Networking Newbie

We have a new computer running Windows ME and an old computer, a 486 running Windows 95. In our family of 4 children and one Mommy that all adore computers it is hard to get a chance to get on (and get access to the work I have on) the new one. I looked in the Help section of our Me and it seemed to indicate that connecting to a Windows 95 machine was possible. My question is: Is the 486 possible. It was built so long ago by computer standards. What do I physically need to look for in the way of a port to connect the networking cable to. Are there other problems I need to be considering in connecting two very different generational computers? Is it even worth it?

 

Personally, I wouldn't bother. The old 486 mothboard probably doesn't have PCI slots and using an old ISA network card can sometimes be a horrible experience.

But if the old 486 motherboard has a pci slot, I can't see any other major problems connecting the two machines, just make sure you use TCP/IP and not IPX/SPX for your connection, should save you a few problems.

So yeah, look for a PCI slot on your 486 motherboard. (Usually little white ones )

 

I imagine you won't find PCI slots or not a free one anyway.

But I have used ISA network cards with success and networked older operating systems than Win95 so if you want to take a shot, it is certainly workable. Windows for Workgroups on 286 systems worked fine and yours is lots newer than that. Shoot, for that matter DOS on 8086 machines did fairly well.

Most of the advice you see is for newer systems but that is mainly because home networking is pretty new. The equipment would do it but most home users had no clue. But there is no reason at all to leave your 95 PC sitting by itself. I would suggest loading the most recent version of DUN (dial-up networking) you can find because even though you aren't going to use it with a dial-up modem, there are many newer networking files on there that will be used.

Sorry I don't have any idea what the most recent version is or where to get it. But if you have problems, post back as someone here is sure to know.

For the ISA NICs, if you can't easily find a new one, check with any computer shops in your area that have been in business a while. They will likely have some sitting around they will either give you or sell cheap.

 

Here's the last update for Dial-Up Networking for Win 95 systems. The file is a little over 1.8MB in size and you can't compress it much so you won't be able to fit it on a floppy.

If you can't dowload it directly to the pc you're going to use it on then you'll have to burn it to a CD first.

Win 95 DUN 1.4 Update

Gary

 

Thanks for that link and info Gary.

TMoore - if you don't have a CD burner or there is no CD on the 95 box, download the file and then zip it to floppies. All the recent zip programs will all span a file onto as many floppies as needed. And even if it won't compress much, it should fit on 2 floppies easily.

If you don't have the zip program loaded on the 95 PC, you can also turn any WinZip file into a self-extracting file easily. That way, no need for the program on the 95 PC. Probably other zip programs as well but WinZip is the only one I've used for years so can't say for sure.

 

The advice to use TCP/IP and not IPX seems strange ?

In a two PC system (with no mention of DSl/Cable etc) the configuration of TCP/IP seems a V difficult hassle for a novice when IPX will simply work first time - in fact NetBEUI will be an even better choice as there's no routing involved ?

ISA cards are no hassle either - just make sure its a 3Com Etherlink III or an original NE2000 (showing my age)

 

AndyO - you are correct. I had somehow read what the poster hadn't written - that he wanted internet connection with both PCs. Thus the TCP/IP rather than an easier (more automatic) protocol.

OTOH - TCP/IP is so ubiquitous these days that at some point, most folks are going to have to deal with it. And it does have a nice suite of built-in diagnostic/troubleshooting tools that the others mostly lack. So maybe it is a better idea even though more complicated to deal with. That will vary with the individual user I imagine.

TMoore - AndyO has it exactly right. With NetBeui or IPX/SPX, as long as the computers are both in the same workgroup and have networking setup, they will automatically see each other and allow a connection. Much less fiddling to do than with my original suggestion of TCP/IP.