KB 53
There are so many Macintosh networking packages. Which one should I use?
Article:53 Created:1999-09-01 16:39:54 Categories: General Concepts MacOS-9
Question or Symptom
This information is for very old Macintoshes. Please see our section on MacOS X if you have a recently purchased Mac.
Here are the main packages of software for Internet connections on a Macintosh. SWCP's tech support staff is available to assist you in selecting the right combination of dialer and TCP layer for Mac. This article applies to MacOS 7 or 8 systems. For MacOS 9 we recommend Apple's Remote Access, and for MacOS X, InternetConnect.
Resolution
FreePPP
FreePPP is the standard software we include with our CD-rom setup kits. It runs on most any Macintosh from System 7.5 and beyond. It has more features but is a little more involved than the alternatives. It allows you to save and specify different sets of information for different connections, locations, and providers. You can also specify direct init strings to use for your modem[s].
Remote Access (Open Transport PPP)
Remote Access, and it's predecessor OT/PPP, comes with Mac OS 7.6 or newer. If it's not installed, it can be installed from the system software CD. It comes with a Modem control and a PPP/RemoteAccess control panel. Everything you need to configure is right out in the open, and easy to access. It uses pre-made CCL scripts to communicate with your modem.
ConfigPPP
ConfigPPP is basically the dialer software that came with older versions of FreePPP. It's designed to run on older systems, with less memory and slower processors. If you have System 7.1, this is basically your best option.
All of the above require some piece of TCP software to make the Internet connection work. The appropriate software will be listed below.
System 7.1
You'll want to use ConfigPPP, also known as FreePPP 1.0.5. We have this available as a custom-made software kit. Just let us know if you need it. You'll also need MacTCP, which we can also provide, with our software kit.
System 7.5 through 7.5.3
You can use FreePPP or OT/PPP, it's up to you to decide which works better for your system. The TCP/IP software that came with these versions of the system software is unreliable and should be updated or replaced. You can use MacTCP, which we can provide, or upgrade TCP/IP to 1.1, which is available from Apple.
System 7.5.5
The same as above, except that TCP/IP 1.1.1 comes with it by default, and should run properly on your system.
System 7.6 through 8.1
Your system comes with Open Transport PPP (OT/PPP) installed and/or installable from the system CD. You can use this software or you can use FreePPP from our cd-rom kit. Newer versions of TCP/IP come with the system, and must be used.
If you have System 8.5 or newer
Your system comes with Remote Access preinstalled and ready for setup. For iMac users, this software is recommended over FreePPP. FreePPP is still available, however. TCP/IP is preinstalled and must be used.
There are some other software options available, like MacSLIP, Internet Valet, and Versaterm, but these options are dated and only recommended for specific support-based situations. SWCP can provide this software if needed.
