Home Network

[rmdial]

We are building a new home and want to have up to date capabilities. We currently have a desktop I built a couple of years ago. It has an ASUS P3V4X with a PII 350 running W2K. I will update it to the highest CPU I can, I think it is 733. My wife uses a Toshiba laptop running WIN98. We use Quicken and Office 2000 along with special programs for my wife for embroidering with her Bernina sewing machine.

Wireless networking has been mentioned. I assume I would upgrade the laptop to W2K.

Some questions are:

1) Should I build a separate server? If so, what is a current MB that would serve that purpose well?

2) Is wireless the best way to go?

3)Any other suggestions on books or periodicals for the layman to become familiar with this type of system?

Thanks,

 

[Unolocogringo]

The P3V4X will Take any P3 slot1 cpu Or any P3 socket 370 cpu on a slot converter. (EXCEPT TUALATIN CPUS) And Tualatin cpus on a special Tualatin slot converter.

Wireless is the simplest way unless you prewire the existing house with an outlet in every room you think you might need it in.The cost of this would easily surpass the cost of wireless.

There is no reason to upgrade your operating system for wireless.

You do not need a server. A router/switch/Access point will do the same task as an internet server.

Now a few questions for you .So that we can suggest equipment for your needs.

Will you be using the internet on both computers? And at the same time?

Will your Internet connection be dial-up,DSL,ADSL or cable?

How large of a coverage area will the wireless need to reach?

I aint signing nothing!!!

 

[rmdial]

Thanks for the reply. Answers to your questions are:

Both computers will use the internet, sometimes concurrently.

Connection will either be DSL or cable.

The coverage area should be about 6000 sq. ft.

 

[Unolocogringo]

OK with that info I would suggest a Linksys BEFW11S4. A 4 port/router/switch/Wireless Access Point.. Cost arround$150-$200US.

Make sure that your Cable modem or DSL modem is ETHERNET not USB.

You can run the desktop computer wired and use a wireless on the laptop. Or run both wireless.

Thee Linksys offers the longest range of coverage and can be used with external antenna for even greater coverage area.

Setup is simple using a browser interface.

I aint signing nothing!!!

 

[Guest]

Sure wireless is getting better, but I would rather have my house wired with the top quality twisted pair I could find.

 

[Unolocogringo]

Yes but we are talking about $200 vs $2000 or more to prewire a home with CAT6 cable. Plus you have to carry a network cable long enough to reach the area you wish to sit.

I aint signing nothing!!!

 

[jihiggs]

are you talking about labor cost too? its about 80 bucks for 500 feet of cable, then about 3 bucks per jack. maybe dinner and beer for you and a good freind. i come up with no more than 300 dollars.

how do you shoot the devil in the back? what happens if you miss? -verbal

 

[Unolocogringo]

Yes that is the average cost to have a new home prewired with an outlet in most rooms. He stated that the home would be 6000sqft. Apretty good size home. So we would be talking about maybe 10 rooms to wire total.

Most people do not have the tools or the knowledge to do this themselves. And if he is contracting the home to be built,I'm sure the Electrician will not allow him to wire it under his permit. So a new permit will be needed to do it himself.

I aint signing nothing!!!