Thia is a good place to start
http://vintagecomputer.net/disk_images/index.cfm. from here there are two
complete how-to docs, software and images.
Bill
On Mon, May 22, 2023, 12:30 PM js--- via cctalk <cctalk@classiccmp.org>
wrote:
> On 5/22/2023 5:38 AM, Tony Duell via cctalk wrote:
> >>> I hereby formally retract my erroneous suggestion of a "386 98,SP2
> desktop
> >>> with floppies and USB", and replace my suggestion with:
> >>> "a PC with USB and floppies", and let Tony decide what vintage to use.
> >> Fully concur. If it were me, I'd probably suggest some box with from
> >> the end of the era which came with an onboard floppy controller, and
> >> dual-boot 98SE and some old Linux that can handle such a thing, like
> >> Slackware or Debian. That would cover the most bases.
> > I am sorry, but I think this is a stupid suggestion for many reasons.
>
>
> It is, however, a viable suggestion, and that is better than none :)
>
>
> > The first problem is finding such a machine in known-working
> > condition. Second-hand computer shops are few and far between and
> > generally don't trade in machines that old. Similarly pawnbrokers
> > ('Cash Converters' and the like) don't deal in them.
>
>
> Don't they have eBay where you live?
>
>
> > ...
> > And of course it has to have the right type of disk controller, I
> > certainly need to be able to handle single-density (FM) reading and
> > writing correctly. Some machines can, some can't. I am hardly going to
> > be able to test it before I buy it.
>
> I wouldn't worry about the built in disk controller. You can add the
> functionality you need with an Adaptec SCSI controller w/ floppy.
>
>
> > Next there's the problem of me getting it home. I don't drive. I'll go
> > on public transport for things that interest me and which I actually
> > want. An PC is not in that category. Not to mention the fact that I
> > doubt I could carry the system box, monitor and keyboard in one go.
> > Having it sent to me is inconvenient and I am not sure the machine
> > would survive. Not to mention it would cost more than the machine is
> > worth.
>
>
> Why do you need a monitor and keyboard? And since you don't drive,
> again, have you heard of eBay?
>
>
>
> > Then there's the problem of keeping it going.
>
>
> Why do I not have this problem? Keeping *anything* going, even our
> own bodies, is always a "problem."
>
>
> > I realise that spare ICs always were unobtainium. But replacement
> > modules -- disk drives, motherboards, etc are no longer made or easily
> > available. I have no PCI cards in my collection at all. No ATX power
> > supplies. I might be able to find a VGA monitor but that's pushing it.
>
>
> Then why even get up in the morning, if you're resigned to doom before
> even trying? All of these things can be obtained.. EASILY. A VGA
> monitor is NOT a challenge.
>
> > And drives. It was suggested that I get a double 5.25"/3.5" drive.
> > Err, no. The 5.25" is going to be 80 cylinder (to handle 1.2M disks)
> > which means writing to 40 cylinder disks is a bad idea.
>
>
> I use a 5.25" HD drive for 80 cylinder use, and simply plug in a 360k
> drive when needed.
>
>
> > And I am not sure the software exists to do what I want on such a
> > machine. I don't want to have to write it myself!
>
> Such software probably does exist. If someone has had the same need,
> then it's been done.
>
>
>
>
>
