From: bvrielin@napier.uwaterloo.ca (Bruce Vrieling)
Subject: Re: New owner of C-64/128 questions
Organization: University of Waterloo
Date: Thu, 7 Jan 1993 17:39:30 GMT

Susan,

In article <1if77qINNevh@CS.UTK.EDU> jfarmer@cs.utk.edu (JOHN FARMER) writes:
>
>Before I begin my list of questions, let me say that I am not computer
>illiterate.  I've been programming for 19 years and still use CP/M at
>home (Kaypro 4'84).  But I've just purchased Commodore stuff for 
>my Dad and my Cousin and I have some questions.  Between the 3 of us, 
>we now have 2-128's, 3-64's, various peripherals and 300 diskettes of 
>*STUFF*.  I can't say that I got everything on the face of the earth 
>for the Commodore, but except for the Bible, MIDI, and the Complete 
>Works of Infocom, I feel like I just about did.


Note: Messages are coming through here with the name JOHN FARMER on it. You
might want to update that so that it reads SUSAN. If you are on a Unix
machine, I think the CHFN command will help.

>Questions:
>     If a program calls for a mouse can you use a joystick (and vice
>          versa).  I seem to remember in one of the Compute magazines
>          (Yes, I got a stack of them too 1984-1988) there was something
>          about how to use the keyboard if the pgm called for a joystick.

This depends. The original 1350 mouse was basically a joystick in a mouse's
clothing. For this one, you CAN use keyboard controls to simulate the
movements, just as you could for the original joystick. However, the newer
1351 mouse was a true mouse, and I don't believe that there is anything you
can do on the keyboard to make it think the keypresses are true mouse
movements.

>     Where can I get paper for the Okimate-10?

Computer store?

>     I use Wordstar 4.0, and I need to teach my mom to use a word processor.
>          I know I have Paperclip III, Jane 128, and Creative Writer.  I'm
>          sure there are others as well.  What is going to be the easiest
>          to teach a completely computer illeterate person?

I have only used Paperclip, so I can't comment on the others. However, I know
many schools that used to use Paperclip (years ago) to teach word
processing. It's also a fairly popular word processor, so you should be able
to get questions answered from a variety of sources.

>     Is there a way to back up a cartridge to a floppy?  I'm distrustful
>          of software that I can't backup.

Not really. Why would you want to back it up, anyway? It's not like you
might accidentaly erase the cartridge. I suppose such a scenario is
possible, but just don't leave it in the microwave. ;)

>     Is there a way to speed up CP/M on the 128?  We tried to play Zork
>          for the Kaypro and it was sooooooooooooooo slooooooooooooow, as 
>          to be almost unbearable.

Try using Zork on a machine with an REU configured as a CP/M drive. If it
then works faster (it might now, but likely will dramatically), you might
want to invest in an REU (Ram Expansion Unit - extra memory (albiet not
directly addressable) for the C64/C128).

>     Is there a way to get a *real* vanilla RS-232 port on the 64/128?  I
>          know you can get Printer adapters.  I'm going to go order one 
>          as soon as I get done here.

Sure can! Omnitronix used to make a really good one, and others exist as
well. Just ask for a CBM to RS-232 adapter. Should cost about $50.

>     Where does one get GIF viewers for the C-64/128?  Can you print the
>          stuff out?  (I pay be a programmer, but I'm completely
>          ignorant about the current state of computer graphics.).

Where? Not sure. If you're on the Internet, try FTP'ing ccosub.caltech.edu,
and look in the /pub/rknop directories. Otherwise, ask around locally. And
yes, you can print them out (usually).

>     Is there an archives for C-64/128 public domain software?

User groups are a good place to look. A big one (international) is TPUG
(Toronto Pet Users Group). They have tonnes of software, and a catalogue is
available upon request.

>     What's the best disk cataloguer to use (IYHO)?

Don't know. Out of my league. :)

>     One of the 128's is sick.  (Bad serial port, and bad RGB port.  Can
>          I fix this?  Or does it really need to be serviced?

I would recommend bringing it to service.

>     Given that you have no idea what's included on my 287 disks, what
>          should I try to get (in case I don't have it).  What should
>          I make sure that I *do* have?

I'll leave this one to others. I'm not that up on what's the 'best' to get.

>Thanks ever so much.

No problem.

...Bruce