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From: info@cornica.org (Sebastian)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2
Subject: Last stupid Apple II newbie questions for 2024 ...
Date: Thu, 26 Dec 2024 18:21:30 +0100
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... at least on here. Seriously, I appreciate you opening this post and
reading it.

A few words beforehand:
I'm a (retro) Macintosh guy. Born in 1981. First Mac in 1991. But too
young to have experienced the Apple II days. Never got around to using
one. But it's never to late, eh? This is the holiday season and with free
time at my hands, I want to go for that Apple II experience! Couple of
questions:

1.) Emulation
Where I live original Apple II hardware is scarce & expensive. Not much of
a fan of software emulation, but I saw there were several emulators out
there. What about actual hardware emulation? Are there "faithful" Apple
II(e) reincarnations in FPGA, nicely boxed and ready-to-use? Or let me
rephrase that - what's a beginner's best way to experience the Apple II
today? Mainly interested in the Apple II(e) stuff, somewhat less in the
IIGS.
 
2.) Info sources
Are there "fanpage websites" (for lack of a better word)? Some place that
gives beginners like me an overview? I learned about the models like the
][ or the IIe on Wiki but I wonder where to find specific hands-on info on
e.g. top 5 word processors or whether or not a Gopher client for the Apple
II exists. Or how to access Usenet on an Apple II. Stuff of that kind,
that exceeds historical info or tech specs. I could name a page in the
vintage Mac universe that I deem a good example, but I don't want to dump
URLs here.

3.) What's the thing with OSes? The Apple II apparently had a variety of
different OSes from what I read? Like Apple DOS, ProDOS and even some kind
of CP/M. What's generally advisable to look into? What is the most
sophisticated, how do they differ and is any still in development maybe?

4.) Any good sources from where software can be obtained? Again, coming
from the Macintosh scene, we have the Mac Garden which gives downloads
with screenshots and a description. Very neat. Anything comparable
available for the Apple II family?


If possible, please provide links to written info. I much prefer them over
videos. Thank you everybody for your help, I really appreciate all helpful
answers! :-)