Macintosh Computers

Macintosh computers running OS 8.x through 9.2.x have an application
called the “Chooser” that is part of the operating system. This application
not only gives the user access to every local printer, but also to programs
like AppleTalk and DAVE. AppleTalk is Apple’s built-in method
of network printing. This program allows you to do a search on your
local area or wireless network for any printers that support the
AppleTalk protocol. Many of the mainstream network printers (like
those produced by HP or Xerox) support this protocol.
The program DAVE, by Thursby Software, also gives the Macintosh
both the freedom and flexibility of Windows computers have. The Mac
user can easily allow DAVE to show him every single computer workstation
and printer accessible on the network. Only now, the Mac user has
the ability to add and use not only printers accessible on the Windows
network, but on the Macintosh network as well. In many cases, you can
set the settings on the Windows network differently from those on the
Mac network. While you may need special instructions to add a printer
via TCP/IP printing, (or the PC equivalent networking protocol NetBIOS)
the Macintosh could easily add this formerly inaccessible machine via
AppleTalk. This is why having a different platform like the Macintosh
available on your 802.11b network can open up several new types of vulnerabilities
you were not aware of before.
When using a Macintosh with OS X, you have an entirely new set of
optional features that you can use to find networked printers. As far as
the Macintosh is concerned, any 802.11b network card is the same. Not
only can you use AppleTalk to connect to printers, but you can search
for and add any TCP/IP printer on your network too.
The DAVE program (useful for all of the Macintosh operating systems
described here) helps the Apple user connect to any network share or
printer when connected to either a wired or wireless network. Any protocol
that a Windows machine can use, a Mac can use more efficiently,
without very many complicated settings to maintain.