Re: [aclug-L] first plunge

["Greg House" <ghouse@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

>the network card on the "new" box is a "smc ultra".
>i remember seeing this one in the list of supported hardware.
>i still need a card for my old box.
>does any one has an old card that i could buy or trade for that will work with it?

You should check and be sure it's got a 10base2 (BNC) connector on it before you start buying more parts to go coax.  A lot of the new network cards only have 10baseT (RJ45) and unless you want to replace this card too, you should consider getting the same thing. 

If you just have 2 computers, using 10baseT is actually cheaper and simpler, since you only need one cable, no T connectors, no terminators. The RJ45 cables aren't any more expensive then coax. You just have to remember to get the right wiring on the cable (crossover) and you can plug the ET cards directly together.  On the other hand, If you have more then 2 computers, it'll cost you more since you'll need a hub.  With a hub, you'd use the straight-thru cables (not crossover).

If you're starting from scratch, you might consider going 100baseT, since the cards aren't that much more expensive any more.  The hub will be a little more, but the extra speed might be nice.

As far as educating yourself, you should check the Ethernet HOWTO, the Hardware HOWTO, and the NET-3 HOWTO for information about configuring networking and which hardware is supported. There's also a Network Adminstrator's Guide available from the LDP http://metalab.unc.edu/LDP/ldp.html

I was recently shopping for network cables and found a place called ConnectPro which had exceptionally good prices.  The (6') coax cables that National Computer wanted $10 each cost me $2.25 each from these guys. Likewise, T connectors and terminators were about half or less of Nat Computer's price. If you're going Cat-5 (RJ45), they' also have those for good prices too.  They're based in CA and have a bunch of other networking products as well.  http://www.connectpro.com I don't have anything to do with them other then this one order. It was delivered quickly without any snags.

 

Have fun!

Greg