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Networking

What exactly will networking do for me? - First of all, it won't give you as much exercise, as long as your computers are running, you won't have to get up and move around to do things. You can access files off of any computer on your network (except for the Mac 128k, Mac 512k, Mac 512ke, or a Plus [without AppleShare Server software]) and print to any printer on your network (if the printer supports networking and each computer has the drivers for it), it makes normal usage a lot simpler, and you don't have to disk swap all the time!

Which of my Macs can I network? - You can network all Macintosh computers, but the original Macintosh (the Mac 128k) can't access file servers due to memory limitations. There are limitations to the extent that two of the Macintosh line can be networked, the Mac 512k and the Mac 512ke can't be used as file servers (you can't access files off of their drives), but you can access other file serves. You can network all of the rest of the Macintosh line to an AppleTalk network, whether it is an EtherTalk (ethernet) network or a LocalTalk (normal printer cables or PhoneTalk connectors) network.

What type of network should I set up? - You should probably use an AppleTalk network (it is more compatible with a broad range of Classic Macs), there are two types of AppleTalk networks that you have to choose from: LocalTalk and EtherTalk. LocalTalk networks run over normal DIN-8 (8 pin) printer cables through your printer port only (unless your Mac has an '020 or better processor and OpenTransport installed), you can also use PhoneNET (made by Farallon) connectors which converts a single printer cable into two RJ-11 jacks (normal U.S. telephone chord jacks) which you can use to daisy chain multiple Macs together. EtherTalk networks run over ethernet cables from an ethernet port built into your Mac or, if your Mac has an expansion slot, an ethernet card in an expansion slot.

Another option for setting up a network is to set up a TCP/IP network. This is more difficult and isn't as compatible with a few of the earlier Classic Macs (for example: the Mac 128K, Mac 512K, and the Mac 512Ke), but it is the most common type of network which allows compatibility with PCs, UNIX/LINUX/BSD Servers & Workstations, and the newest Macintosh computers running MacOS X. For this type of network, each computer should have an ethernet card (or an ethernet port built into your Classic Mac).

What software will I need to access my network? - If you are using a Mac 512k or newer with a System Software version prior to System 7, you will need the following:

  • AppleTalk Workstation Installer (found at gyounk's Mac 512k site)

But, remember to download the version on the correct disk type: 400K disks for the Mac 512k; 800K disks for the Mac 512ke. If you are using a Mac Plus or newer, and System 7 or newer, and plan to be able to share, as well as access, files, then you need the following software:

  1. The "AppleShare" extension
  2. The "Network" extension
  3. The "File Sharing Extension" extension
  4. The "File Sharing Monitor" control panel
  5. The "Network" control panel
  6. The "Sharing Setup" control panel
  7. The "Users & Groups" control panel
Note: The previously listed files are from System Software version 7.5, so it is entirely possible that some files may be named differently or not exist under previous System Software versions. But, System 7 is free, so you can go to the System Software section of this site to find a place to download it.

If you are planning to connect to a TCP/IP network you will need the following:

  1. MacTCP or Open Transport (Open Transport only works on Macs with an '020 or newerprocessor)
  2. Any software compatible with MacTCP (a good source is Andrew's MacTCP Drive-Thru)

How do I set up a LocalTalk network? - first you have to set up the hardware, then the software. To learn how to do this, visit the LocalTalk networking page.

How do I set up an EtherTalk network? - first you have to set up the hardware, then the software. To learn how to do this, visit the EtherTalk networking page.

How do I set up a TCP/IP network? - first you have to set up the hardware, then the software. To learn how to do this, visit the TCP/IP networking page.

I want to play games over my network, but where can I find them? - Well, you're in luck then, because there's a website devoted specifically to Mac games that can be played over a network or the internet, it's called Networkable Mac Games!

I have a LocalTalk and an EtherTalk network, how do I connect them together? - What you need is a LocalTalk-to-EtherTalk Bridge, this is either hardware or software that converts sends from a LocalTalk network to an EtherTalk network and vice versa. The following is a list of places to obtain a LocalTalk-to-EtherTalk Bridge:

How can I access shared files on my Classic Macs from Mac OS X? - Yes you can. The reason it doesn't work as expected right out of the box is that Mac OS X no longer uses AppleTalk for AppleShare, it now requires that AppleShare servers be shared over TCP/IP (see the TCP/IP Networking page for more information on TCP/IP networks).

In order to be share files over a TCP/IP network you need either AppleShare IP, an industrial-strength AppleShare server application from Apple, or ShareWay IP, a utility which lets others access your already shared files through TCP/IP. If you have a PowerMac with Mac OS 9 or newer you already have ShareWay IP and can enable it from the File Sharing control panel. ShareWay IP can also be purchased for and 68k Mac or PowerMac running System 7.5.5 or newer, so this includes the majority of Classic Macs.

Where else can I find info on networking my Macs? - You can visit gYounk's Mac 512 Site, Three Macs and a Printer, or Networkable Mac Games to learn about connecting Macs, Printers, and PCs together on one AppleTalk network.