home networking kits

[pickel]

After browsing around , allI i could find that seemed to simple enough, was 3 Com and Intel kits for home networks. I would like the PCI and phone line hook up since it seems to be the simplest and easiest to install.. Intel has a free shipping (both ways), 60 day, return policy. If you don't like it ,sent ot back on them for a full refund. If anyone else knows a better, not nesessarily cheaper way, I'd appreciate any opinions. Mucho Gratias /forum/biggrin.gif

the pickel

[Nathan]

Usually the home networking kits are good. Several things you should consider;

1. How many PC are you connecting?

2. How fimiliar are you installing network protocols?

3. I really don't care much for the phone line networks. Remind me of the ones that can use the electrical outlet.

4. An interesting one is the RF with no wires at all.

I think using the one with the hub and patch cables is the way to go. They usually have good instructions with it too.

[dexmax]

A speedy local area network connection will suite you well. A real ethernet network, requiring new cabling, a hub, and all that none sense, is the fastest solution, followed by, in descending order by speed, phone line networks, wireless networks or RF, and power line networks.

So before you decide to get a home network, decide on how many PC's your giong to install. Ask yourself, what will I use it for, games perhaps? Sharing an internet connection? Sharing a Printer and other hardware? Sharing files or Syncronozing files?

If you'll be playing games or sharing an internet connection, you'll need a network. But if you'll be sharing files, hardware and printer, etc. YOU DON'T NEED A NETWORK.

I myself have my own home network. What I use it for, games--most of the time, and an internet connection. I have 5 PC's and one of it is a server. My old PC's as "workstations" -- K6-2 400@450, Celeron 300, PentuimII 266, Pentuim 166 and the server, K6-3 450. Connected through a 5 port D-link hub.

Also in my internet cafe', I got 10 PC's including a server. Server--Celeron 300A w/ 128mb ram, 4 K6 166, 3 Pentuim 166, 2 Celeron 300A. The cafe shares an internet connection as well as network gaming. Connected through a 18 port D-link hub.

Its not much, but I invested everything for it. The cafe earns about 70 dollars a day. I pay about 300 dollars a month for an internet connection. Plus I pay about 200 dollars for the place, about 150 dollars for bills, etc. Doesn't leave me much but it helps.

[Gene C.]

I know you said you had checked these out. but, a little more info. for the ones who haven't. It seems to me after doing some research myself and checking magazine reports. the Intel one take it all, for ease of use and simple networking. I also will be going down this road shortly. but, still gathering info. hope this helps.
http://www.zdnet.com/pcmag/features/netkits/_edchoice.htm
http://www.hpna.com/HPNA-IntelAnyPoint.html
http://www.idg.net/crd_home_9-125640.html

[pickel]

Nathan
Dexmax
Gene C.:

Well, compUSA was abust and they kinda p--sed
me off. but I'll get over it. Anyway, all I'm gonna have is two computers. I'd prefer the use of the "inside the computer card".They have a better transfer rate. All I plan on is ISP sharing and printer sharing . However, since I am quite addicted to speed and horsepower, I'd like to go for best setup
that is reasonable in cost. I don't want cheap but then I don't want to #500.00 either.. I got one of those FREE ethernet cards from Action that was on a post earlier
Will that work? If so , I can get my daughter to get one or I'll buy another. What cable
and software do I need. Win98 2nd has that built in , can I use that ? Just kinda point in the right direction cause I have no idea about networking now, but I'm gonna learn.
I have no problems running cables, etc. I
worked as a constuction electrician for years, now I'm into the industrial end of it.
Just be my guide to teach an old dog some new tricks

Appreciate Ya'll /forum/biggrin.gif

the pickel

[Nathan]

First thing of course is to load the drivers. Then install the following under Control Panel, network;

1. Add/Client/Microsoft/Client for MS Networks.

2. Add/Protocol/NetBeui and also add TCP/IP if not already installed. IPX/SPX can be installed for gaming purposes. That can be done later if you wish. Some use that instead of NetBeui.

3. Add/Service/file and printer sharing for MS networks.

4. Look for the file and printer sharing button below all that stuff and make sure you have what you want shared marked.

5. Make sure the NIC card is seen in there too.

6. Make sure each computer has a different name but make sure the workgroup are exactly the same.

7. Under Primary network login, make sure it says Client for MS Networks.

8. Reboot

9. Open my computer or explorer and right click on C drive or whatever drive you want to have shared and go to sharing give what level you want them to have.

And that should be it. Sometimes it takes a few minutes for the other computers to each each other so try to be patient. If I forgot something, I or someone else will post it.

[This message has been edited by Nathan (edited 11-28-1999).]

[ANTONIO E GUERRA]

Well, if you are going to network two computers use a crossover cat 5 cable. You don't need a hub or a network kit. The crossover cables cost around $5-10.00. If you want to use internet sharing, I would recommend Windows 96 SE. I upgraded for $19.00 (thanks to M$) and I am sharing my internet with my wife. Windows 98 SE is very easy to configure for the internet sharing.
The other network systems (phone line or wireless) are very slow compare to the ethernet cards running at 10 or 100,000. They are not reliable because a lot of interference from other devices. In terms of tutorials for networking. I would like to recommend the following websites;
zdnet.com --It has excellent materials about networking including software and tutorials.
lantimes--They publish a very informative magazine with tutorials.
windows 98 secrets
pcguide.com It is one of the most informative websites all around...
sysopt.com They cover most of the problems related to hardware and software.
cisco.com--They have the best information for networks.
pcmechanic-- I learned a lot there.
By the way, I don't know what is wrong with Compusa but their service is terrible.
Hope it helps you!

[This message has been edited by ANTONIO E GUERRA (edited 11-28-1999).]

[This message has been edited by ANTONIO E GUERRA (edited 11-28-1999).]

[This message has been edited by ANTONIO E GUERRA (edited 11-28-1999).]

[Nathan]

If you're in the states, here is one of the places I get my network hubs, cards, cabling etc. http://www.abilitycomputers.com/ You can try and use those cards you have now and see if they will work. However, you might want to consider getting one of those kits that have the hub, cabling, NIC cards with drivers.

BTW, when you install the printer on the other machine, if the printer is on the network, make sure it's shared so when you do a network install for that printer, it will show up as being available.

[This message has been edited by Nathan (edited 11-28-1999).]

[dexmax]

I had never tried those brands. But I think it will work. The cable doesn't matter, you can cut it and clip it yourself, or buy a standard length of 5', 10', 15', 20'. If you go over 30 meters, you should use a coaxial cable, I hope it still supports it,--An RG-8 50 ohm cable would do the job. At 15 meters its your option to use an RG-58, its cheaper.

Belden(cable) is pretty good, you should try it. I use cables of this brand in my VHF, HF and UHF's and SSB setups. Although I don't use coax w/ my network, pc's are just 4" from each other.

[pickel]

Thanks for all the input! I've visited some sites and have a better understanding of the requirements to make a good system. Looks like I'll need to get two ethernet cards and a cable, since that seems to be the best way to go.Gonna need about 100 ft. cable to interconnect. What about software? Does the Win 98 2nd edtn in her computer take of it all? On the Microsoft site , it said only one computer needed it. I guess, I'll have to get on her's and read the "help" section about
the hookup. But any more suggestions or guidance is still welcomed. Is there weather proof cable available? It would be easier to run it outside( like CATV) cable than in the attic. Thanks again for the help. /forum/biggrin.gif Still learning!!!!

the pickel

On the Ability Comp. site they had 100ft. cable w/ conn. for $21.85 and Realtech 10/100 PCI Network cards for $ 14.39 each Is this what I need???? Seems awfully inexspensive compared to the other 'kits'
and use the Win 98 second edtn software???
that's it ????. Let me know /forum/smile.gif pickel

[This message has been edited by pickel (edited 11-28-1999).]

[AuraEdge]

That freebie card SUCKS
right now, its making my comp network crawl at 90kpbs
You have two more days to get on this deal...get it fast! I wish I did before I ordered sumthing else...

2 Intel Pro/100 for 40 bucks! 2 days left...

http://www.adviceforpcs.com/network/selected.asp?SessionID=290050002673343059&ParentCategoryID=324&CategoryID=326&ProductID=822&Referrer=category.asp

These are one of the BEST cards for 20 bucks a pop...get em before the deal expires in 2 days

[pickel]

AuraE : There on their way! /forum/smile.gif. Do you get the software with them too, like the cheap
sucker? Is all I need now is the cable?

Guess I'll have plenty of time to figure out what to do (?). Just when you think you half this computer stuff figured out, here comes a whole new round! Time to break out the books again. Thanks for the tip.

pickel

[Nathan]

Just follow the procedures I listed above and that's all you need after the NIC card is installed and drivers are loaded. It comes with 95 - 98 SE. I get those NIC cards all the time with basically no problems. Do you have a free IRQ for the NIC card?

If you want to get one of those kits at a Best Buy or whatever, fine. Just wanted to give you another option.

[This message has been edited by Nathan (edited 11-29-1999).]

[pickel]

Nathan; Each computer,fortunately , has one IRQ open.I ordered the Intel Pro 100's last night and I'm getting ready to order the cable when I find out which one I need. I believe the RG-50ohm like Dexmax mentioed would be the one I need since it's a good distance between computers.Appreciate your's and everyone else's help. I'll be back whenever the parts come in /forum/smile.gif

the pickel

[AuraEdge]

..I didnt order em Pickel
I wish I did!
I found out about em the DAY after i ordered 2 other 10/100's for 30 bucks (netgears)
And I cant return em..or cancel it..
I wish I had got the Intels tho.
Maybe Ill get em and try to sell off the netgears later
Im not sure What im gunan do.

[Nathan]

Don't forget to print this thread out so you'll have it.

Good Luck

[pickel]

Nathan: Printed as requested. Ordered the cards Aura E recommended. All I need is a cable, 100ft. Should I wait until I get the cards to see which cables are supported?
Since it's a good distance should I use a sheilded cable?? Wanna do it right!!!
Thanks again everyone for helping with my little project. BTW: How much can I o'clock a 400 Celeron?? /forum/smile.gif Just kidding ( for now) /forum/biggrin.gif

the pickel

[AuraEdge]

Get a 100ft Cat5 Crossover cable too hook em up without a hub.
This is what will work.

[pickel]

AuraEdge; Thanks for the info. Will hunt one up and order. It and the cards might come in together. Be glad when it's hooked and working! But everything is another learning experience. Guess that will never end. Will keep ya'll informed .Thanks All...

the pickel

[pickel]

AuraEdge: Ordered the 100 ft. CAT5 cable today from "Cables America" advertised in Computer Shopper Mag. Also printer cable for the other printer.Less than $ 30.00 for both w/ shipping. So for about $ 75.00 /forum/biggrin.gif I'll have all the stuff I need !!!! COOL !! Thanks again to you guys. I've learned my lesson about computer stores( /forum/frown.gif), believe me !!!!

pickel