#PC User goes Amiga how ?
12 messages in this thread
Hi,
I have used Compuserve and CIM for some time using my Office PC.
Having an Amiga 500 at home now, I wonder how it might be possible to
download a communications program for Compuserve and Amiga, using an
IBM compatible PC, and then to transfer it to the Amiga.
Or, is there a better ( easier ) way to get hold of something like
CIM for the Amiga ?
Any suggestion welcome,
Regards,
Gerhard Heidkamp
Gerhard,
There's an automated telecomm program available from ATI over in
Amigavendor. Look for WHP19G.LZH in lib 9. It's an (almost) fully
functional program, with only some of the more esoteric functions being
crippled and annoying Guilt screens popping up while using it. The full
version cost $49.95US and ATI will tickle it into its full capabilities
online upon reciept of the fee.
As to downloading from the PC and transferring to the Amiga. If the Amiga
has any terminal software with any of the CIS supported transfer protocols,
use that to 'bootstrap' to more capable software. If you wish to utilize
the PC to fetch the things, you can use a protocol transfer between the
machines using a null modem. I recommend you download using the Amiga,
though, as things can get complicated. If your Amiga doesn't have any
terminal software capable of binary downloads check with the nearest user
group. They can most likely get you something to get you started.
Files of interest other than Whap! (the ATI program) are the archivers
(ARC, LHARC, LZ and occasionally ZOO are the primary ones used here) found
in lib 16 here and the terminal programs in Lib 5. I personally recommend
BackTalk (BT151.LZH)
Once you have the de-archivers and an effective terminal program I highly
recommend Whap! It is considered a 'must-have' for effective
forum-crawling and will save you quite a bit of money. Be aware that there
is a minor bug caused by CIS's recent library software change. The authors
are aware of it and reports are that a newer version is in the works as
soon as all bug reports are checked. It concerns doing a download 'by
hand' rather than using the built-in cataloguing portion of Whap!, so
avoiding it is easy.
Leave another message if you need additional information or help.
Someone, if not I, will gladly answer any questions you have.
Doug
Doug,
TYVM for your proposal. As I understand now, my problem can only be
solved by using one of the following :
a) a pc program to write amiga disks on the pc, or
b) any amiga program to either read pc disks
or exchange data between the machines by null modem
or a CIS compatible amiga terminal program
Solution a) would be preferred to enter the scene, because i easily could
download such a program ( if existing somewhere ) to the pc.
Solution b) is a bit complicated here ( Braunschweig, Germany )
because i have not been able to locate a software vendor who understood my
problem. It seems, the shops are well capable of selling Amiga games, but
…
My Amiga came without any software but the two DOS disks. There is a
terminal program, but it does not support any transfer protocol,
only ascii.
Do you think a) is a possible way ?
Regards, Gerhard
You should probably get a terminal program that supports protocols, but I'm
sure that's obvious to you by now. You can probably pick up a copy of a
program like that locally, and then you can download directly to your
Amiga. Then you should be able to download the archive MSDOS1.LZH which
contains software to read and write PC disks on your Amiga.
If you don't want to buy a terminal program, you might be able to find
CrossDos in your area. CrossDos is a commercial program that will allow
you to read and write PC format disks on your Amiga.
Check out the software store in the area of Fruehlings hotel. They carry
Amiga software, probably carry either the terminal program you need, or
CrossDos.
Steve
Gerhard,
There are some commerical programs that will allow the Amiga to read
MS-DOS disks available. However, as I'm generally a Mac and Amiga user,so I
don't keep track of what's available in that area. There are a number of
members here that do have a keen interest in such things, so you'll likely
hear from them soon. I don't remember ever hearing about MS-DOS programs
that read Amiga format disks, though.
If your (un?)fortunate enough to have AmigaBASIC working on your
machine, there is a last option available to you. There is a BASIC
bootstrap program available. If you do have AmigaBASIC and are
running under 1.2/1.3,(I understand it breaks under 2.04) you'll find
it in Lib 5 as NEWUSR.MSB. REAd the file and use text capture, edit
it if necessary, and run it. That will get you a terminal and the
necessary de-archiver.
I'm sorry I can't be of more help. Usually, the problem is that the
person has the necessary software and needs help in using it. You seem to
be comfortable using telecomm software- you just don't have any for the one
machine.
Doug
Gerhard,
I have an IBM compatible Notebook computer I take on the road with me. At
home I have a 500 also. On the Notebook I run TAPCIS which of course allows
me to continue to log on to Compuserve, read messages, download files, etc.
There is a couple of good programs available that allows you to transfer
files back and forth. Two programs that I have are "Dos to Dos" by Central
Coast Software (now a division of New Horizons) and a public domain program
called "MessyDOS" which can be found within the libraries here. Try files,
MsDos1.lzh and Messyf.lzh. Another good one, "CrossDOS".
So if I have a program or two downloaded onto my Notebook I just use one of
the above programs running on my A500 and read the files off of an IBM 720k
floppy diskette, that is loaded in one of the Amiga disk drives.
You can go the other way too…use a terminal program or WHAP! , retrieve
whatever you want for your IBM PC then transfer the files the other way.
Hope I was some assistance…
Alan,
TYVM for your help.
I think, my main problem is, that my Amiga is just a naked machine
with only two Amiga Dos Disks. I think I should look for a pc
program to write amiga disks.
Do you know such a program ?
Regards, Gerhard
It is not possible to write Amiga format diskettes on a PC. You definitely
want to look into CrossDos. It installs quite nicely on a floppy based
system and will give you the ability to quite transparently read PC
diskettes.
John,
could you please give me an idea about where to get CrossDos from ?
Regards, Gerhard
The address on the back of my manual says:
Consultron
11280 Parkview
Plymouth, MI 48170
(313) 459-7271
Certainly they should be able to get you a copy…
Gerard:
E-mail me with your address and I'll send you a disk with a couple of Amiga
term programs. With these, you can at least get rolling.
George
Gerhard,
Sorry, no I don't know of such a program. But, if that is all you have for
your Amiga you can still use the programs that I mentioned before.
Good Luck!