Poll - Network Intra/Internet, What is your favorite setup? Why?

[Chainsaw]

Warning: For security reasons some of you may not want to answer some/all of these Poll questions.

I have found a network setup that works well for me, it was inexpensive and relativly easy to set up once I learned the basics. I only have two computers, so using a crossover cable was the logical choice here. Since both comps are using Win98, I have only one dial-up connection and I would like to use either/both for surfing and checking mail, Win98 ICS was my choice. I choose the use of static IPs, mainly 'for the challenge'; I read at one ICS help site ... http://www.kcbug.org/Support/ICSW98SE/ICSW98SE_5.htm
... that "Microsoft seems to say that this will work with statically assigned IP addresses, but I have yet to see it work that way", (well it will work that way, it's just a little more difficult to set up). I have, of course, added some security software to the system and recommend periodic visits to http://grc.com/default.htm to see how your system stands up to attack.
All in all, I'm pretty happy with this setup. What are your experiences, what setup works best for you? Why did you choose that particular configuration?
Thanks, http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif
c:::CHNsaw

OS - Server?
OS - Clients?
Intranet connection(s)?
Protocal(s)?
Internet connection(s)?
Proxy?

[This message has been edited by Chainsaw (edited 06-30-2000).]

[ez raider]

I have 2 desktops and 1 laptop, all running Win98SE with 10/100 NICs. They talk to each other through a Linksys autoswitching 10/100 ethernet hub, using IPX/SPX, which allows me to share files, a printer, and a scanner, and play games locally.

I connect to the internet by aDSL modem connected to the uplink port of the hub, and rely on a software firewall.

[CalGuyInFL]

I have 3 desktops, 2 of which are running Win NT and 98se, the third running 98se exclusively. Am using NetBEUI over TCP/IP currently. All are connected via a Linksys 10/100 autosenseing hub. I be connected to the net via a Toshiba PCX1000 cable modem. Everybody is happy so far. Oh Yeah, I use Zone Alarm which seems to cause a few less probs than Black Ice.

[This message has been edited by CalGuyInFL (edited 06-30-2000).]

[a Bill]

At home, four computers using TCP/IP on a 100BaseT network. One gateway the rest private IPs. I'm a traditionalist http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

As soon as I get the cabling, I'm switching over to FDDI just to be different. Same speed as now but using fiber. It's a geek thing.

Hmm, maybe I should have mentioned that I am using different operating systems on these computers. Win95B, NT4sp6 and Slackware7. Yep, they all see and swap files around without a second thought.

OS - Server? Slackware
OS - Clients? Win95B, NT4
Intranet connection(s)? RJ45 100BaseT
Protocal(s)? TCP/IP
Internet connection(s)? via server using static IP
Proxy? software

[This message has been edited by a Bill (edited 07-01-2000).]

[Chainsaw]

Thanks for the replies (lol, the geek thing got me smilin'). Obviously I'm new to this and diggin' for what's out there, trying to build my networking knowledge base a bit. I'm thinkin' about running some cable to two or three rooms. I'd like to make it so an RJ45 wall plate is the only thing visible at each station. I'll probably go with some cable capable of handling 10/100 NICs, to allow for an upgrage at a later date (who knows, maybe I should string some 6 Filament Fiber while I'm at it and terminate each with Mod-Tap bulkhead connectors).
Cable's not available here yet, so I'm stuck with Dial-up on a dedicated line. Any suggestions for a modest autosensing hub that will handle up to 3 clients?
Later,
c:::CHNsaw