You can network the Mac's together very inexpensively and easily using System
7's built in file sharing and purchasing a PhoneNet connector for each
computer ($15 per computer). Things become a little more complicated if the
Mac's are not in the same room and more expensive if you want to put the
Apple ][e's on the network. Also the built in file sharing only allows 10
simultaneous connections to the file server, which you are OK on for now, but
in the future when you want to add more computers and users to the network
you will need to invest in Apple Share, about $500-$1000, I believe,
depending on which version you get. Any one of the Mac's you have or are
going to have could be used as a file server. I would suggest using the
LC580. The "file server" could even be used a workstation at the same time
that it is performing file sharing duties. Although this is a little risky
because 9 people could loose information if the person on the LC580 happens
to lock it up. The Apple Guide built into system 7.5 will take you through,
step-by-step, the process of setting up file sharing on the file server and
how to access the file server from the other computer on the network.
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| Terry Holmes |
| District Technology Coordinator |
| Shawnee Heights USD 450 |
| Tecumseh, KS 66542 |
| (just outside Topeka) |
| Phone/voice: (913)379-5970 |
| Phone/Fax: (913)379-5975 |
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TerryHolme@aol.com