Chat

Current Version: 2.1 Pre12

From the Info-Mac abstract file: Chat is a program that runs on your Macintosh and allows you to run a chat server on it. You and others will be able to telnet to your machine and participate in online conversations. Chat includes multiple channels that you can switch between at will. There are numerous user commands and administrator commands available. Read the documentation and the FAQ in the archive for more information on them.

ClearPhone Pro

Commercial; $49.95

Current Version: 6.4.8

Engineering Consulting produces ClearPhone Pro, an Internet telephone system that claims to have the highest quality of any Mac Internet telephone program. The software is available for Power Macs running Mac OS 7-9.

Maven

Current Version: 2.0a37

Maven is a voice conferencing system that interoperates with the Unix vat program.

McPoker

Current Version: 1.1

McPoker is the only available IRC Poker client for the Macintosh--and it's pretty good, at that. From the McPoker home page: "This is a client program (visual front end) that communicates over the Internet using IRC protocols to a poker server so that you can play poker with other real people -- and some not-so-real players. It was mostly modeled after Greg Reynolds' Gpkr -- an excellent IRC poker client for Windows, which most IRC poker players seem to be using. You will need to be using Open Transport networking on your Macintosh for McPoker to work." McPoker is freeware. Version 1.1 fixes a problem with new IRC Poker server software and introduces a text file to define new Bot names.

Netscape CoolTalk

Current Version: 1.5

CoolTalk is an old (1996) Internet telephone and workgroup collaboration tool used in combination with Netscape Navigator 3.0 or later that provides "high-quality" audio conferencing, a full-featured whiteboard, and text-based communications. CoolTalk for Macintosh was developed by Apple Computer, and requires that you have a PowerMac running System 7.5 Update 2.0, OpenTransport 1.1.1 beta and have QuickTime 2.5 or later installed. These components are available from Apple.

PGPfone

Current Version: 1.0b7

PGPfone (Pretty Good Privacy Phone) is freeware a software package that turns your desktop or notebook computer into a secure telephone. It uses speech compression and strong cryptography protocols to give you the ability to have a real-time secure telephone conversation. Secure voice calls are supported over the Internet, or through a direct modem-to-modem connection, or even over AppleTalk networks.

Swirl

Current Version: 1.0a0

Swirl is a handsome IRC program from Swedish programmer Pelle Johansson, who notes what sets this client apart from the rest: "Its appearance, for one thing, stands out. It's quite different. In fact, most other clients seem to be based upon the old public domain Ircle source. Other features are a new, fast dcc protocol, powerful alias function, and tab completion (for nicks and preset words)." While this initial alpha release is not too stable, keep an eye on this one. The author seems serious about its continued development, although no home site exists for it at the present time.

Talk

Current Version: 1.1.1

From the Info-Mac abstract file: Talk v1.1.1 & Talkd v1.1.1 is an implementation of the UNIX Talk protocol for Macs with MacTCP. Talkd is a background only application that notifies you when a talk connection is requested, and Talk is a talk client, allowing you to talk to other machines. Talk and Talkd work with both System 6 and 7.

BroadWay VPN Client

Commercial

Current Version: n/a

Neon Software distributes Ashley-Laurent's BroadWay VPN Client software, which is a full-featured IPSec Virtual Private Network client available for Windows and Mac OS 8 & 9.

FreePPP

Current Version: 2.6.2

(For older Macs. Note that the official FreePPP web site was eliminated on August 2, 2004, but the software remains available on the InfoMac archives.) FreePPP has a beautiful interface and lots of nifty features. More importantly, it is compatible with both Open Transport and virtual memory. FreePPP 2.6 is the favorite alternative to Apple's Open Transport PPP (below) and Remote Access (OS 9). Some people find better luck with one than the other. FreePPP offers far more configurability options than OT/PPP, and is easier to set up for use in multiple locations. Version 2.6.2 cleans up the code, fixes lots of bugs, and improves an already great product.

MacPPP

Current Version: 2.0.1 10/28/1993

NOTE: for older Macs only. This is the "official" release of MacPPP for MacTCP (not Open Transport!) from the Merit Network, for use with MacTCP (on older Macs). If you need a PPP connection for your older Mac, this the most tried and true, but it doesn't work with Open Transport, as FreePPP does. Version 2.0.2 - no longer available - fixed a glitch wherein the Control Panel allowed 42 character usernames, but PAP could only use 31 characters.

Note: Apple's MacPPP 2.5.x is not directly related to MacPPP 2.0.1. MacPPP as it exists here is the Merit Network variety, and 2.0.1 is the current version. MacPPP 2.5.x (included as part of Apple's Internet Connection Kit) is based upon Steve Dagley's FreePPP source, and follows much of the same course of code as FreePPP (up to a certain point), but is lacking in some important bug fixes and enhancements included in the current versions of FreePPP. For these reasons, I do not list Apple's MacPPP in the Orchard's pages.

MacPoET

Commercial

Current Version: 3.2 (6/2003)

iVasion produces the MacPoET PPP over ethernet client system. The software is only available to ISPs for redistribution; an update version 3.2 is available that supports Mac OS 8.1 - 9.x.

MacTCP 2.0.6 updater

Current Version: n/a

NOTE: for older Macs only. If you're still using MacTCP 2.0.2 or 2.0.4, you need this updater from Apple to make your copy current (well, as current as MacTCP can be at any rate). Note: the updater must be run on a "virgin" copy of MacTCP.

MacTCP Switcher

Current Version: 1.1

NOTE: for older Macs only. From the estimable John Norstad, author of NewsWatcher. From the Info-Mac abstract file: MacTCP Switcher is a very simple little program that makes it easy to save and quickly restore multiple MacTCP configurations. This is especially useful for PowerBook users who carry their PowerBooks around and regularly use them with different network connections (e.g., SLIP at home and LocalTalk or Ethernet at work).

NET/Mac

Current Version: 2.3.71

NET/Mac is an application (for "Classic" Mac OS) that supports TCP/IP over packet-radio, which means that hamradio operators can use NET/Mac for their wireless TCP/IP network. See the NET/Mac home page for related software.

Open Transport

Current Version: 1.1.2 (For pre Mac OS 8.0 users only. Superseded by Open Transport 2.7.6 in Mac OS 9.1)

NOTE: for older Macs only. Open Transport is Apple's new networking technology for the MacOS. It contains native code for PowerMacs and is easier to configure than MacTCP. It's more memory-hungry, however. For PCI-based PowerMacs, Open Transport is the only officially Apple-endorsed way to make a TCP/IP-based Internet connection. On other machines, however, Open Transport is merely an optional replacement for MacTCP. Version 1.1.2 fixes a few bugs present in 1.1.1 (but not the infamous server performance issue). Open Transport 1.1 (available only as part of System 7.5.3 or higher) or 1.1.1 is a prerequisite. If you're using an older Mac (68020 or older), stick with MacTCP. You'll use less memory and have fewer headaches. If you're using a fast 6803- or 68040-based machine, you'll see a noticeable speed increase, and it will be worth upgrading if you have the extra 600K or so of RAM to spare.

Open Transport PPP

Current Version: 1.0 (For pre Mac OS 7.5 users only. Superseded by Apple Remote Access Client in Mac OS 7.5 and later.)

NOTE: for older Macs only. This was the first Open Transport-native, PowerMac-native implementation of PPP that Apple ever produced. Performance is very good, perhaps better than FreePPP. Open Transport 1.1.1 or higher is required for use. If your modem is not supported in the default list, Apple's modem script generator may be useful to you.

Open Transport Updater

Current Version: 2.6 (Mac OS 9; Mac OS 8.6 for Power Macintosh G4, iBook, and iMac (slot-loading) computers.)

NOTE: for older Macs only. Open Transport 2.6 addresses DHCP issues in Mac OS 9.0 and prevents Macintosh computers from being used in certain types of Denial of Service (DoS) issues. Open Transport is the networking software in the Mac OS. This software installer updates Open Transport to version 2.6. This updater is for use only on computers using Mac OS 9.0, and PowerMacintosh G4, iBook, and iMac (Slot-loading) computers running Mac OS 8.6.

Pagoo

Current Version: 4.0

Pagoo is an enhanced Internet Call Waiting service. Pagoo is for people who access the Internet via standard telephone lines; however, it requires the Call Forward Busy Line (CFBL) feature to be installed by either ICM or your local phone company (charges may vary). Once installed and set up, Pagoo can alert you to incoming calls - and who they're from - without interrupting your connection. Unlike other Internet Call Waiting services, however, Pagoo can also function as an answering machine, allowing you to listen to messages left by callers within seconds after they've been recorded, without having to disconnect from the 'Net. Pricing starts at $4.95/month, and a 30 day free trial is available. Pagoo requires a 68020 or higher CPU; Mac OS 7.6 or greater; and Open Transport 1.1.1 or greater (MacTCP is not supported; Mac OS X supported only via Classic mode).

Simple PPP

Current Version: 1.4.5 (alpha)

NOTE: for older Macs only. A nice PPP client for use with MacTCP (not Open Transport) that many people prefer to the alternatives. From the documentation: Automatic redial - Simple PPP will automatically redial when an Internet service provider doesn't answer or is busy. It will keep redialing until it gets through, or the application that started it gives up. Automatic reconnect - Simple PPP will automatically redial when an open connection is dropped while it was being actively used. Usually, file transfers can be recovered after the redial. No other PPP for the Macintosh offers this feature. Faster transmission. A new buffering strategy improves performance. Shorter connect times. Now that redialing works, there's less need to stay connected when you're not doing anything. If you pay for connect time, this can reduce your costs. Useful diagnostics. A new diagnostic system helps you figure out what happens when there's a problem. No more unwanted dialing. The old MacPPP/FreePPP problem of randomly dialing in the background when there was no traffic to send has been fixed.

SonicPPP

Current Version: 1.2.1

NOTE: for older Macs only. This free PPP client from Sonic Systems supports both AppleTalk and TCP/IP over Open Transport. New to version 1.2 is support for scripting and idle timeout. This product is no longer supported, but it is still available.

TCPSerial

Current Version: 1.0.1

From the Info-Mac abstract file: TCPSerial is an Extension which creates a fake serial driver and attached modem which actually communicate via a TCP/IP connection rather than a phone line. The main reason for doing this is to allow programs that know how to communicate via a modem, but not via the Internet, to use the Internet. One example of such a program is Apple Remote Access (ARA). Using TCPSerial, it is possible to connect an ARA client to an ARA server via the Internet.

UNIX AppleTalk Router

See text

Current Version: 1.0 / 1.1 / 1.2

University of Melbourne Department of Computer Science produces some interesting and unique products that allow AppleTalk packets to be routed over an IP network, including UAR (Unix AppleTalk Router), and Macintosh UAR. Both freeware and shareware versions are available for each platform.

UAR version 1.0 is freeware, and may be used to route AppleTalk packets on a small number of UNIX hosts within a single organisation at no cost.

Sites may, however, elect to pay a nominal/negotiable shareware or site license fee (version 1.1). Payment of this fee entitles the site to inclusion on a mailing list for notification of updates and bugfixes, higher priority attention for problem reports and, most importantly, encourages further development on this and other packages. In addition to the freeware features, UAR shareware version 1.1 supports:

• ARNS services for Async ATalk2 and IPRemote clients
• Tunneling of AppleTalk packets via TCP streams
• NBP filtering of Objects, Types or Zones

The academic shareware fee for UAR is $25 per host, or $100 for a site license (Note: $=AUD for Australian sites, $=NZD for New Zealand sites, elsewhere $=US).

See the online README for more information.

Macintosh UAR (1.2) is an AppleTalk Router that can be used on a Macintosh computer that is running Apple's Open Transport networking system. With Open Transport version 1.1, or later, UAR can be used to:

• Route between any combination of available Ethernet ports
• Perform simple tunnelling between AppleTalk networks via the Internet
• Act as an ARNS server for remote AppleTalk access for Internet clients
• Set up NBP object and type filtering per interface
• Provide an AppleTalk time service

Macintosh UAR 1.2 can also route via built-in LocalTalk (Printer or Modem) ports.

See the online documentation for licensing information.

yiMac

Final Version: 1.7 (February 19, 2003)

Working in conjunction with the Yi dynamic DNS system at www.yi.org, yiMac is very similar to the Mac DynDNS Client, above. yiMac allows your computer to have a consistent domain name every time you connect to your ISP.

Version 1.7 adds/changes the following:

• URLs updated for whyI.org
• Expiration date set to January 2004

Although the software is no longer under development, the author has been kind enough to keep the final version - and the site - available for those who may find the software useful.

Baton Mail

Current Version: 0.9.8b

Baton Mail allows you to add mail authentication to older email client software. With "Spam" on the rise, most ISPs have added the need to authenticate before being able to send email through their servers. Older email clients (like Claris Emailer, Eudora Lite, or just about any mail client older than the last year or two), lack this capability; Baton Mail provides it by acting as a private mail relay station.

The software runs as a small application that you run in the background. You configure your email client to send outbound email to Baton Mail, which in turn performs any necessary authentication with your ISPs mail server, and then relays the outbound mail. Baton Mail also allows you to assign a specific port to connect to your provider's SMTP server, should your provider use such a scheme to hinder abuse.

Baton Mail is released as freeware. Version 0.9.8b adds/changes the following:

• Fixed (?) a serious bug with sending attachments that caused the computer to freeze
• Removed the need to bring Baton Mail to the front for workable speed
• Added support for altering the listening port (resource STR 1128)
• Added support for choosing first tried auth type (resource STR 1129)

Combadge

Current Version: 1.1

From Stairways Software, home of such great programs as Anarchie and NetPresenz, comes this interesting new $25 shareware email client/server program. From the documentation: "Combadge is a real-time email client. If you connect to someone (using their email address), what you write will appear as you write it on their screen if they are running Combadge (otherwise they will receive the message using normal email)."

Mail Drop

Current Version: 1.2d7k

A popular, powerful, and free IMAP email client from Carl Bell, the author of LDapper, above. Version 1.2d7k fixes a bug that kept the preferences from being opened under Mac OS 9.

Mail Stop

Current Version: 1.1.6

Mail Stop is a POP2 and SMTP mail server from the University of Minnesota that works well with POPmail.

Microsoft Outlook Express

Current Version: 5.0.6

This free combined email (POP3/SMTP/IMAP) / Usenet news client is positioned as an add-on for Microsoft's Internet Explorer web browser. Version 5.0.6 addresses the following:

• Includes support for MSN Web mail accounts;
• Resolves all security vulnerabilities in previous versions of Outlook Express 5. This includes vulnerabilities that might have caused Outlook Express to stop responding or caused a memory problem that compromised the security of the computer as well as a security vulnerability that can enable an attacker who had a valid security certificate to issue an invalid subordinate certificate that would appear to be valid. For more information, see Microsoft Security Bulletins MS02-050 and MS02-019.

Outlook Express is a competitive piece of software, with all kinds of nifty features. But it's also a mess visually - the fact that it still wields a space-wasting, overly complex three-paned interface makes me loath to recommend it all too highly. It also has more menu selections than your average CAD program, and it's extraordinarily slow to import email from other applications; my Eudora Pro mailbox, with over 25,000 saved messages, was going to take over 4 hours (!) to import. Forget it. For newsreading, keep in mind that the Mac has some of the best newsreaders on any platform; use them for reading Usenet news instead. But for all its faults, this product just keeps getting better. In the meantime, I'll stick to Eudora and MT/YA-NewsWatcher.

Offline

Current Version: n/a

From the Info-Mac abstract file: Offline is a reading program for downloaded Usenet News, email and other text. Internet subscribers who connect over dial-up lines (particularly with ISPs who charge according to connect time) often find it more useful to download news with a program such as Newswatcher, and then read it offline after they have completed their connection session. This small-footprint program provides a comfortable interface for indexing and browsing through these downloaded files.

POPThing

Current Version: 1.6

From the author of ViaHTTP, POPThing (freeware) is a small application that allows you to check standard POP email accounts for new messages; it allows you to delete messages as well. It's nicely designed, and extremely easy to set up. I only wish that it could check all accounts automatically upon launching.

POPmail

Current Version: 2.2

A very nice email client from the people who brought you TurboGopher, POPmail programs supports POP2, POP3 and IMAP servers.

POPmail/Lab

Current Version: 1.2

From the ReadMe file:The Lab version of POPmail is a simple POP3 e-mail client optimized for use in computer labs and on kiosks. Here the idea is that roaming users (people on a shared machine in a lab or at a kiosk) should be able to read and compose mail without necessarily removing mail from the POP server and permanently storing it on the computer they are using. Since you can read mail without moving it off the mail server, you do not need to carry a floppy disk to keep a copy of your e-mail. Any mail you have not deleted remains on the mail server. Because POPmail/Lab was designed for computer labs and kiosks, the user interface was kept as simple as possible so that there is minimal training required.

eMerge

Commercial; $79

Current Version: 1.6.5 (November 7, 2000)

Galleon Software produces the eMerge bulk emailing system for "Classic" Mac OS, which allows you to send email using a facility similar to a word processor's mail merge mechanism. While bulk emailing is something that I strongly disapprove of, there's just no stopping people, and this program is thankfully priced out of range for casual spammers.

DropFTP

Current Version: 1.1

From the DropFTP home page: DropFTP is a small and easy-to-use AppleScript droplet that uses Interarchy client to transfer files in the right locations on a remote FTP server. You only have to specify the root folder on your Mac and the root directory on the server. Then you just drag-and-drop files on DropFTP icon and the script transfers the files to the right sub-directories. Version 1.1 addresses the following:

• The cumbersome "Can't make into an item" bug should be fixed - finally.
• Configuration sets can be imported and exported.
• Configuration sets can be duplicated and enabled/disabled more easily.

EasyTransfer

Current Version: 3.4.3

Please note: This is a Mac-specific file transfer program, and not a true FTP client. From the Info-Mac abstract: EasyTransfer is a file transfer utility that not only allows you to transfer files on Macintosh computers over the Internet, but now it also enables you to control the remote Mac to some extent. It completely eliminates the need to preprocess (BinHex) files before they can be sent. It features an easy-to-use interface. Throughput is very high, up to 450 kBytes/sec. It supports run-time file compression. EasyTransfer can now control your remote Mac: you can move/copy files, launch applications, move windows etc. The interface is now very Finder like (when "View by Name" is selected), including collapsible file lists. It also is fully Drag Manager compatible.

FreeTP

Current Version: 1.0.2

Please note: This is a Mac-specific file transfer program, and not a true FTP client. From the documentation: FreeTP is a program designed specifically to do Macintosh file transfers over the Internet, namely through a TCP connection. A TCP connection is present between any two machines running MacTCP (can be on a local Ethernet network as well, or running a SLIP/PPP modem connection to an Internet service provider).

NiftyTelnet SSH

Current Version: 1.1r3

Based upon Nifty Telnet, NiftyTelnet SSH (not written by the author of NiftyTelnet), adds a subset of the SSH 1.5 protocol, and is the only known free SCP (Secure CoPy) client for the Mac as well, which it is why I include a listing on the FTP page of the Orchard. At the moment, only password authentication is supported, and the client is also lacking port forwarding, compression and scp to mention a few things. But it's free, stable, and widely used. And now that the RSA public-key encryption algorithm is in the public domain, it's a legal download within the United States.

BinHex

Freeware

Current Version: 4.0 (May 6, 1985)

BinHex 4.0 is the seminal utility for forming and extracting .HQX files. While Stuffit Expander does this, among other things, there are some files out there that only BinHex 4.0 will extract.

Compact Pro

Shareware

Current Version: 1.52 (December 16, 1998)

Compact Pro used to be the second most popular compression utility for the Macintosh, commonly used to encode and decode .CPT files. This software was officially discontinued in 2003, and is available for download by registered users only.

Intel Indeo Video

Freeware

Current Version: 3.2 (February 11, 1999) / 4.4 (February 11, 1999) / 5.0 (May 13, 1999)

Intel Indeo Video 3, Indeo Video 4, and Indeo Video 5 are three QuickTime extensions that allow you to play .AVI (Windows video) format movies using QuickTime on Mac OS 9 and earlier. Note: These will only work with PowerMacs running QuickTime 3.0 or later. Also, please note that these versions complement each other; that is, if you are running Indeo Video 5, you should also include the Indeo Video 3 and 4 extensions to round out your support for all the available .AVI subformats.

JPEGView

Freeware

Current Version: 3.31 (January 9, 1995)

JPEGView is a very nice tool for "Classic" Mac OS for viewing all those JPEGS out there; it was long considered the standard JPEG utility for the Mac, before the advent of Mac OS X.

MPack

Freeware

Current Version: 1.5 (February 16, 1995)

MPack is especially useful if you have a large email attachment that your email client can't handle. MPpack is a utility for encoding and decoding binary files in MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) format mail messages. For compatibility with older forms of transferring binary files, the munpack program can also decode messages in split-uuencoded format. The Mac port can also decode messages in split-binhex format. In short, mpack is the MIME equivalent of uudecode/binhex.

Mac OS Runtime for Java

Freeware

Current Version: 1.5.1 (November 5, 1997) / 2.2.5 (June 5, 2001) / 2.2.6 (April 8, 2003)

Mac OS Runtime for Java is Apple's OS-level method for running Java applets on Mac OS 8 & 9 (this functionality is built into Mac OS X and kept current through OS X's software update). While some web browsers, including Netscape Navigator/Communicator come with their own Java implementations built-in, many other applications (such as Microsoft Internet Explorer) require this helper application to perform their Java-based tasks.

Version 2.2.6 is an upgrade to MRJ 2.2.5 which provides fixes that allow Oracle 11i client applications to communicate with Oracle's application servers over HTTPS. It is recommended that you only update to MRJ 2.2.6 if you need to use Oracle 11i client applications over HTTPS and that your Oracle software is properly configured to support HTTPS communication with Mac OS 9 clients. Otherwise, you should use MRJ 2.2.5.

Version 1.5.1 runs on older (68030) Macs and on system software as early as System 7.5.5.

MacBinary II

Freeware

Current Version: 1.0.2 (April 5, 1993)

MacBinary II+ will help out in downloading all those .bin files you find in your travels, but if you have StuffitExpander, you really don't need this tool.

MacGzip

Freeware

Current Version: 1.1.3 (September 14, 1999)

MacGzip is an essential tool for "Classic" Mac OS for uncompressing all those Unix gzip (.gz) and zip (.Z) files.

MacRAR

Shareware, $35

Current Version: 2.5.1 (September 7, 2000)

MacRAR is the only RAR archive utility for "Classic" Mac OS, especially useful while reading all those alt.binaries newsgroups.

MacTar

Freeware

Current Version: 4.2.1 (October 18, 1999)

MacTar is the standard Macintosh tar (tape archive) program for decoding all those Unix .tar files. Version 4.2.1 fixes a bug which sometimes corrupted text files extracted with DOS line endings while using Internet Config.

MacZIP

Freeware

Current Version: 1.0.6 (February 22, 2001)

MacZIP is a complete port of the Info Zip ZIPping and UNZIPping utilities for the Macintosh that supports encrypted archives. It has a very simple interface and supports Apple Events, and full source code is available.

The "Crypt" version includes encryption code that was originally written in Europe and can be freely distributed from any country except the U.S. If this code is imported into the U.S., it may not be re-exported from the U.S. to another country.

Saving Face

Freeware

Current Version: 1.0.2 (September 24, 1997)

Saving Face is from Simon Fraser, author of Multi-Threaded NewsWatcher. It is an X-Face bitmap creation utility that will allow you to convert and create code for a 48 x 48 pixel picture that you can include in your news and email posts. These faces can be viewed in many newsreaders, including Multi-Threaded NewsWatcher and MacSOUP.

Sparkle

Freeware

Current Version: 2.45 (July 27, 1995)

Sparkle is the only software MPEG player available for 680x0-based Macs. This program is no longer being developed. PowerMac users will be better served by QuickTime.

StUU

Freeware

Current Version: 1.1 (April 10, 1996)

StUU 1.1 is probably one of the most popular uudecoding utilities for Classic Mac OS; it's fast, reliable, and many people swear by it.

UnZip

Freeware

Current Version: 5.32 (November 7, 1997)

UnZip 5.32 is based upon the cross-platform, open source zlib project. UnZip is a popular alternative to ZipIt that isn't quite as feature-filled (it doesn't zip, for one - although the separate MacZip companion application does) but some claim is faster. It also supports password-protected archives, which is a feature ZipIt lacks. Both UnZip and MacZip are completely free, to boot.

uuUndo

Freeware

Current Version: 1.0 (November 7, 1994)

uuUndo is a popular choice for uudecoding on Classic Mac OS, but it really doesn't seem as nice as uucd.

uucd

Freeware

Current Version: 3.0b1 (March 27, 2003)

uucd is a nice tool for uuencoding and decoding on pre-Mac OS X Macs that is entirely graphical, and quite fast. It's not ideal for all binaries, but it is especially good at dealing with binaries whose segments arrive out of order.

MUDDweller

Current Version: 1.2

A MUD (Multi-User Dungeon) client that supports multiple sessions. This software is no longer under development, but source code is available.

BB Client

Current Version: 1.0b7 (June 16, 2000)

Big Brother is a highly-redundant web-based monitoring and notification program. Although originally designed to operate only on UNIX machines (and the server still only does), reporting clients are available for Windows NT, Novell, and now the Mac OS. You'll find more information about the Big Brother system at http://bb4.com/. Version 1.0b7, which is an AppleScript that requires the freeware NetEvents scripting addition, adds/changes the following:

• 1.0b7 Expanded on the refinements in b6 so that the "status header" given out on pages and on the main line of status pages is the same (the b6 ones). These should be more descriptive of the problems in general.
• Includes AkuaSweets 1.4.1, which fixes a crashing bug in its text-parsing routines.
• Fixes a bug where it would quit if more than one volume went offline.
• Tried to make code more legible :)
• Added option to not check read-only disks.

See the online release notes for more information.

DNS Lookup

Current Version: 0.92

An old freeware nslookup program for "Classic" Mac OS that still works quite well.

Finger

Current Version: 1.5.0

(Superseded by Interarchy for Classic Mac OS and the command line in Mac OS X.) Peter Lewis' "Finger" is a reliable, simple finger client that also allows you to query whois servers. The most invaluable quick way to check your email (so long as your ISP uses a system that supports finger).

ICMP Logger

Current Version: 1.0.1

From the author of ShadowBot, ICMP Logger records any incoming ICMP packets, detailing the IP the ICMP came from, its size, and the time it arrived and saves it into a log file. It can also play a sound when it detects a ping. If you're a network server administrator, IRCop, or anyone else who thinks they might be pingflooded, ICMP Logger will give you all the information you need to track down those behind denial of service attacks. The program requires OpenTransport and a live Internet connection.

Mac Ph

Current Version: 1.2

Ph servers exist at many colleges, universities, and academically-affiliated research institutions throughout the U.S. and elsewhere. Mac Ph allows you to query these servers for address and/or e-mail information for faculty/staff/students at those institutions. (Thanks to Andrew Starr for this excellent description.)

MacPing

Freeware

Current Version: 3.0.4 (August, 1997)

Dartware (some of the former programmers from Dartmouth College) produces a heck of a lot of great Mac Internet software, and has some interesting commercial offerings. MacPing is a free (formerly a $99-$299 commercial product) Ping implementation that supports AppleTalk as well as IP.

MacPing requires a Macintosh computer with a network connection running System 7 or later. For monitoring IP devices, SNMP Watcher requires MacTCP (version 2.0.6 or newer) or Open Transport (version 1.1 or newer).

MacTCP Ping

Current Version: 2.0.2

MacTCP Ping is an old, free, unsupported ping program from Apple Computer, for older (MacTCP-based) systems only.

MacTCP Tracer

Current Version: n/a

From the Info-Mac abstract file: MacTCP Tracer logs the status of MacTCP connections and can be used as a companion to Peter Lewis' MacTCP Watcher. Unlike MacTCP Watcher, MacTCP Tracer writes the connection status of TCP/IP streams to a console window so you can see who connected to your Mac.

MacTraceroute

Current Version: 1.1

MacTraceroute is a "traceroute" network traffic analysis program for older Macs. From the Info-Mac abstract file: MacTraceroute is a program that attempts to trace the route an IP packet would follow to some internet host. It is not guaranteed to be 100% accurate, but more often than not is close enough to reality to assist in debugging network problems. Requires the Traceroute Ethernet LAP or a Traceroute capable LAP. Please note that MacTraceroute does not work with any PPP implementation except MacSLIP 3.0.

NetBots

Current Version: 2.5.1

NetBots is a program that lets you initiate agents that go out and retrieve information for you at specified intervals. Pinging, fingering and port monitoring can all be automated.

According to the author: "Version 2.5 introduces the FTPBot, which lets users monitor FTP directories for updates. The FTPBot is a great way to check for new files in FTP dropboxes. The popular PingBot module has been revamped to be more compatible and flexible. Numerous new preferences like 'mute mode' and 'verbose logging' allow users to configure how NetBots reports errors. A host of additional features and bug fixes make NetBots 2.5 a more stable and useful application."

NetChronometer

Current Version: 1.4.8 (August 21, 2001)

NetChronometer is an easy-to-use Network Time Protocol (NTP) client that can be run manually or automatically on a predetermined basis to keep your Mac's clock in sync with the standard Internet network time. Version 1.4.8 addresses the following:

• Updated server list.

Network Time

Current Version: 2.0.1

From the Info-Mac abstract file: Network Time is a control panel program that sets the clock on your Macintosh computer to the correct time of day. To do this, Network Time contacts a time server using the Apple MacTCP network software to get the correct time of day. Network Time automatically adjusts your clock taking into consideration the time zone and the daylight savings time rules that you configure using the Network Time control panel.

Network Toolbox

Current Version: 0.3.0

From the Network Toolbox home page: "Network Toolbox is a freeware tool to examine both the network settings on your Mac, and your local area network. In addition, it can perform basic functions such as DNS lookups, pings, and trace routes." The software allows you to examine OT Status, Network Interfaces, TCP Status, UDP Status, Network Addresses, DNS Lookup, Ping, Trace Route, ARP Cache, Route Status Report, AppleTalk Status, and the AppleTalk Names List.

PingReporter

Current Version: 1.3.1

From the Info-Mac abstract file: This little app will extract and organize data contained within an ICMP Log file created by ICMP Logger (v1.0, above). If you are familiar with ICMP Logger, then you are familiar with its logfiles and how mind numbing it can be to extract various data items such as IP numbers, start & stop times, or total data received -- information that the proper authorities can use for tracking down malicious pingers. After extraction, it then organizes for you in a nice, neat manner.

SNMP Watcher

Freeware

Current Version: 1.0 (February 18, 1999)

Dartware (some of the former programmers from Dartmouth College) produces a heck of a lot of great Mac Internet software, and has some interesting commercial offerings. SNMP Watcher (formerly a $99 commercial product) is a tool for retrieving information using the Simple Network Management Protocol.

SNMP Watcher 1.0 requires a Macintosh computer with a network connection running System 7 or later. For monitoring IP devices, SNMP Watcher requires MacTCP (version 2.0.6 or newer) or Open Transport (version 1.1 or newer). Managed devices must have an SNMP agent installed.

Socket Sifter

See text.

Current Version: 1.8 (January 15, 2001)

From the Socket Sifter home page: "Socket Sifter is a program that simply communicates through TCP on any port. SocketSifter can listen or connect on any available port that you specify. Socket Sifter can be used by developers who want to test their applications and have complete control of data flow through sockets. This can be helpful in finding bugs in the protocol or testing different protocol features. Socket Sifter can also act as a handy telnet application. With the knowledge of the correct protocol you can do almost anything with Socket Sifter such as reading your email or retrieving web pages."

Version 1.8 addresses the following:

• AppleScripting now supports multiple connections.
• SOCKS5 proxy support added.
• Special character color feature implemented. Characters which are usually invisible can now be displayed as their ASCII value.
• The insert character window under tools now wraps when a number of characters has been entered.
• A window menu has been implemented for easy navigation.

Socket Sifter Lite is free and has all the features that the Pro version does except for scriptability. The Pro version only costs $10 USD.

Vremya

Current Version: 2.0.2

From the Info-Mac abstract file: Vremya is a simple freeware Network Time Protocol client for Macintosh. It is small application that allows various degrees of automation from none to waiting for MacTCP to be opened, setting the clock and then quitting. Because it is an application, it uses no system memory and causes no INIT conflicts. Version 2.0.2 adds source code to the download and places the application in the public domain; version 2.0.1 fixed a minor balloon help problem.

WatchPort

Shareware; $5

Current Version: 1.2 (January 7, 2002)

WatchPort allows you to track a specific port on your computer; when someone tries to scan or connect to a port, the IP address gets logged.

Version 1.2 allows you to log up to 4 different ports.

CommFigure

Current Version: 1.2b2

CommFigure has a purpose similar to InternetConfig--that is, to help you configure multiple Internet applications from a central source--but it uses a different method, and seems to be aimed at a different audience. Rather than creating a central set of preferences that all applications can use (like InternetConfig), it uses a series of modules that physically change the preference files of specific applications. This can be very useful for ISPs and others who need to create sets of preference files for others to use. In its current form, however, it doesn't support InternetConfig. The program comes with nine modules (CU-SeeMe, Eudora, Fetch v1.2, Homer, Ircle, MacPPP, MacWeb, Netscape + 2.x, Netscape 1.x) and it comes with a document that explains how to create new modules using ResEdit.

ICAccessLogger

Current Version: 1.0b1

ICAccessLogger is a system extension that logs all access to the Internet Config preferences system, revealing precisely the programs doing the accessing and the information being accessed.

Mac2Mac

Open source; $0

Current Version: Client - 0.1.1 (May 9, 2001) / Server - 0.2 (June 1, 2001)

Please note that as of October, 2005, this software is no longer supported by the author. Mac2Mac is a client-server system that allows you to control a remote Mac over TCP/IP. You can download or upload files from the server, control the server's mouse and keyboard, look at the server's screen, restart it, and more... Mac2Mac is comprised of two applications: a server which must be installed on the machine you want to control, and the client which you will use to control the remote Mac. If you use Mac2MacFor secure purposes, it is recommended that you use it on machines which use dynamic IPs. Mac2Mac is completely free, and source code is available under an open source license. It requires Mac OS 7 or later.

MacFIBS

Freeware

Current Version: 3.0 r6 / 4.5.3 (June 15, 2001)

A Free Internet Backgammon Server (FIBS) client for the Macintosh, and a beautiful piece of work at that. Version 4.5.3 addresses the following:

• Fixed the gag/blind bug.
• Fixed the "Hello" sound bug.

MacNFS

Commercial; see text.

Current Version: 3.0p3

Thursby Software Systems produces MacNFS, a Macintosh NFS client for "Classic" Mac OS. MacNFS requires a Macintosh with a 68030 or higher and Mac OS 7.6 or greater. Pricing starts at $119 for a single user, and ranges up to $2,499 for a 25-pack.

MachTen

Commercial; $99

Current Version: 4.1.4 (November 7, 1998)

Tenon Intersystems produces MachTen BSD and Mach Unix for 68k and Power Macintoshes, useful for running a variety of *nix-based Internet server software on "Classic" Mac OS.

NOTE: Tenon has produced a Mac OS 9.1 patch to WebTen 3.x, XTen 6.1.6, MachTen 4.1.4 and NetTen 1.4.

Net-Print

Current Version: 8.2 (January 18, 2000)

Net-Print is a really handy system extension that allows you to print or save a section--or collection of sections--from a document or Web page without having to print or save the whole shebang. Version 8.2 addresses the following:

• Many small changes over the last year or so.
• Can now speak highlighted text.
• At a user's request, can make CD labels.
• Updated contact information.

lpr

Current Version: 1.2

A line printer client from Brown University that allows you to print to a networked printer via a line printer daemon.

A Remote Network Server

Freeware

Current Version: Varies; see site

University of Melbourne Department of Computer Science produces some interesting and unique products that allow AppleTalk packets to be routed over an IP network. ARNS (A Remote Network Server) enables you to connect isolated Macintoshes to campus or organization AppleTalk networks via personal AppleTalk tunnels using the IP Internet. There are servers for UNIX and for Mac hosts using classic networking or Open Transport. The IPRemote client runs under both classic networking and Open Transport, and is offered as Freeware.

AutoShare

Current Version: 4.2.3

AutoShare is an add-on for the Eudora Internet Mail Server that adds many features, including several listserver functions. Version 4.2.2 addresses the following issues:

• Adds the IP Ping and Split Mail AppleScript commands.
• Removed Disposition-Notification-To in list contributions.
• Fixed minor error message during Admin start-up.
• Attended to various minor accuracies in MIME digests.
• Fixed buggy behaviour in Unix Mail AppleScript command.
• MIME handling now ignores RFC subject already in MIME.
• An index value of 33 in a list's preferences puts the string, e.g. web URL, in the List-Archive RFC field.
• Added subscriber's name when deleted due to a bounce.
• Added support for exception strings ignoring bounces.
• Fixed long paragraphs in monthly documents.
• Fixed bug with mail-back commands in subject.
• Upgraded to Universal Interfaces 3.4b6.
• Added sequence information in test bounce messages.

Version 4.2.3, available as an updater package to version 4.2.2, fixes a file copy error appearing in several places. For complete release notes, check the AutoShare online version history.

Avalonia MailRouter

Current Version: 1.10

An add-on for the Eudora Internet Mail Server that "adds functionality to handle many domains on one single machine. Apart from assigning mailboxes to each user on the different domains, MailRouter can also redirect mail based on account or domain names, handle subdomains, divide users on a big domain to a set of servers and handle unregistered addresses.

Baton Mail

Current Version: 0.9.7.1b

Baton Mail allows you to add mail authentication to older email client software. With "Spam" on the rise, most ISPs have added the need to authenticate before being able to send email through their servers. Older email clients (like Claris Emailer, Eudora Lite, or just about any mail client older than the last year or two), lack this capability; Baton Mail provides it by acting as a private mail relay station.

The software runs as a small application that you run in the background. You configure your email client to send outbound email to Baton Mail, which in turn performs any necessary authentication with your ISPs mail server, and then relays the outbound mail. Baton Mail also allows you to assign a specific port to connect to your provider's SMTP server, should your provider use such a scheme to hinder abuse.

Baton Mail is released as freeware. Version 0.9.7.1b adds/changes the following:

• Fixed a problem accepting a RSET before connecting to the remote SMTP server.

Chat

Current Version: 2.1 Pre12

From the Info-Mac abstract file: Chat is a program that runs on your Macintosh and allows you to run a chat server on it. You and others will be able to telnet to your machine and participate in online conversations. Chat includes multiple channels that you can switch between at will. There are numerous user commands and administrator commands available. Read the documentation and the FAQ in the archive for more information on them.

ClickMail Central Directory

Commercial; $49

Current Version: 1.2a3 (June 12, 2000)

Gracion Software (formerly One Click Systems) produces the ClickMail Central Directory LDAP directory server. It sets up a central email address book that a group of users can access from within their own email programs. ClickMail, a multi-user server program that runs on Mac OS 8 or OS 9, supports clients on multiple platforms.

Note: version 1.2a3 was the final complete version, still available with limited support. An unsupported update 1.2b2 (see below) is available for using ClickMail's web administration feature under OS X's Apache web server in Classic.

(For those wishing to run an LDAP server on OS X, there is one built into OS X Server).

Daemon

Current Version: 1.2

(Superseded by Interarchy.) From the Info-Mac abstract file:Daemon is a general TCP server, implementing several simple unix daemons, namely Finger, Whois, Ident, Daytime and NTP (time). It runs as a background only application and answers queries to those services.