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Hello, I would Like to know exactly how I can connect two old computers whose specs are as followes:
First PC:
Windows 98 , Pentium 200 mhz, 1.2GB
Second PC:
Windows 98 SE, Pentium 100 mhz, 1.3GB*And since both pc's are old there is no USB function in either, so forget about connecting them through that. I dont have a modem card on either so no phone connection is available aswell.
I've thought about trying connecting them with an LPT line but im not sure it would work and if it would, how fast would the data transfer be, and how do I actually establish this connection?
I looked in the network area in the control panel and understood thats such a thing called an IPX connection, could that be used too?
Thanks in advance,
Mori.P.S.
I've managed to establish one pc to have the network newigourhood running and it connected to the so-called network,
The other pc, however, doesn't seem to be able to do the same; the icon appears but you can't click the "whole network" icon. It says there's a problem and needs to use the index in the help section.
you can learn more here to get the understanding of networking:
www.duxcw.com
www.wown.com
www.helmig.com
www.techtony.com
www.practicallynetworked.com
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If each computer is equipped with a network card, it's a fairly simple matter to connect them with a crossover cable (RJ45)
To connect via the LPT ports, you'd need to use Direct Cable Connect (DCC) and a parallel crossover cable - quite a bit slower than using NICs, but all machines have LPT ports
Why don't they make computers that will do what we think we want them to do?
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G'day,
With the specs that you have indicated (Win 98 on both machines)it would be quite simple to use the network solution as jboy has suggested. You need two network cards and a crossover cable.Anything else would be just too much hassle. Have a nice Xmas break and post back if you have any problems: either myself or jboy will help you further if you need it.
regards and best Xmas to you all,
Elric
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Thanks alot,
I appriciate the help, but I'm sorry to say that only one of the two has a network card, and even if I were to get another network card, how would I make the windows OP sys recognize that the two are connected? Does it automatically "know" that the two are connected via the cable?
(For examp, if I tried this with an LPT cable, would it work aswell?)Thanks again,
Mori
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There's a certain amount of preparation & configuring.
As well, the correct cable is required - 'straight' cable won't do.
What is your goal? One time transfer of files or do you need to create a full time network with the capability of launching programs, file access and the like?
Why don't they make computers that will do what we think we want them to do?
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What do you mean by "straight" cable? I thought of just using a male to male cable and just connect the two parralel, then run something like direct cable netowork or such install.
I need to establish a complete networkm I recon.
Fact is, I'm trying to create a small network for my two smaller brothers who want to play old computer games that have the ability to connect through a network, one of those, for example, is Warcraft 2, which has the ability to connect through a serial (com) connection, but not parralel.
Another problem is, because the computers are so old, they only have one com port, and that is used for the mouse. One of the pcs has a ps\2 mouse connection, but the other doesn't, which means that the only connection I belive I can accomplish is a parralel using an LPT, and thats basically my problem, how to establish it.
I hope I'm not causing too much trouble :) Thanks alot again.
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For playing games you really don't want to use the slow parallel connection. Check the sites suggested response #1 for directions on how to set up an ethernet (LAN) connection.
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What you're trying to do (Network Play) is, I think, a little different - I'm not so sure it can be accomplished over the LPT, typically you require a serial (NULL-Modem) connection, modem connection over the telephone line, or internet. Check the game's documentation to be sure.
Most machines do actually have 2 COM ports, although it's possible only one has been connected. You'd need to look at the motherboard connectors (or manual) and see if there's a set of pins for COM2 that you could install the physical socket to.
Whenever you connect one machine directly to another, 'crossover' cable is needed - the 'send' and 'receive' pins are reversed (crossed over)-- NULL-modem cable is one example.
Why don't they make computers that will do what we think we want them to do?
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I might just add, the cost of a PCI network card and a crossover cable is less than half of the cost of a null modem cable.
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Network play, at least on older games, was accomplished by either linking two local machines via null modem or else by connecting to another machine by direct dialing. This would have to be setup for each game.
Classics like DooM & Heretic had their own utility (sersetup).
It may also be possible using a network setup, I'm not sure. In all cases, the game documentation would need to be referred to. From what I've read, it can get a little complicated.
Why don't they make computers that will do what we think we want them to do?
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