1. Is there a maximum number of computers that can be connected to a signal 100BaseFX mulitmode fiber optic cable? 2. How can I determine the network connection speed of a computer running W98ME? 3. Is there any reason why self-built computers would not work on a network? (While brand name computer would function.)

1. I don't think that there is a limit, although if there is it is very high. 2. don't know, sorry 3. I have had that problem before, but I don't know why they do that, sorry.

"1. Is there a maximum number of computers that can be connected to a signal 100BaseFX mulitmode fiber optic cable?" No, but there are sensible limits. Depends on the setup. "How can I determine the network connection speed of a computer running W98ME?" No real external way. There is probably a Visual Basic feature that can grab this information and then send it somewhere, but that is a waste of time. Why do you need this? "3. Is there any reason why self-built computers would not work on a network? (While brand name computer would function.)" No, that sounds like something tech support would say.

For question two, I need to know the network connection speed to determine if the fiber optic line is 10BaseF or 100BaseFX but I can't find any indication on the wire itself. (I'm not the network administrator.) For question three, I was told that self-built computers would not operate on a network but the statement was based on 1997 computers. I don't believe there would be compatibility issues today but I just want to make sure. Thanks for your help.

One and Two are moot. As for Three: -A self-built (whitebox) computer would have no more or less chance to be seen on the network unless it contains a substandard NIC. I have been using OEM built, self-built and Retail boxes for years. Unless I screwed up the config, they all talk the same. If anything, the white box systems are better at talking since the NIC is NOT part of the mainboard, and often based on a standard like 3C905 chipset. While the same chipset may be on the mainboard, it is not always as effecient. Bits are bits and bytes are bytes, all the same over the ethernet cable. -ScottL