Hi,

What is the existing Mac network using: LocalTalk or Ethernet?  If it is
ethernet, then just put the NetBSD box on the smae Ethernet LAN.  If it is
LocalTalk, then you will have to do serial connections.  What you will
need is null (cross) modem cables with the Mac connector on one end and
the appropriate PC connector on the other to the NetBSd box.  BTW, how
many serial ports does your NetBSD box have?

Long term, I would think it is better to go with Ethernet for the Macs,
even if they do not have Ethernet already.  An Ethernet LAN will scale
much better than a serial LAN.  (I managed a serial LAN for 3 years.)  And
by the time you figure in the cost for all the special Mac-PC null modem
serial cabling, Ethernet might not be that much more expensive.

Good luck.  And the crack about Apple going bankrupt is asking for a flame
war. ;->

Mark Andres                             Head, Support Dept. 
         GIGANET by Business Network Telecom (BNT)  
URL: http://ratbert.giganet.net/

On Thu, 30 Jan 1997, Jim Spath (Webmaster Jim) wrote: 
> I've volunteered to do a project at my son's elementary school.  I am
> planning to keep their lab full of Apple ][s and //es from the junk
> heap by using them as ascii terminals into a PC running NetBSD.
> 
> While I think I'll be able to get this wired up and running to allow
> the kids to do text browsing and web page editing, the librarian
> wishes to include their Mac network.  I planned to hook up the Apple ][s 
> as serial terminals, but don't know how the Mac network operates.
> 
> Could someone with knowledge of this environment give mes some clues as
> to:
> 
> *)  Is a Mac to NetBSD-i386 PPP direct serial connection possible and
>     if so, what do I need?  The librarian said she uses a Mac to dial
>     out and browse the web using Netscape.
> 
> *)  Is an interface between the NetBSD box and the Mac network possible
>     with some other protocol?  Again, what do I need?
> 
> *)  The school gets money/equipment from supermarket promotions.  Is
>     there something specific in this topic I should recommend that
>     would be useful even if/when Apple goes bankrupt?
> 
> Thanks!
>