The EazyLink Popdown utility
The EazyLink popdown is run on the Z88, and is the server part which listens to commands sent to it from the serial port. The client part is run on a desktop operating system like Windows and functions as the window to the filing systems of both computers.
It exists as two versions. By default it is part of OZ 4.2 and newer, but has also a life of its own, so users running older roms can install it on an application card.
Here's a screen shot of EazyLink running on the Z88:
Introduction and History
When the Z88 came out, there were loads of different desktop computers that were being used. This meant that to transfer with the Z88 and any other computer would have to be simple and reliable. Cambridge Computers initially came out with PC Link. This was a DOS based file request program which used the Imp/Export popdown on the Z88 and required the user to type commands on both the Z88 and the desktop computer. This was not very popular as it meant the user needed two pairs of hands. Around the same time you had another team working on a PC version of PipeDream who wanted additional commands sent from just one computer to talk with the Z88, like selecting directories, and so the protocol of PC-LINK II was born.
EazyLink is based on PC-LINK II, using a "file server" (Z88) and a "client" (desktop computer) that requests file handling. It supports the existing file transfer protocol of PC-LINK II for compatibility. This enables you (if required) to use the original PC-LINK DOS application for transferring of files between DOS and the Z88.
EazyLink's additional commands offer
- faster transfer rates
- remote date stamp,
- file size requests,
- and backup only updated files
It automatically
- creates the Z88 path when receiving a file
- creates MSDOS/Z88 line feed and ASCII character conversions during transfer
This wiki describes the functionality and facilities of the EazyLink File Server. Everything this popdown can do is requested and displayed from the Client application, as the "server" just sits at the other end and handles the various requests.
