96
The most popular co-processor
fOf
the Apple
is
the Z80, which runs
programs based
on
the (J>/M operating system.
By
installing a Z80
device, you can select from
over
20,000 CP/M-based
prognms,
many
of
them free (public domain programs). You
can
also find
co-processors that run MS·OOS™-based programs.
Other
co-
processors increase computing
speed
or
enhance
gnphics.
Other
devices
You might also
be
interested
in
some
or
the less
common
peripherals available for the Apple
Il
family
of
computers:
dock
device: Makes
it
possible for programs to record the date
and
time a file was last revised. With a clock device and home control
devices, you can program the computer to
tum
lights
and
appliances
on
and off. With a modem, clock device,
and
communications softw.are, you can have the computer dial an
information service when
ntcs
are low.
Acccler:ltor
device: Makes most
prognms
run almost four times
faster than normal.
II'S
especially useful for spreadsheet
and
other
number-crunching
applications.
Print
buffer
card:
Gives the printer
its
own
RAM
memory,
so
you
can
send
an entire file to your printer at
one
time and use your
computer
fOf
other things while the file prints out. Some buffer
devices plug into the computer; others into the printer itself.
Voice
lnput
device: Accepts voice commands
and
translates them
into a form the computer can respond to.
Music
synthesizer:
Simulates a variety
of
musical instruments
You
can
compose and orchestrate music with special software.
Home
control
device:
Controls the room
tempenture,
turns lights
and
appliances
on
and off,
or
monitors an alarm syslem.
For more information
on
periphenl
devices,
see
your authorized
Apple dealer. Also, read
the ads and hardware reviews in computer
maguines
and look through Apple product directories (at your
dealer, libraries, and bookstores).
Chapter
6: Peripheral Devices
-
To Next Page
Loading...
