A2SERVER
A2SERVER lets you use your current-day computer (Mac/Windows/Linux/Solaris) as a file server, and network boot host, for Apple IIgs and enhanced IIe client computers. It has been designed to be as easy to set up and use as possible, and it's free.
A2SERVER is comprised of open-source software: Netatalk 2.1.6, running on Ubuntu Server 11.10, ready to go inside an Oracle VirtualBox 4.1.8 (or VMware) virtual machine, plus various scripts I wrote and utilities from others to make everything smooth.
update 24-Jan-12: If you have already downloaded A2SERVER, please download the virtual machine file again to fix a problem with modification dates being set wrongly. Alternatively, if you want to keep existing shared files, or have a native Ubuntu installation, you can log into the A2SERVER console and type a2server-setup to get the update.
Choose which method you want to follow, and you'll be up and running shortly.
Fully Automatic (easy):
download and use a premade virtual machine (for VirtualBox, or VMware products)
Semi Automatic (reasonably easy):
install Linux natively or in your preferred virtual machine software, then automatically create A2SERVER
Manual (black diamond):
install Linux natively or in your preferred virtual machine software, then read and enter the contents of the scripts to create A2SERVER
Once you're up and running, you may want to check out:
How to connect to A2SERVER from your Apple II
How to boot into ProDOS 8 or GS/OS over the network
Logging into, shutting down, and doing stuff in the A2SERVER console
How to access A2SERVER from a Mac or Windows computer
And also:
How to attach your Apple II to your local network
Places to buy LocalTalk-to-Ethernet bridges
Details of what the "a2server-setup" script does
Watch me present A2SERVER at KansasFest 2011
Many thanks to Steven Hirsch, Geoff Body, Tony Diaz, Antoine Vignau, Peter Wong, and others at comp.sys.apple2 and KansasFest for the work they've done and insight they've offered which made it possible to put A2SERVER together.
Questions? Comments? email ivanxqz@yahoo.com