcement
in his keynote speech here at UniForum, the international conference for the
UNIX community.

UNIX is a powerful computer operating system which is most popular
among technical, computer-sophisticated users.  A/UX preserves the power of
UNIX and adds Macintosh ease-of-use, bringing the benefits of UNIX to more
customers.

A/UX enhances the Macintosh II's role as a full-function workstation.
Users now have access to more than 3,000 Macintosh applications plus new A/UX
applications for tasks such as relational database management, all from the
same system.

A/UX complements the Macintosh operating system, and will be important
initially where UNIX is already popular, including the value-added reseller
channel, national accounts (especially engineering environments), and
government and higher-education markets.

Based on the most popular UNIX standards, including a full implementation
of AT&T System V.2.2 with Berkeley (BSD) 4.2 and 4.3 extensions, A/UX provides
easy portability and networking.

"A/UX and the intuitive Macintosh user interface will expand the number
of users who can take advantage of the sophisticated UNIX operating system,"
said John Sculley.  "Apple's creation of A/UX has been driven by requests from
our customers in government, higher education and other channels. It
illustrates our commitment to important standards, and to helping our
customers get the most out of their multivendor environments."

Developers Ready with A/UX Products

Developers can easily port existing applications based on System V.2.2 or
Berkeley UNIX to run on A/UX.

Today more than 25 developers announced more than 50 A/UX-compatible
products, ranging from relational database and office-automation applications
to networking tools, languages and compilers, large displays and tape drives.

The Macintosh Toolbox features, as defined in Macintosh read-only memory
(ROM), can be used to create the Macintosh user interface in A/UX
applications.  Applications which follow Apple's programming guidelines as
published in   "Inside Macintosh" will run on the Macintosh operating system
and A/UX.

Some of the applications have incorporated the Macintosh user interface
in first releases, and others are expected to switch to it in future
revisions.

"Apple made all the correct choices," said Norman Meyrowitz, associate
director of the Institute for Research in Information and Scholarship at Brown
University.   "A/UX provides all the capabilities of UNIX--such as virtual
memory, multitasking, interprocess communication, shared network and
relational databases--coupled with all the capabilities of the Macintosh
toolbox, which includes the most consistent and friendly level of user
interface."

A/UX Makes UNIX More Accessible

Designed for ease-of-use in both its user interface and system
administration, A/UX lets new groups of non-technical users reap UNIX's
benefits.

Apple ships A/UX systems with the operating system already loaded on the
hard disk drive of the Macintosh II.  System administrators -- the technical
experts assigned to make the network and its workstations run smoothly --
therefore do not need to load A/UX from tapes, unlike most versions of UNIX.

A/UX is booted up from the Macintosh Finder by double-clicking on its
icon.  Switching between A/UX and the Macintosh operating system takes about
60 seconds.

A/UX also makes system administrators more productive, with its
auto-recovery and auto-configuration features which simplify administration
and improve the reliability of the system.  These tools let system
administrators manage a large network of workstations, in many cases remotely.

If an A/UX disk is damaged or otherwise not completely readable, an
auto-recovery option assures that the system will boot and operate on the
network by verifying the integrity of critical files and, if necessary,
restoring them.

Auto-configuration makes it easy for systems administrators and users to
change I/O devices, such as printers, by automatically reconfiguring the A/UX
kernel to keep track of network services.

Backing up UNIX systems, previously a cumbersome task, is accomplished
with an easy-to-use utility for tape back-up of the A/UX disk.

A/UX is based on System V with Berkeley extensions

A/UX is based on a complete implementation of AT&T System V.2.2.  It has
passed all tests of the System V Validation Suite (SVVS), and conforms to
System V Interface Definition (SVID).

It includes extensions from BSD 4.2 and 4.3 for networking and easy
porting of Berkeley UNIX applications.

The Macintosh toolbox is implemented in A/UX, letting developers
integrate their applications with the familiar Macintosh user interface to
give their customers UNIX applications with Macintosh ease-of-use.

Optionally, A/UX programmers will be able to develop on the X-Window
System, an emerging industry standard for network-based windowing, offering
portability among hardware platforms.

C, Bourne and Korn Shells are also included as are Documentors Workbench
(DWB), Programmers Workbench (PWB), and Adobe Systems TranScript to provide
PostScript(R) output on Apple's LaserWriter(R) products from UNIX
utilities such as DWB.

Sophisticated Workgroup Networking

A/UX networking capabilities complement the already-strong connectibility
of Macintosh, meeting the needs of multivendor workgroups for file transfer,
remote log-in, sharing of peripherals and servers, and sophisticated
file-sharing via NFS protocols.

Apple has included a full implementation of TCP/IP protocols from BSD,
and NFS (Network File System) protocols, subnets and domains, networking
standards which maximize Macintosh II functionality in multivendor
environments.  Apple's EtherTalk(TM) Card connects the Macintosh II
directly to Ethernet networks.

A/UX also includes YellowPages, a licensed Sun Microsystems feature for
distributing file resources across a network.

Pricing

Apple is shipping a variety of A/UX systems, including two bundles for
convenient ordering.

The entry monochrome A/UX system, priced at $8,597,  consists of a
Macintosh II with 2 Mbytes of RAM, a 12-inch monochrome monitor, 4-bit video
card, 80-megabyte hard disk loaded with A/UX, and PMMU.  The entry color A/UX
system, at $9,346, differs only in its 13-inch color monitor and 8-bit video
card.

Apple expects the development system to be its most popular A/UX system.
At $8,399, this consists of a Macintosh II with 4 Mbytes of RAM, 80-megabyte
hard disk loaded with A/UX and PMMU, and gives the customer freedom to choose
an Apple or third-party

display.  The development system with an Apple 12-inch monochrome monitor,
4-bit video card and EtherTalk card is $9,996; with an Apple 13-inch color
monitor, 8-bit video card and EtherTalk card it's $10,745.

Current Macintosh II owners can upgrade their systems to run A/UX with
the A/UX upgrade bundle.  It consists of an internal or external 80-megabyte
hard disk with A/UX, PMMU and 4 megabytes of RAM, for $4,879 (with internal
drive) or $4,979 (with external drive).

Right-to-copy licenses are available in increments of 10, 25, 50, 250 and
1,000, so value-added resellers and national accounts may re-distribute A/UX
from a master disk.

The A/UX set of reference manuals is available as a separate product for
$649. Most customers want one set of manuals per workgroup, and this gives
them flexibility to buy their desired number of sets of documentation.

Support and Distribution

Apple is offering a comprehensive, ongoing support program which includes
the A/UX update services, which provide regular software and manual updates.
Customers who pay for the update service also can subscribe to the A/UX
toll-free hotline, the first end-user hotline from Apple.  Subscribing
customers can call Apple engineers trained on A/UX.

Customer-activity reports give customers a complete history of their
calls. The toll-free hotline and tracking report is available for an annual
fee of $3,395.

A five-day support course and a one-day sales course for resellers are
being offered by Apple.

A/UX will be distributed through Apple's value-added resellers, national
accounts, government and higher-education channels and through authorized A/UX
dealers.  Apple expects to authorize about 100 dealers initially, based on
their ability to support A/UX customers.

Apple, the Apple logo, A/UX, Macintosh and LaserWriter are registered
trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
EtherTalk is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.
Unix is a registered trademark of AT&T Information Systems.
PostScript is a registered trademark of Adobe Systems, Incorporated.
TranScript is a trademark of Adobe Systems, Incorporated.o  New Macintosh II ROM Upgrade

The Situation:

At introduction, Apple positioned the Macintosh II computer as capable of
directly addressing up to 16 MB on any combination of the motherboard or any
NuBus slot.  However, Macintosh II CPUs produced up to this time do not
recognize memory greater than 1 MB on a NuBus card.  Although this situation
has had little affect on the Macintosh II's performance, we have revised the
ROM to correct the problem.  Also, under certain timing situations, a problem w.

The Solution:

The ROM problem has been fixed so that the Macintosh II is capable of
recognizing a full 8 MB (limit of Macintosh II native operating system).  A new
version of the Macintosh II ROMs is now in distribution.

Up to this time, there has been only one product on the market that the problem
affected: National Semiconductor's NS8/16, a 16MB RAM disk for the Macintosh
II.  We will continue to work closely with developers currently designing NuBus
cards that require more than 1 MB of memory.  For example, we will be writing
programs that will automatically check the date of the Macintosh II ROM and
notify a customer when they need a ROM upgrade.  NOTE:  A/UX is compatible with
either version of the ROM because the operating environment is independent of
the ROM.


Upgrade Program

The revised logic board contains new ROMs and a chip that allows the Macintosh
II to interface with NuBus cards that have more than 1 MB of address space.
You can identify the new ROMs by the "Revision B" on the chip. Since the NuBus
support chip is soldered directly onto the logic board, Service Providers must
replace the logic board to upgrade a customer or a service stock unit.

This upgrade is available at no charge to customers with cards requiring more
than 1MB of address space with the Macintosh II.  Since material availability
is constrained and there are very few customers that need this NuBus
capability, we ask that you schedule these upgrades over the next couple of
months.  The upgrade is not mandatory unless a customer has a NuBus card with
more than 1 MB of address space.  The upgrade program will be available for a s

*****************************************************************************

MACINTOSH SE FINISHED GOODS UNITS
     WITH "749" OR GREATER IN THE FIRST THREE DIGITS OF THE SERIAL NUM-
     BER CONTAIN THE NEW FAN AND VIDEO BOARD (E.G. SERIAL NUMBER 749-
     070CM5030).

*****************************************************************************
o  LaserWriter II Update

Version 5.0 LaserWriter printers drivers are currently shipping with Macintosh
system software.  The new LaserWriter II printers are shipping with print
drivers version 5.1, which include some bug fixes.  There are some
compatibility issues with both versions of these new drivers and older versions
of system software.

%  Macintosh 512K Systems Compatibility Issue

The revision of the LaserWriter drivers for the new printers has resulted in a
problem with respect to the compatibility with Macintosh 512K systems.

There are some bugs with the new LaserWriter drivers (5.0 and 5.1) running on
the last supported system software for the Macintosh 512K CPUs (System 3.2 and
3.3 with Finder 5.3 and 5.4, respectively).  This may cause problems on
networks that have both Macintosh 512K CPUs and 1 MB Macintosh CPUs (Plus, SE,
or II).  If "non-Macintosh 512K" (ie. Plus, SE, or II) users install either the
5.0 or the new 5.1 LaserWriter drivers onto their systems, this will create a
conflict with Macintosh 512K users who use an older version of the LaserWriter
prep file.

If users have a network that includes both Macintosh 512K and other Macintosh C.

The new LaserWriter II family of printers ARE compatible with previous versions
of the printer drivers.  However, network users should continue using the same
(previous) versions of print resources they have been using until the
compatibility issue has been resolved with an upcoming release of print
drivers.

Apple recognizes the problem and will fix these bugs with the next system
software version, anticipated to be released in Spring 1988.

%  SCSI Issue

The SCSI port on the LaserWriter IINTX allows for additional fonts to reside on
a hard disk at the printer level.  At this time the only hard disk that is
compatible with the LaserWriter IINTX is the Apple SCSI disk.

%  LaserWriter IISC to LaserWriter IINTX Upgrade Note

When upgrading from a LaserWriter IISC to a LaserWriter IINTX, it is
recommended that the RAM from the LaserWriter IISC be loaded into the
LaserWriter IINTX.  This would provide a 3MB LaserWriter IINTX.

*****************************************************************************
o  Apple Collection Closed During February

In order to handle your orders faster and give you better service, the Apple
Collection is moving to a larger, more efficient location.

This means four things:

% WE CANNOT PROCESS ANY ORDERS FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY WHILE MOVING TO THE
NEW WAREHOUSE. SO PLEASE HOLD YOUR ORDERS UNTIL MARCH 1.

% BEGINNING MARCH 1, YOUR ORDERS MAY BE SENT TO OUR NEW ADDRESS:
        THE APPLE COLLECTION
        ONE DISK DRIVE
        RIDGLEY, MD 21660

% PLEASE DONUT TRY TO PLACE AN ORDER BY PHONE OR CALL ABOUT AN ORDER DURING
      FEBRUARY. OUR PHONES WILL BE TEMPORARILY DISCONNECTED.

Any questions regarding the future of The Apple Collection may be directed via
AppleLink to A.COLLECTION.

***************************

EtherTalk Interface Card

Copyright 1988, Apple Computer, Inc.

In January Apple released a revised version of the EtherTalk Interface Card.
This version contained a Rev. D+ Network Interface Controller chip that
replaced the previous version Rev. C chip.  You can identify a card with a Rev.
D+ Network Interface Controller chip by the large integrated circuit at
location B3-B4 on the card.  Rev. D+ chips are labeled DP839OBN, whereas Rev. C
chips are labeled DP839ON.

If you are using a Rev. D+ Network Interface Card, there are 2 new procedures
you need to use:

1)  Diagnostics:  You may receive an invalid error message if you use
    the MacTest II (Revs. 1.1 or 2.0) single-card diagnostic test on an
    EtherTalk Interface Card containing a Rev. D+ Network Interface
    controller chip.  MacTest II is being revised to eliminate this
    problem.  MacTest II (Revs. 1.1 or 2.0) also contains a two-card
    diagnostic for the EtherTalk Interface Card.  This test functions
    properly.  Use this test until you receive an updated version of
    MacTest II.  For instructions on running the two-card diagnostic,
    refer to the EtherTalk Technical Procedures.

2)  Installer Disk:  The Rev. D+ Network Interface Controller chip also
    requires a new version (Rev. B) of the EtherTalk installer disk.
    Only use the Rev. B installer disk with the Rev. D  EtherTalk
    Interface Card.  The old Rev. A disk does not work.  The new Rev. B
    disk works with both the Rev. C and the Rev. D+ chips on the
    EtherTalk Interface Cards .

    Finished Goods will include the Rev. B installer disk with any new
    card shipped.  Service will include the Rev. B installer disk with
    any new service module shipped.  Since you will be upgrading
    customers via the repair process, you must provide them with this
    new disk to reinstall the card into their systems.

*********************

Introducing AppleCAT Diagnostics

Copyright 1988, Apple Computer, Inc.

This month's Macintosh Family Diagnostic Update includes the first release of
the Apple Computer-Aided Troubleshooter (AppleCAT), our new diagnostic
software.  It also includes new versions of the MacTest II and MacTest SE
confidence tests.  These products are designed to increase troubleshooting
accuracy and, in many cases, to decrease repair times.

Here's how they work:

AppleCAT uses a functioning Macintosh (Plus, SE, or II) as the diagnostic test
station to test a non-functioning Macintosh SE, Macintosh II, or
LaserWriter/LaserWriter Plus. AppleCAT was developed specifically to allow a
server to diagnose a system that is malfunctioning to a point that it cannot
boot a disk.  The AppleCAT diagnostic software will
     -  Run the tests you select (or all tests).
     -  Ask you questions about the state of the unit you are testing.
     -  Guide you through possible causes of machine failure.
     -  Display the module or modules you need to replace.
     -  Provide a Repair Confirmation Code (RCC) for the SRO form.

The RCC is a very important code that will be used by Apple to
     -  Ensure accurate repairs by Apple.
     -  Recognize the product trends and improve the product.
     -  Improve diagnostics through analysis of RCC data.

Embedded in the 8-digit code is information on the type of AppleCAT diagnostic
(e.g. AppleCAT SE, AppleCAT II), the version of the diagnostic software, the
part that failed, and the path AppleCAT used to point out the module that
failed.  It is our intent to refine these diagnostics so that they greatly
shorten your repair and reordering times.  However, we depend on your help in
supplying the Repair Confirmation Code information in the Comments box on the
SRO form.

As aids to running the new diagnostics, we are providing 3 learning tools:

1)  We are enclosing a laminated Quick-Reference Guide to keep in the repair
area.  The guide lists materials required to run the diagnostic and describes
how to set up the test station and the unit being tested.

2)  On the AppleCAT diskette, we have included a Teach Text file, which also
explains setup procedures (and should be handy when you can't refer to the
Quick-Reference Guide).

3)  We have also put full-length instructions for running the diagnostic in the
Technical Procedures for the Macintosh II, SE, and LaserWriter.

AppleCAT diagnostics will continue to be developed for the Macintosh Family.
In the future, Apple will add to and enhance its features.  Currently, there
are no plans to develop AppleCAT diagnostics for the Apple II family.

We look forward to working with you on this new diagnostic software approach to
repair.

MacTest II/SE Diagnostic Version 2.0

Copyright 1988, Apple Computer, Inc.

For those of you who participate in the Macintosh Family Diagnostic Update
Program, you will automatically receive in February the new version of the
MacTest software being released in conjunction with the new AppleCAT diagnostic
software. Version 2.0 is the only version that works with the AppleCAT
diagnostics.  PLEASE DISCONTINUE USING ALL PREVIOUS VERSIONS OF MACTEST SE AND
MACTEST II.

These diagnostics have been revised to include the following tests:

MacTest SE
-   Sound
-   Keyboard
-   Monitor
-   Identification of Macintosh II ROM version

MacTest II
-   PMMU
-   Keyboard
-   Mouse
-   Confirmation of installation of HMMU or PMMU (by MacTest
    configuration)

These two diagnostic diskettes are not for sale individually.  They are only
available as part of the Macintosh Family Diagnostic Update Program.

Macintosh Family Diagnostic Update Program

Copyright 1988, Apple Computer, Inc.

If you are currently enrolled in the Macintosh Family Diagnostic Update
Program, in February you will automatically receive the new AppleCAT diagnostic
software and hardware.  Use the new AppleCAT diagnostics to test the
LaserWriter, Macintosh II, and Macintosh SE.  In the same package with AppleCAT
you will also receive the new MacTest SE and MacTest II, which work in
conjunction with the new AppleCAT diagnostics.  Included in the package will
be:

Description                 Version

MacTest(TM)  Diagnostic Software:
MacTest II                      2.0
MacTest SE                      2.0

AppleCAT(TM)  Diagnostic Booklet/Software:
AppleCAT Introduction Booklet
AppleCAT II                     1.0
AppleCAT SE                     1.0
AppleCAT LaserWriter            1.0

AppleCAT Documentation:
AppleCAT II Job Aid
AppleCAT SE Job Aid
AppleCAT LaserWriter Job Aid

AppleCAT Hardware
AppleCAT LaserWriter Adapter Cable
MiniDin 8 Serial Loopback Plug
Macintosh II Bus Master Card

AppleCAT Cables:
Macintosh to ImageWriter II Cable
Macintosh to ImageWriter Cable
Macintosh Adapter Cable

MacTest, AppleCAT diagnostics, AppleCAT Booklet, and the Job Aids are not for
sale individually.  They are only available as part of the Macintosh Family
Diagnostic Update Program.  If you have not yet subscribed to this program, do
so immediately by referring to the Software and Hardware prices in the Service
Programs manual for ordering information.

PLEASE DISCONTIUE USING ALL PREVIOUS VERSIONS OF MACTEST SE AND MACTEST II.

A/UX Hotline

Copyright 1988, Apple Computer, Inc.

Overview

Apple is committed to long-term product support to help you maximize the return
on your investment in A/UX.  The A/UX Hotline is a toll-free telephone support
service that gives you immediate access to A/UX technical support experts at
Apple, increasing your system resources and enhancing your productivity.  With
the help of advanced support technologies, A/UX Hotline specialists will
provide you with timely, cost-effective technical support to help you use the
A/UX operating system and related Apple products.  For an annual fee,
you can become an A/UX Hotline subscriber.

Features and Benefits

--  Toll-free direct access to experienced Apple support engineers.
    You can get informed help immediately, helping to return your system
    to full productivity as soon as possible.

--  Trained technical expertise.  A team of highly skilled support specialists
    has been specially trained to help you to use A/UX and to resolve problems
    with the operating system and related Apple products.

--  Advanced support technology.  Hotline engineers are equipped with an
    expert system designed to vastly increase their problem-solving
    capabilities.  This powerful database provides engineers with immediate
    access to on-line product information and customer histories.  This system
    also houses a library of known solutions and offers the capability of
    utilizing hierarchical search techniques to help identify and resolve
    your problem as quickly as possible.

--  Call-management system.  A sophisticated telephone system immediately
    routes your call to an available engineer who can provide you with a
    quick response to your question.  This system also assigns your call
    a unique identification number, which allows us to maintain a complete
    history of your calls.

--  Customer reports.  Each calendar quarter, you will receive a report that
    includes call history, length of each call, number of times called, and
    type of questions asked. These reports will assist you and your management
    in  identifying your company's training and support needs.

--  Priority handling.  Calls are prioritized, so when your request for
    information is critical, the Apple experts will respond more quickly.

--  Substantial support.  One annual fee entitles you to make numerous calls
    (15-hour time limit; see Product Description for details).

--  Two authorized callers.  You will designate two employees as your A/UX
    Hotline contacts, to ensure fast, easy access to expert technical
    assistance.

--  Extended hours of support.  The telephone lines will be open from 6:00 A.M.
    to 6:00 P.M. Pacific time to provide you with 12-hour daily service
    nationwide.  The A/UX Hotline will be closed to observe Memorial Day,
    Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, Christmas
    Eve, and Christmas  Day.

Product Description

For a yearly fee, a subscription to the A/UX Hotline allows you to designate
two people as your A/UX phone contacts.  These authorized contacts can call the
hotline at any time you need help, up to a 15-hour time limit.  This ceiling on
time includes both call and research time.  For example, if you spend 10
minutes of phone time on a problem that then requires 20 minutes of research, a
total of 30 minutes of subscription time has elapsed.  Accounts requiring more
time than that allotted can renew their subscription at any time.

How It Works

When a subscriber calls the hotline, a recorded voice will ask the caller to
type an access number on the phone keypad.  This access code allows the
responding engineer to pull up your company's contact information and call
history within seconds.  If the engineer is not able to resolve your problem or
question immediately, you will be given an estimated time when you will be
called back.

Requirements

To subscribe to the A/UX Hotline, you must also be a subscriber to the A/UX
Software Update Service.  This will eliminate problems associated with outdated
versions of the software.

Scope of Support

The A/UX Hotline handles questions regarding fundamental usage of standard UNIX
tools included in A/UX and problems relating to the Macintosh equipment on
which A/UX is operating.  Technical experts will not resolve questions
involving software that has been modified or changed in any way. Generally, the
support engineers will answer questions pertaining to the following:

--  Fundamental usage of standard UNIX tools included in A/UX

--  Differences between Apple's implementation of AT&T UNIX System V
    with 4.2 BSD extensions and the "standard" implementations

--  The use of Macintosh-specific features (windows, pull-down menus,
    and so on)

--  Various shells, shell scripts, and termcaps

--  Network protocols and the connection of peripherals

--  Bugs and workarounds

--  Problems relating to Macintosh equipment on which A/UX is operating

--  Other end-user and system-administrator-level concerns

How to Order

To order these services, you must complete an A/UX Support Services order form.
For more information and an order form, contact your authorized Apple A/UX
reseller or your Apple sales representative.

A/UX Support Programs
Apple Programs