MacSLIP is a less efficient alternative to Open Transport. It is used for older Macintoshes, or for Macintoshes running less recent system software. Whenever possible, ITSS recommends you use Open Transport for Macintosh networking.

If your Macintosh isn't running Open Transport, e.g. System 7.5.2 or older, you'll need to upgrade your System software to at least 7.5.3 to use OT/PPP. If you're running System 7.5.3, you may switch between Classic Networking and Open Transport using the "System Software Selector" found in the "Apple Extras" folder on your hard disk.

System 7.5.2 and below use MacTCP only. MacTCP users who do not wish to upgrade can continue to access SUNet with MacSLIP.

To determine which version of system software your Macintosh is running select "About this Computer" (or "About this Macintosh") from the Apple menu towards the top left corner of the screen.

If you cannot upgrade to OS 7.5.3 or later, then we grudgingly recommend MacSLIP. To run MacSLIP, you must have MacTCP. For the best results, you will need: MacTCP 2.0.6 or later, which requires AppleTalk 58.1.1 or later. If your off-campus Macintosh is running System 7.1 or lower, you will have to update your MacTCP and AppleTalk.

To determine the version of MacTCP you have on your Macintosh, open the MacTCP Control Panel (from the "Control Panels" folder accessed under the Apple menu). If the MacTCP version number at the bottom of the panel is lower than 2.0.6, or if you do not have MacTCP installed, you need to install or upgrade MacTCP.

If you are already running System 8.0, the OT/PPP software was installed as part of that installation. Mac OS software (including System 8.1) that is licensed to Stanford is available at the ITSS MacOS Web site. If you are not ready to upgrade to 7.6 or higher but you are running 7.5.3 or higher, you can find the OT/PPP installer software, as well as the Open Transport installer software, in the MacStanford collection of software.

Note that if you intend to use MacSLIP to connect to the internet, you must also download the MacTCP 2.0.6 package from the MacStanford web site.

The MacStanford software programs are available from several sources:

1) Online distribution of all software and documentation via the MacStanford Web site. You will need your SUNet ID and password in order to download these materials. Mac OS software (including System 8.1) that is licensed to Stanford is also available there.

2) A package including MacStanford software on CD-ROM including paper copies of documentation is available for $5 from Networking Systems, 115 Pine Hall.

3) Your Local Network Administrator has a copy of the CD and may provide assistance for other means of installation (such as from floppies or a ZIP drive).