Introduction

This Read Me document contains late-breaking information about Open Transport compatibility, add-on software, and solutions to known problems with third-party software. For instructions about how to use the Open Transport control panels (AppleTalk and TCP/IP), use Macintosh Guide, available from the Guide (question mark) menu. For technical information about Open Transport, see "Open Transport Technical Info".

Network Interface Options

Open Transport 1.1 supports PCI bus, NuBus, communications slot, and PC-card network interface cards as well as built-in LocalTalk and ethernet network adapters. For Macintosh models without expansion options, Open Transport supports SCSI-attached network adapters.

Third party network interface options available for Open Transport include fast ethernet, ATM, and FDDI.

Compatibility

Open Transport is compatible with:
- existing applications that use AppleTalk as specified by Apple Computer, Inc.
- existing applications that use MacTCP as specified by Apple Computer, Inc.
- existing devices (such as printers) that you select in the Chooser
- existing NuBus network interface cards

Open Transport is compatible with existing AppleTalk, TCP/IP LocalTalk and ethernet networks. Macintosh computers running Open Transport can be added to an existing network without upgrading other computers on the network.

Dial-up Network Connectivity

For connectivity to AppleTalk networks, Open Transport supports Apple Remote Access version 2.0.1 or later.

For dial-up connectivity to TCP/IP networks, including the Internet, Open Transport supports third party MacTCP software extensions known as Link Access Modules, or "mdevs". Serial Line Interface Protocol (SLIP) and Point to Point Protocol (PPP) connectivity are provided through mdevs.

With the appropriate mdev installed, you use either SLIP (Serial Line Interface Protocol) or PPP (Point to Point Protocol) to connect to Internet Service Providers and other dial-up IP-access points. However, not all versions of all mdevs are supported by Open Transport 1.1. For best results, be sure to use the versions of software recommended below.

Open Transport 1.1 recognises the following MacTCP mdevs. When installed on your system, they are available in the "Connect Via:" pop-up menu in the TCP/IP control panel:
- FreePPP - version 1.0.4 or later
- MacPPP - version 2.1.4 SD or later (version 2.2.0 is not recommended).
- InterPPP - version 1.2.9 or later
- InterPPP II - version 1.1 or later
- InterSLIP - version 1.0.1 or later
- MacSLIP - version 3.0.2 or later
- VersaTerm SLIP - version 1.1.4 or later
- Sonic PPP - version 1.0.2 or later
- AOL Link - the most current version is recommended

In addition, there are a number of third party PPP mdevs (including Pacer PPP, FCR PPP and Tribe PPP) which have a common technology base and as a result are indistinguishable from one another to Open Transport. When installed, these appear in the "Connect Via:" pop-up menu in the TCP/IP control panel as "TCP/IP PPP".

NFS/Share 1.3.x and 1.4 are not compatible with Open Transport. To use NFS/Share with Open Transport, you must contact Intercon to obtain a version of NFS/Share that is compatible with Open Transport.

For more information on Open Transport compatibility, contact the developer of the software you want to use.

Obtaining Connectivity Software

FreePPP is shareware and can be found on a variety of Internet sites; typically at "info-mac" mirror sites in the comm/tcp/conn directory. A list of info-mac mirror sites can currently be found at:
http://www.mcp.com/hayden/iskm/info-mac-mirrors.html

Some sites where FreePPP can be found currently include:
ftp://mirrors.aol.com/pub/info-mac/comm/tcp/conn/
ftp://mirror.apple.com/mirrors/Info-Mac.Archive/comm/tcp/conn/

MacPPP version 2.1.4 is available as a part of the Apple Internet Connection Kit. For fax information in the UK, contact the Apple Information Centre on 0800 127 753.

InterPPP, InterPPP II, and NFS/Share are commercial software products. For availability and ordering information in the US, contact InterCon Systems on (+1) 703-709-5500, or visit InterCon's Home Page on the World Wide Web at http://www.intercon.com/.

MacSLIP is commercial software developed by Hyde Park Software. For availability and ordering information in the US, contact TriSoft on (+1) 512-472-0744, or visit Hyde Park's Home Page at http://www.zilker.net/%7Ehydepark/. This software may not be available outside the US.

VersaTerm SLIP is commercial software developed by Synergy Software. For availability and ordering information in the US, contact Synergy on (+1) 610-779-0522, or visit Synergy's Home Page at http://www.synergy.com/.

SonicPPP is commercial software developed by Sonic Systems, Inc. For availability and ordering information in the US, contact Sonic Systems on (+1) 408-736-1900 (voice), or (+1) 408-736-7228 (fax), or visit Sonic's Home Page at http://www.sonicsys.com/.

MacPPP and FreePPP

If you experience problems using MacPPP or FreePPP when Virtual Memory is turned on, try turning off Virtual Memory. To find out how to turn off Virtual Memory, see the topic "How do I use hard disk space as memory" in Macintosh Guide, available from the Guide (?) menu.

©1996 Apple Computer. Inc.
Apple, the Apple logo, and Macintosh are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S.A. and other countries. Power Macintosh and Open Transport are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. All other product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Mention of non-Apple products is for information purposes and constitutes neither an endorsement nor a recommendation. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance, or use of these products.

Updated January 18, 1996