Connecting two PCs with serial cable

My Toshiba Portege 7000 CT laptop recently lost a hard disk so I had to
fit a new one. It is a stumped little machine because its external CD
rom drive doesn't work (now even more so because I need OS disk/cab
files to load the drivers for all different bits of hardware), no
floppy drive, the USB and infrared ports also must be installed..

I've used INTERLNK and INTERSVR for linking PCs before, so I thought
I'd give it a try. But the problem is, these two files are not on the
laptop (it has just Win98 installed). There is a means of copying the
two files remotely using serial cable and command INTERSVR.EXE/RCOPY. I
dutifully built a 7-wire null-modem cable. I then connnected COM1 of
desktop to COM1 of laptop with the cable and did the required steps,
as follows:
1. Booted the desktop Windows 98 command prompt only. Also same with
laptop.
2. Run C:\INTERSVR.EXE /RCOPY on the desktop.
3. A friendly screen comes up asking me to select between COM1 and
COM2. I select COM1.
4. Desktop screen lists 4 simple instructions:
1. On remote machine, type MODE COM1:2400,r,8;p [I did
just that]
2. Press ENTER
[The laptop responds with message "Resident part
of the program is now loaded"]
3. Type CTTY COM1 [I did just that]
4. Press ENTER
[There is a communication of fsorts, because the
desktop pops a screen with
a message like "copying files ..."
interlnk.exe
intersvr.exe
And a progress indicator beneath shows
"Loading bootstrap 0%....100%"
After that it freezes for several seconds then
pops a red banner that it could
not install files to remote computer, error
#5.
I've tried to repeat a few times with the same ending. I've
doublechecked the pinout of the cabel I built and it is fine.

If someone has gone through this kind of situation pls help. I know the
logical thing to do might be to yank out the laptop hdd and copy all
stuff needed by using another laptop, but I'm located somewhere I
cannot afford that luxury at present. Only if the usb port would work,
the whole matter would be a piece of cake.

Dan wrote:
> My Toshiba Portege 7000 CT laptop recently lost a hard disk so I had to
> fit a new one. It is a stumped little machine because its external CD
> rom drive doesn't work (now even more so because I need OS disk/cab
> files to load the drivers for all different bits of hardware), no
> floppy drive, the USB and infrared ports also must be installed..
>
> I've used INTERLNK and INTERSVR for linking PCs before, so I thought
> I'd give it a try. But the problem is, these two files are not on the
> laptop (it has just Win98 installed). There is a means of copying the
> two files remotely using serial cable and command INTERSVR.EXE/RCOPY. I
> dutifully built a 7-wire null-modem cable. I then connnected COM1 of
> desktop to COM1 of laptop with the cable and did the required steps,
> as follows:
> 1. Booted the desktop Windows 98 command prompt only. Also same with
> laptop.
> 2. Run C:\INTERSVR.EXE /RCOPY on the desktop.
> 3. A friendly screen comes up asking me to select between COM1 and
> COM2. I select COM1.
> 4. Desktop screen lists 4 simple instructions:
> 1. On remote machine, type MODE COM1:2400,r,8;p [I did
> just that]
> 2. Press ENTER
> [The laptop responds with message "Resident part
> of the program is now loaded"]
> 3. Type CTTY COM1 [I did just that]
> 4. Press ENTER
> [There is a communication of fsorts, because the
> desktop pops a screen with
> a message like "copying files ..."
> interlnk.exe
> intersvr.exe
> And a progress indicator beneath shows
> "Loading bootstrap 0%....100%"
> After that it freezes for several seconds then
> pops a red banner that it could
> not install files to remote computer, error
> #5.
> I've tried to repeat a few times with the same ending. I've
> doublechecked the pinout of the cabel I built and it is fine.
>
> If someone has gone through this kind of situation pls help. I know the
> logical thing to do might be to yank out the laptop hdd and copy all
> stuff needed by using another laptop, but I'm located somewhere I
> cannot afford that luxury at present. Only if the usb port would work,
> the whole matter would be a piece of cake.

Well, maybe you're making this too hard. You don't need another laptop,
you can use a desktop with an adapter.

This one comes with a mounting kit, you can probably find one minus
mounting kit for less.

http://www.casecooler.com/3drto2dr.html

I'm sure there are other methods, as well.

thanks for useful remark. If it is a passive connection I mignt as well
attempt to build it myself--can't buy online (Located in East Africa).
I guess I can get pinout for such exercise somewhere.

I'd still like to know if anyone knows about Error #5 causing INTERLNK
/ INTERSVR not to work..
paulmd@efn.org wrote:
> Dan wrote:
> > My Toshiba Portege 7000 CT laptop recently lost a hard disk so I had to
> > fit a new one. It is a stumped little machine because its external CD
> > rom drive doesn't work (now even more so because I need OS disk/cab
> > files to load the drivers for all different bits of hardware), no
> > floppy drive, the USB and infrared ports also must be installed..
> >
> > I've used INTERLNK and INTERSVR for linking PCs before, so I thought
> > I'd give it a try. But the problem is, these two files are not on the
> > laptop (it has just Win98 installed). There is a means of copying the
> > two files remotely using serial cable and command INTERSVR.EXE/RCOPY. I
> > dutifully built a 7-wire null-modem cable. I then connnected COM1 of
> > desktop to COM1 of laptop with the cable and did the required steps,
> > as follows:
> > 1. Booted the desktop Windows 98 command prompt only. Also same with
> > laptop.
> > 2. Run C:\INTERSVR.EXE /RCOPY on the desktop.
> > 3. A friendly screen comes up asking me to select between COM1 and
> > COM2. I select COM1.
> > 4. Desktop screen lists 4 simple instructions:
> > 1. On remote machine, type MODE COM1:2400,r,8;p [I did
> > just that]
> > 2. Press ENTER
> > [The laptop responds with message "Resident part
> > of the program is now loaded"]
> > 3. Type CTTY COM1 [I did just that]
> > 4. Press ENTER
> > [There is a communication of fsorts, because the
> > desktop pops a screen with
> > a message like "copying files ..."
> > interlnk.exe
> > intersvr.exe
> > And a progress indicator beneath shows
> > "Loading bootstrap 0%....100%"
> > After that it freezes for several seconds then
> > pops a red banner that it could
> > not install files to remote computer, error
> > #5.
> > I've tried to repeat a few times with the same ending. I've
> > doublechecked the pinout of the cabel I built and it is fine.
> >
> > If someone has gone through this kind of situation pls help. I know the
> > logical thing to do might be to yank out the laptop hdd and copy all
> > stuff needed by using another laptop, but I'm located somewhere I
> > cannot afford that luxury at present. Only if the usb port would work,
> > the whole matter would be a piece of cake.
>
> Well, maybe you're making this too hard. You don't need another laptop,
> you can use a desktop with an adapter.
>
> This one comes with a mounting kit, you can probably find one minus
> mounting kit for less.
>
> http://www.casecooler.com/3drto2dr.html
>
> I'm sure there are other methods, as well.

Dan wrote:
>
> My Toshiba Portege 7000 CT laptop recently lost a hard disk so I had to
> fit a new one. It is a stumped little machine because its external CD
> rom drive doesn't work (now even more so because I need OS disk/cab
> files to load the drivers for all different bits of hardware), no
> floppy drive, the USB and infrared ports also must be installed..

Just use hyperterm on both ends. That can do zmodem transfers.
The hyperterm bugs bite when the transferred file gets too large,
so limit the individal transfers to something like one or two hours
at 115k baud.

--
Chuck F (cbfalconer at maineline dot net)
Available for consulting/temporary embedded and systems.
<http://cbfalconer.home.att.net>

Dan wrote:
>
> thanks for useful remark. If it is a passive connection I mignt as
> well attempt to build it myself--can't buy online (Located in East
> Africa). I guess I can get pinout for such exercise somewhere.

Don't top-post. See the following links.

--
Some informative links:
<news:news.announce.newusers
<http://www.geocities.com/nnqweb/>
<http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html>
<http://www.caliburn.nl/topposting.html>
<http://www.netmeister.org/news/learn2quote.html>
<http://cfaj.freeshell.org/google/>

You wrote MODE COM1:2400, r ,8;p Is the 'r' just a typo?
Shouldn't it be 'n'


Dan wrote:
> My Toshiba Portege 7000 CT laptop recently lost a hard disk so I had to
> fit a new one. It is a stumped little machine because its external CD
> rom drive doesn't work (now even more so because I need OS disk/cab
> files to load the drivers for all different bits of hardware), no
> floppy drive, the USB and infrared ports also must be installed..
>
> I've used INTERLNK and INTERSVR for linking PCs before, so I thought
> I'd give it a try. But the problem is, these two files are not on the
> laptop (it has just Win98 installed). There is a means of copying the
> two files remotely using serial cable and command INTERSVR.EXE/RCOPY. I
> dutifully built a 7-wire null-modem cable. I then connnected COM1 of
> desktop to COM1 of laptop with the cable and did the required steps,
> as follows:
> 1. Booted the desktop Windows 98 command prompt only. Also same with
> laptop.
> 2. Run C:\INTERSVR.EXE /RCOPY on the desktop.
> 3. A friendly screen comes up asking me to select between COM1 and
> COM2. I select COM1.
> 4. Desktop screen lists 4 simple instructions:
> 1. On remote machine, type MODE COM1:2400,r,8;p [I did
> just that]
> 2. Press ENTER
> [The laptop responds with message "Resident part
> of the program is now loaded"]
> 3. Type CTTY COM1 [I did just that]
> 4. Press ENTER
> [There is a communication of fsorts, because the
> desktop pops a screen with
> a message like "copying files ..."
> interlnk.exe
> intersvr.exe
> And a progress indicator beneath shows
> "Loading bootstrap 0%....100%"
> After that it freezes for several seconds then
> pops a red banner that it could
> not install files to remote computer, error
> #5.
> I've tried to repeat a few times with the same ending. I've
> doublechecked the pinout of the cabel I built and it is fine.
>
> If someone has gone through this kind of situation pls help. I know the
> logical thing to do might be to yank out the laptop hdd and copy all
> stuff needed by using another laptop, but I'm located somewhere I
> cannot afford that luxury at present. Only if the usb port would work,
> the whole matter would be a piece of cake.
>

On 28 Nov 2006 23:08:43 -0800, "Dan" <makundi@gmail.com> wrote:

>My Toshiba Portege 7000 CT laptop recently lost a hard disk so I had to
>fit a new one.
>I've used INTERLNK and INTERSVR for linking PCs before, so I thought
>I'd give it a try.

The problem you often run in to in this situation is, that one PC
doesn't see the other, as laptops tend to keep their ports
powered down until they are used.
Therefore, the PCs cannot detect each other's presence.

Simple cure: make sure the port is open.
My suggestion: add 2 lines to autoexec.bat
MODE COM1:2400,n,8,1,p
COPY CONFIG.SYS COM1

The first line sets the baudrate (note the difference!!).
The second attempts to copy just anyfile, thus forcing the laptop
to open the COM port.
Then COM1 asserts it's handshake lines.
Which allows the other PC to see the connection :-)

--
Kind regards,
Gerard Bok

Dan wrote:

> thanks for useful remark. If it is a passive connection I mignt as well
> attempt to build it myself--can't buy online (Located in East Africa).
> I guess I can get pinout for such exercise somewhere.

The bit that goes between a laptop hdd and a desktop machine is just 2
connectors with wires between them, nothing more.

The big mistake is getting a machine with no floppy imho. It saves £5
at purchase time but you end up paying for it several times over when
its got to be fixed. For these kind of jobs the simple old floppy still
rules.


NT

"Dan" <makundi@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1164784123.270612.16460@80g2000cwy.googlegrou ps.com...
> My Toshiba Portege 7000 CT laptop recently lost a hard disk so I had to
> fit a new one. It is a stumped little machine because its external CD
> rom drive doesn't work (now even more so because I need OS disk/cab
> files to load the drivers for all different bits of hardware), no
> floppy drive, the USB and infrared ports also must be installed..
>
> I've used INTERLNK and INTERSVR for linking PCs before, so I thought
> I'd give it a try. But the problem is, these two files are not on the
> laptop (it has just Win98 installed). There is a means of copying the
> two files remotely using serial cable and command INTERSVR.EXE/RCOPY. I
> dutifully built a 7-wire null-modem cable. I then connnected COM1 of
> desktop to COM1 of laptop with the cable and did the required steps,
> as follows:
> 1. Booted the desktop Windows 98 command prompt only. Also same with
> laptop.
> 2. Run C:\INTERSVR.EXE /RCOPY on the desktop.
> 3. A friendly screen comes up asking me to select between COM1 and
> COM2. I select COM1.
> 4. Desktop screen lists 4 simple instructions:


Though it's been a while I found that interlnk /intersvr work just fine
*however*

you must run interlnk on onemachine and intersvr on the other

see this

http://www.nukesoft.co.uk/msdos/command.php?id=55



--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

CBFalconer wrote:
> Dan wrote:
> >
> > thanks for useful remark. If it is a passive connection I mignt as
> > well attempt to build it myself--can't buy online (Located in East
> > Africa). I guess I can get pinout for such exercise somewhere.
>
> Don't top-post. See the following links.
>

Cut it out, CB. You're not really helping.

Dan wrote:
> thanks for useful remark. If it is a passive connection I mignt as well
> attempt to build it myself--can't buy online (Located in East Africa).
> I guess I can get pinout for such exercise somewhere.
>

http://www.more-solutions.co.uk/support/hardrives.html

Looks like it's pin 1 to pin 1 and onward.

The only tricky ones are 41 and up on the laptop drive.

"paulmd@efn.org" wrote:
> CBFalconer wrote:
>> Dan wrote:
>>>
>>> thanks for useful remark. If it is a passive connection I mignt as
>>> well attempt to build it myself--can't buy online (Located in East
>>> Africa). I guess I can get pinout for such exercise somewhere.
>>
>> Don't top-post. See the following links.
>
> Cut it out, CB. You're not really helping.

If we don't explain the situation to the newbies they will never
have any chance to learn.

--
Chuck F (cbfalconer at maineline dot net)
Available for consulting/temporary embedded and systems.
<http://cbfalconer.home.att.net>

"CBFalconer" <cbfalconer@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:456E6B79.9B65EF97@yahoo.com...
> "paulmd@efn.org" wrote:
>> CBFalconer wrote:
>>> Dan wrote:
>>>>
>>>> thanks for useful remark. If it is a passive connection I mignt as
>>>> well attempt to build it myself--can't buy online (Located in East
>>>> Africa). I guess I can get pinout for such exercise somewhere.
>>>
>>> Don't top-post. See the following links.
>>
>> Cut it out, CB. You're not really helping.
>
> If we don't explain the situation to the newbies they will never
> have any chance to learn.

Learn what? That your a self appointed asshole?

There is no law stating that bottom posting is any better than top posting.

"Dan" <makundi@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1164784123.270612.16460@80g2000cwy.googlegrou ps.com...
> My Toshiba Portege 7000 CT laptop recently lost a hard disk so I had to
> fit a new one. It is a stumped little machine because its external CD
> rom drive doesn't work (now even more so because I need OS disk/cab
> files to load the drivers for all different bits of hardware), no
> floppy drive, the USB and infrared ports also must be installed..
>
> I've used INTERLNK and INTERSVR for linking PCs before, so I thought
> I'd give it a try. But the problem is, these two files are not on the
> laptop (it has just Win98 installed). There is a means of copying the
> two files remotely using serial cable and command INTERSVR.EXE/RCOPY. I
> dutifully built a 7-wire null-modem cable. I then connnected COM1 of
> desktop to COM1 of laptop with the cable and did the required steps,
> as follows:
> 1. Booted the desktop Windows 98 command prompt only. Also same with
> laptop.
> 2. Run C:\INTERSVR.EXE /RCOPY on the desktop.
> 3. A friendly screen comes up asking me to select between COM1 and
> COM2. I select COM1.
> 4. Desktop screen lists 4 simple instructions:
> 1. On remote machine, type MODE COM1:2400,r,8;p [I did
> just that]
> 2. Press ENTER
> [The laptop responds with message "Resident part
> of the program is now loaded"]
> 3. Type CTTY COM1 [I did just that]
> 4. Press ENTER
> [There is a communication of fsorts, because the
> desktop pops a screen with
> a message like "copying files ..."
> interlnk.exe
> intersvr.exe
> And a progress indicator beneath shows
> "Loading bootstrap 0%....100%"
> After that it freezes for several seconds then
> pops a red banner that it could
> not install files to remote computer, error
> #5.
> I've tried to repeat a few times with the same ending. I've
> doublechecked the pinout of the cabel I built and it is fine.
>
> If someone has gone through this kind of situation pls help. I know the
> logical thing to do might be to yank out the laptop hdd and copy all
> stuff needed by using another laptop, but I'm located somewhere I
> cannot afford that luxury at present. Only if the usb port would work,
> the whole matter would be a piece of cake.


I don't know if your laptop is able to do this but if it is this could be
your answer.

http://wincom.wordpress.com/2006/11/...usb-pen-drive/

--
Keith Willcocks
(If you can't laugh at life, it ain't worth living!)

On Thu, 30 Nov 2006 07:55:48 GMT, "Noozer" <dont.spam@me.here> wrote:

>>>> Don't top-post. See the following links.

>>> Cut it out, CB. You're not really helping.

>> If we don't explain the situation to the newbies they will never
>> have any chance to learn.

>Learn what? That your a self appointed asshole?

>There is no law stating that bottom posting is any better than top posting.

There is convention. Convention dictates no top posting on Usenet
forums. You can top post to your heart's content in private
correspondence where the parties know the context of previous
correspondence, but Usenet participants do not necessarily know what
has been posted to a thread. They have to read it in the order
presented and that demands bottom posting.

Top posting is rude.

--

"It's impossible to obtain a conviction for sodomy from
an English jury. Half of them don't believe that it can
physically be done, and the other half are doing it."
--Winston Churchill

Citizen Bob <spam@uce.gov> wrote
> Noozer <dont.spam@me.here> wrote

>>>>> Don't top-post. See the following links.

>>>> Cut it out, CB. You're not really helping.

>>> If we don't explain the situation to the newbies
>>> they will never have any chance to learn.

>> Learn what? That your a self appointed asshole?

>> There is no law stating that bottom posting is any better than top posting.

> There is convention.

Nope, just a few jackbooted thugs attempting to
ram their opinions down everyone else's throats.

Who just get ignored until their thuggery is over the top like that Falconer fool.

> Convention dictates no top posting on Usenet forums.

Wrong.

> You can top post to your heart's content in private correspondence
> where the parties know the context of previous correspondence,
> but Usenet participants do not necessarily know what has been
> posted to a thread. They have to read it in the order presented
> and that demands bottom posting.

Mindlessly silly. Anyone with a clue can read top posts fine.

> Top posting is rude.

Demanding others post the way you prefer to see posts is even ruder.

On Thu, 30 Nov 2006 07:55:48 GMT, "Noozer"
<dont.spam@me.here> wrote:

>
>"CBFalconer" <cbfalconer@yahoo.com> wrote in message
>news:456E6B79.9B65EF97@yahoo.com...
>> "paulmd@efn.org" wrote:
>>> CBFalconer wrote:
>>>> Dan wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> thanks for useful remark. If it is a passive connection I mignt as
>>>>> well attempt to build it myself--can't buy online (Located in East
>>>>> Africa). I guess I can get pinout for such exercise somewhere.
>>>>
>>>> Don't top-post. See the following links.
>>>
>>> Cut it out, CB. You're not really helping.
>>
>> If we don't explain the situation to the newbies they will never
>> have any chance to learn.
>
>Learn what? That your a self appointed asshole?
>
>There is no law stating that bottom posting is any better than top posting.
>


Define law. So far as usenet standards go, yes there is
that. Usenet is usable because those using it, follow
several conventions/standards. Is it ok to make exceptions
for one thing but not another? Where does it end? It would
be quite chaotic if everyone freestyle posted, argued
against keeping thread titles, attributions, time stamps,
etc, etc, but just as with bottom posting, only one
infraction seems minor. Usenet works well enough _because_
of these standards, and will become less and less usable the
more one deviates and allows it to happen.

If someone doesn't want to follow usenet standards, there
are plenty of other forums where others will choose
different standards... but even then, those participating in
the alternate forum will be expected to adhere to the
conventions of that group.

On Fri, 1 Dec 2006 04:08:38 +1100, "Rod Speed"
<rod.speed.aaa@gmail.com> wrote:

>Citizen Bob <spam@uce.gov> wrote
>> Noozer <dont.spam@me.here> wrote
>
>>>>>> Don't top-post. See the following links.
>
>>>>> Cut it out, CB. You're not really helping.
>
>>>> If we don't explain the situation to the newbies
>>>> they will never have any chance to learn.
>
>>> Learn what? That your a self appointed asshole?
>
>>> There is no law stating that bottom posting is any better than top posting.
>
>> There is convention.
>
>Nope, just a few jackbooted thugs attempting to
>ram their opinions down everyone else's throats.
>

Are you claiming he wrote ALL those usenet etiquette, FAQ,
etc? Seems pretty doubtful, more like he's merely pointing
out the proper use of the system. What happens when those
ignoring the standards don't have it pointed out? The
problems persist and grow. Maybe you don't mind posting
order, but I'm sure there are other standards used that if
ignored, you would mind. Objectively you don't have to
agree with each standard used, it is the majority choice.

If it bothers you too much to read replies where this is
mentioned, use your newsreader filters.

kony <spam@spam.com> wrote
> Rod Speed <rod.speed.aaa@gmail.com> wrote
>> Citizen Bob <spam@uce.gov> wrote
>>> Noozer <dont.spam@me.here> wrote
>>>> CBFalconer <cbfalconer@yahoo.com> wrote
>>>>> Noozer <dont.spam@me.here> wrote
>>>>>> CBFalconer <cbfalconer@yahoo.com> wrote

>>>>>>> Don't top-post. See the following links.

>>>>>> Cut it out, CB. You're not really helping.

>>>>> If we don't explain the situation to the newbies
>>>>> they will never have any chance to learn.

>>>> Learn what? That your a self appointed asshole?

>>>> There is no law stating that bottom posting is any better than top posting.

>>> There is convention.

>> Nope, just a few jackbooted thugs attempting to
>> ram their opinions down everyone else's throats.

> Are you claiming he wrote ALL those usenet etiquette, FAQ, etc?

Nope, the word FEW was used for a reason.

> Seems pretty doubtful, more like he's merely
> pointing out the proper use of the system.

No such animal. There are advantages and disadvantages
with top posting, bottom posting and interleaved posting.

You get to like that or lump it.

> What happens when those ignoring the standards

No such animal. There are advantages and disadvantages
with top posting, bottom posting and interleaved posting.

> don't have it pointed out? The problems persist and grow.

That happens even when prats like you and Falconer attempt
to monster those who post the way you dont approve of.

> Maybe you don't mind posting order,

And neither do plenty of others.

> but I'm sure there are other standards used

No such animal. There are advantages and disadvantages
with top posting, bottom posting and interleaved posting.

> that if ignored, you would mind.

Wrong, as always.

> Objectively you don't have to agree with each standard used,

No such animal. There are advantages and disadvantages
with top posting, bottom posting and interleaved posting.

> it is the majority choice.

Wrong, as always. Everyone gets to post however they like.

You and the other prats get to like that or lump it.

> If it bothers you too much to read replies where
> this is mentioned, use your newsreader filters.

I'll point out that jackbooted thugs get no say what so ever on how others post instead, thanks.

kony <spam@spam.com> wrote
> Noozer <dont.spam@me.here> wrote
>> CBFalconer <cbfalconer@yahoo.com> wrote
>>> paulmd@efn.org wrote
>>>> CBFalconer wrote
>>>>> Dan wrote

>>>>>> thanks for useful remark. If it is a passive connection I mignt
>>>>>> as well attempt to build it myself--can't buy online (Located in
>>>>>> East Africa). I guess I can get pinout for such exercise somewhere.

>>>>> Don't top-post. See the following links.

>>>> Cut it out, CB. You're not really helping.

>>> If we don't explain the situation to the newbies
>>> they will never have any chance to learn.

>> Learn what? That your a self appointed asshole?

>> There is no law stating that bottom posting is any better than top posting.

> Define law.

Use a dictionary.
http://onelook.com/?w=law&ls=a

> So far as usenet standards go,

No such animal with posting.

> yes there is that.

No there isnt with posting styles.

> Usenet is usable because those using it,
> follow several conventions/standards.

Usenet is obviously usable when all three posting styles are used.

> Is it ok to make exceptions for one thing but not another?

There are no 'exceptions' because there are no 'standards' for posting style.

> Where does it end?

Meaningless question with posting styles.

> It would be quite chaotic if everyone freestyle posted, argued
> against keeping thread titles, attributions, time stamps, etc, etc,
> but just as with bottom posting, only one infraction seems minor.

And usenet works fine with all 3 posting styles used.

> Usenet works well enough _because_ of these standards,

Wrong with posting styles. It works fine with all 3 posting styles used.

> and will become less and less usable the
> more one deviates and allows it to happen.

You get no say what so ever on what is or is not allowed. Ever.

> If someone doesn't want to follow usenet standards,

No such animal. There are advantages and disadvantages
with top posting, bottom posting and interleaved posting.

> there are plenty of other forums where others will choose different standards...

If someone doesnt like a particular posting style, no
one is holding a gun to its head and forcing it to even
read posts which use any style he doesnt approve of.

> but even then, those participating in the alternate forum will
> be expected to adhere to the conventions of that group.

No such animal with usenet posting styles. There are advantages and
disadvantages with top posting, bottom posting and interleaved posting.

You and prats like Falconer get to like that or lump it.

CBFalconer wrote:
..
>
> If we don't explain the situation to the newbies they will never
> have any chance to learn.
>
Thans, I got it--I mean this thing about the sin of top-posting. The
netiquette links sent explains it well. Sure, I'm new to USENET, thanks
to google for fetching such useful groups.

CBFalconer wrote:
> Dan wrote:
> >
> > My Toshiba Portege 7000 CT laptop recently lost a hard disk so I had to
> > fit a new one. It is a stumped little machine because its external CD
> > rom drive doesn't work (now even more so because I need OS disk/cab
> > files to load the drivers for all different bits of hardware), no
> > floppy drive, the USB and infrared ports also must be installed..
>
> Just use hyperterm on both ends. That can do zmodem transfers.
> The hyperterm bugs bite when the transferred file gets too large,
> so limit the individal transfers to something like one or two hours
> at 115k baud.
>
> --
> Chuck F (cbfalconer at maineline dot net)
> Available for consulting/temporary embedded and systems.
> <http://cbfalconer.home.att.net>

Thanks a lot Chuck. Hyperterminal works like magic, the computers were
able to talk through COM1. I was able to transfer the two Inter*.exe
files so as to run file transfer with a parallel cable which is faster.

Dan wrote:
> CBFalconer wrote:
>>
>> If we don't explain the situation to the newbies they will never
>> have any chance to learn.
>
> Thans, I got it--I mean this thing about the sin of top-posting.
> The netiquette links sent explains it well. Sure, I'm new to USENET,
> thanks to google for fetching such useful groups.

Good for you. That's why we try to explain things. Now you need
to realize that the google interface you see is just a pale
imitation of what you can have with a real newsreader. I suggest
Thunderbird, from mozilla.com. Free, and available for Windoze,
Macs, and Linux. Even if your ISP fails to supply news (which
would make them a poor ISP), such systems as Teranews.com can
provide usenet access.

With a real newsreader and off line use I spent less than 20
minutes on line yesterday, monitoring and interacting with roughly
20 busy newsgroups on a dial-up line. Most of that time was spent
in websurfing, the Usenet interactions took very little. The rest
of the time the phone line was free. No expenses for high speed
connect, extra phone lines, etc. When disconnected I am totally
immune to the script kiddies. The actual read/reply cycle was at
my leisure.

--
Chuck F (cbfalconer at maineline dot net)
Available for consulting/temporary embedded and systems.
<http://cbfalconer.home.att.net>

Dan wrote:
> CBFalconer wrote:
>> Dan wrote:
>>
>>> My Toshiba Portege 7000 CT laptop recently lost a hard disk so I
>>> had to fit a new one. It is a stumped little machine because its
>>> external CD rom drive doesn't work (now even more so because I
>>> need OS disk/cab files to load the drivers for all different bits
>>> of hardware), no floppy drive, the USB and infrared ports also
>>> must be installed..
>>
>> Just use hyperterm on both ends. That can do zmodem transfers.
>> The hyperterm bugs bite when the transferred file gets too large,
>> so limit the individal transfers to something like one or two hours
>> at 115k baud.
>
> Thanks a lot Chuck. Hyperterminal works like magic, the computers were
> able to talk through COM1. I was able to transfer the two Inter*.exe
> files so as to run file transfer with a parallel cable which is faster.

This is why people should insist on having real serial ports on any
machine. Don't let the bean counters emasculate your machine. BTW
it is customary to snip at least any sigs from quoted material.
The sig is anything that follows the "-- " marker.

--
Chuck F (cbfalconer at maineline dot net)
Available for consulting/temporary embedded and systems.
<http://cbfalconer.home.att.net>

On Fri, 01 Dec 2006 04:49:54 -0500, CBFalconer <cbfalconer@yahoo.com>
wrote:

>I suggest Thunderbird, from mozilla.com.

Another good newsreader is Free Agent.


--

"Yet the legislative being only a fiduciary power to act for certain ends,
there remains still in the people a supreme power to remove or alter the
legislative, when they find the legislative act contrary to the trust reposed
in them....And thus the community perpetually retains a supreme power of saving
themselves from the attempts and designs of any body, even of their legislators,
whenever they shall be so foolish or so wicked as to lay and carry on designs
against the liberties and properties of the subject."
--John Locke

On Fri, 1 Dec 2006 07:19:51 +1100, "Rod Speed"
<rod.speed.aaa@gmail.com> wrote:

>kony <spam@spam.com> wrote
>> Rod Speed <rod.speed.aaa@gmail.com> wrote
>>> Citizen Bob <spam@uce.gov> wrote
>>>> Noozer <dont.spam@me.here> wrote
>>>>> CBFalconer <cbfalconer@yahoo.com> wrote
>>>>>> Noozer <dont.spam@me.here> wrote
>>>>>>> CBFalconer <cbfalconer@yahoo.com> wrote
>
>>>>>>>> Don't top-post. See the following links.
>
>>>>>>> Cut it out, CB. You're not really helping.
>
>>>>>> If we don't explain the situation to the newbies
>>>>>> they will never have any chance to learn.
>
>>>>> Learn what? That your a self appointed asshole?
>
>>>>> There is no law stating that bottom posting is any better than top posting.
>
>>>> There is convention.
>
>>> Nope, just a few jackbooted thugs attempting to
>>> ram their opinions down everyone else's throats.
>
>> Are you claiming he wrote ALL those usenet etiquette, FAQ, etc?
>
>Nope, the word FEW was used for a reason.

I'm afraid we can't assume that, you use all kinds of words
without reason.


>
>> Seems pretty doubtful, more like he's merely
>> pointing out the proper use of the system.
>
>No such animal. There are advantages and disadvantages
>with top posting, bottom posting and interleaved posting.

.... and forums for those who prefer top posting.

kony <spam@spam.com> wrote
> Rod Speed <rod.speed.aaa@gmail.com> wrote
>> kony <spam@spam.com> wrote
>>> Rod Speed <rod.speed.aaa@gmail.com> wrote
>>>> Citizen Bob <spam@uce.gov> wrote
>>>>> Noozer <dont.spam@me.here> wrote
>>>>>> CBFalconer <cbfalconer@yahoo.com> wrote
>>>>>>> Noozer <dont.spam@me.here> wrote
>>>>>>>> CBFalconer <cbfalconer@yahoo.com> wrote

>>>>>>>>> Don't top-post. See the following links.

>>>>>>>> Cut it out, CB. You're not really helping.

>>>>>>> If we don't explain the situation to the newbies
>>>>>>> they will never have any chance to learn.

>>>>>> Learn what? That your a self appointed asshole?

>>>>>> There is no law stating that bottom posting is any better than top posting.

>>>>> There is convention.

>>>> Nope, just a few jackbooted thugs attempting to
>>>> ram their opinions down everyone else's throats.

>>> Are you claiming he wrote ALL those usenet etiquette, FAQ, etc?

>> Nope, the word FEW was used for a reason.

> I'm afraid we can't assume that, you use all kinds of words without reason.

Never ever could bullshit its way out of a wet paper bag.

>>> Seems pretty doubtful, more like he's merely
>>> pointing out the proper use of the system.

>> No such animal. There are advantages and disadvantages
>> with top posting, bottom posting and interleaved posting.

> ... and forums for those who prefer top posting.

Plenty top post in usenet too.

You get to like that or lump it.

CBFalconer <cbfalconer@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Dan wrote:
>> CBFalconer wrote:
>>> Dan wrote:
>>>
>>>> My Toshiba Portege 7000 CT laptop recently lost a hard disk so I
>>>> had to fit a new one. It is a stumped little machine because its
>>>> external CD rom drive doesn't work (now even more so because I
>>>> need OS disk/cab files to load the drivers for all different bits
>>>> of hardware), no floppy drive, the USB and infrared ports also
>>>> must be installed..
>>>
>>> Just use hyperterm on both ends. That can do zmodem transfers.
>>> The hyperterm bugs bite when the transferred file gets too large,
>>> so limit the individal transfers to something like one or two hours
>>> at 115k baud.
>>
>> Thanks a lot Chuck. Hyperterminal works like magic, the computers
>> were able to talk through COM1. I was able to transfer the two
>> Inter*.exe files so as to run file transfer with a parallel cable
>> which is faster.

> This is why people should insist on having real serial ports on any machine.

They aint gunna be around much longer.

> Don't let the bean counters emasculate your machine.

It aint the bean counters.

> BTW it is customary to snip at least any sigs from quoted
> material. The sig is anything that follows the "-- " marker.

Pathetic, really.

> it is customary to snip at least any sigs from quoted material.
> The sig is anything that follows the "-- " marker.
>
Uh, point taken. I'm learning. Thanx anyway.

Bennett Price wrote:
> You wrote MODE COM1:2400, r ,8;p Is the 'r' just a typo?
> Shouldn't it be 'n'
>
It was a typo. Thanks for noting, though.