CompuServe Thread

#How do I build a LAN?

3 messages in this thread
#78660From: Bill RaymondApr 7, 1994 11:08 AM
Hi. For your questions concerning TCP/IP and Internet access, I suggest you re-post this message in CompuServe's Internet forum (GO INETFORUM). These people are really good with questions like this, and will give you a much more informed answer than I could. As far as an OS to put onto your Pentium, get a software package that sits in a 1MB area on your machine that will ask you what partition you would like to boot in (like OS/2s Boot Manager). I suggest you look heavily into SUNSofts's Solaris operating system. I have seen it work, and it's fairly impressive. You need to make sure you have hardware that will work with it though. Before you purchase any other operating system, I suggest you write down everything you have in your system (and I mean everything, including the manufacturer). I just purchased a Pentium computer to run my OS/2 software and wrote down every piece of hardware being shipped with the computer (manufacturer, make model, etc) and after I recieved the system OS/2 wouldn't work properly — WHY? — becuase the Pentium machine I bought was not compatible with OS/2! Anyway, other than the NEXT operating system, Solaris may be the only real way to go for a UNIX operating system on your PC (at least right now). Bill Raymond Intec Controls
#78690From: Brad BlockApr 7, 1994 7:18 PM
What would you suggest is the fastest machine to run DOS graphics apps right now – emulation or not. (whithin reason…)
#78752From: Bill RaymondApr 8, 1994 4:43 PM
That's a fairly broad question, but here's what I use and reccommend to my customers: 1) 486/66 (as you may or may not know, a 66 is actually a 33MHz machine with a 'clock doubler' chip) or a 60MHz Pentium. 2) For optimum performance, get a machine with PCI Local Bus. If that's too expensive, get a VESA Local Bus or Local Bus. I haven't done any real tests on these types of systems, but the PCI is MUCH faster than VESA Local Bus or Local Bus. VESA Local bus has about the same performance as a Local Bus machine. Here's the system I use the most at work (hope no one is bothered by my mentioning brand names): – DELL 486/66 Local Bus – S3 86c805 Local Bus (on-board chip) – 1MB Video RAM – 16 MB RAM – 350MB IDE Hard Drive I also have a Pentium machine wih PCI Local Bus, but I get horrible support, lousy speed (my 486 runs faster most times!), and a lot of compatibility problems. I really can't reccommend this particular system so I won't mention Digital's name, but I can't believe that all Pentium's are like this particular system. Here's why I like my DELL system (and by the way I use about 6 different brands of 486's a week): 1) Great Technical support. 2) If you tell them you need it to be compatible with OS/2, Windows, Windows NT, Solaris and DOS, they'll say "Okay", and they make sure you get the drivers, software and hardware you need. 3) #2 actually works (I run DOS, Windows, Windows NT, Solaris and OS/2 on the same machine). 4) It's the least inexpensive machine I have come by. Although I don't reccommend the "Dimension by DELL" line of computers, there higher end 486/66 (that I use) is outstanding, and obviously built with a Graphics/Multimedia person in mind. Two other computers I like are the new Compaq and Gateway 486/66 lines. Shop wisely and shop with upgradeability in mind. Sorry if this got a little lengthy, but I hope I answered your question. Bill Raymond Intec Controls P.S. I would be happy to speak with you off-line on this. Send me private mail and I'll give you my phone #.