Hi. I've got two older computers - one is a compaq deskpro2000 (Pentium) - the other is a pentium II ibm compatible. due to memory and motherboard problems on the pII, I want to network the two to create one decent system. I have etherlink nic cards, and a cat5 cable. what else do I need? I'm not sure yet if I can do this or not, it will be interesting. Operating systems - Compaq - will be loaded with 95 on 1 drive, 98 on other. Or should I just upgrade it? PII has 98 on 1st drive, will put w2k on second. Can someone out there tell me if I will be able to connect these two systems this way?

Networking two dud machines in the hope of creating "one decent system" is not going to achieve your aim. If one of these boxes has motherboard and/or memory faults then what makes you think networking will resolve those issues? Each machine still has to rely on it's own system resources. As to creating multi-boot systems on each machine, that's a whole different issue that will complicate your networking task. You can only boot one operating system at a time on each machine so you would have to configure network settings in all operating systems. It is unclear exactly what you hope to gain from this project, Just getting a multiboot with 95/98 on one box will be a learning exercise for you. You have the necessary hardware as long as each box has an available PCI slot to accommodate the network cards. You will need to instal the cards and make sure compatible drivers are loaded into all 4 operating systems. Connect the crossover cable and run network wizard, or manually set each operating system in each machine. I used to have a signature but it disappeared and I just couldn't be bothered writing another so please feel free to ingore this.

You would be better off just spending the $200 for a new P4 Dell w/XP on it.

Thanks, people. If the cable I have is correct, then I should be good to go. Main problem is that I don't have the funds to buy new equipment, so I have to make the best of what I have. Dual operating systems isn't a problem - I've been setting them up for years. I realize that I can only boot one up at a time - but, assuming they are both networked and on, will I be able to use the resources of both?

'assuming they are both networked and on, will I be able to use the resources of both? ' - What do you mean exactly here?

If properly networked with appropriate file sharing enabled then you will be able to access files and printers on both machines from either. However as I said before this does not mean any sharing of CPU processing capacity nor sharing ram. Each machine remains a discrete unit reliant on it's own resources for performing tasks. You don't turn two pentium75s into a P150 by connecting a network cable. I used to have a signature but it disappeared and I just couldn't be bothered writing another so please feel free to ingore this.

yes, you are correct in that assessment