iMac: Transferring Files Modem to Modem

Yes, you can connect two modems with a phone cable and transfer data, however, Ethernet is a much better way to transfer data if your older Macintosh is Ethernet capable.

Here are the steps to transfer files via modem using a data communications terminal program, in this case AppleWorks 5. It is also helpful to use a file compression program to create one single file for simplicity when sending. Here are the steps:

1. Connect both modems with a standard telephone cable.

2. In AppleWorks, open a new Communications document.

3. For both computers, under the Settings menu set the Connections Settings for:
Method: Serial Tool
Baud Rate: 57600
Parity: None
Data Bits: 8
Stop Bits: 1
Handshake DTR & CTS
Current Port : Internal (or appropriate port)

4. For both computers, under the Settings menu set or leave the default File Transfer Settings as:
Protocol: XMODEM Tool
Method: MacBinary
Transfer Options: Standard

5. On the receiving computer running AppleWorks, pull down the Edit menu and select Preferences. In the Topic for Communications click Receiving Folder and select a receiving folder.

6. Select Open Connection from the Session menu (this will let you type modem AT commands).

7. On the sending computer, type:
ATX3D

8. On the receiving computer type:
ATA

9. The modems should begin to negotiate and indicate a connection speed.

10. Once the modems are connected, select Send File from the Session menu on the sending computer.

11. Click the Send button from the Session menu and select the document's StuffIt archive file.

12. On the receiving computer, select Receive File from the Session menu.

The computers should start to send and receive the file via XMODEM.