Network old 386 to newer PC

[darkwrench]

Hi,

I have this IBM ps/2 386sx machine and was wondering if I could network it with my newer machine? The 386 has a 3COM etherlink/MC TP card (Sc523 I believe). I don't have a NIC for the other machine as yet.
What would I need to do this? I have never actually tried any hands on networking and figured this would be good practice. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

I appreciate any pointers.Thanks.

Jim

[jbyron]

Yes you can network any two computers together. But unless you have win 3.11 or later it takes quite a bit of setup work to do it.

[darkwrench]

I forgot to add the word 'easily' to my first question. The pc is set up with Win 3.11 and the other W98.

[TOAD6147]

Never setup networking on 3.11 but I'm sure you could resarch it somewhere or just install 95 or 98. As far as the NIC that's in the IBM, what type plug does it have on it? Is it a coax connector or a lagre phone plug, both? It might be best to get two newer fast eternet cards (cheap, $5-$6 each)and a 5 meter crossover cable and then the setup should be fairly easy. Without a hub you're limited in you seperation distance. Take a look at www.homepcnetwork.com (http://www.homepcnetwork.com) .

[jbyron]

Hopefully win 3.11 has a good help file for setting the network up. been to long sense I did one on 3.11. It may be that it is already installed on the computer if it had the nic card all ready in it.

[darkwrench]

From what I found on the net regarding old 3COM Etherlink card it's 10Mbps? and does have RJ-45 (this puppy is old MCA) so I figure I can get a 10/100 Etherlink card to use on newer machine(s).
I assume this correct? What would anyone suggest for a good inexpensive card to use? When I finish building my newest machine I will tie that in as well so I realize I will also need a hub.
FWIW, I'd like to keep the 386 with Win 3.11 for now unless that will complicate what I'm trying to do too much.Thanks for all your input! http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif
Jim

[This message has been edited by darkwrench (edited 07-18-2001).]

[Comtech]

I have a 10mbps Linksys hub with a 10/100 NIC for sale, $25 if you're interested.

[DougM]

I thought you needed Win 3.11 Windows for workgroups not just plain win 3.11 in order to network them.


Here are some troubleshooting steps: http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q104/3/22.asp

[scourge]

Just to let you know, I had a 386DX25 (4meg RAM) and Win95 ran way better on it than Win3.1 ever did. Took longer to boot up, but once you were in the Win95 environment it ran quicker.

And you can always do a direct cable connection thru the serial ports, but it is slow.