I prefer 3com 905 and the intel pro100. both of these are superb 10/100 pci cards and recognized by redhat and mandrake. It is much better to build for the future and the cost for 10 base t cards is identical or higher than the 100s. Season's Greetings! I'm considering setting up little LAN in my home and, since I'm completely inexperienced in networking, would like everyone's input regarding which NIC(s) to choose. I am only in the planning stages and have no NICs or Hub. Here is my situation: 1 PC dual booting L-M6.0 and Win98 1 PC with Win98 Both PC's have more than 1 of each PCI and ISA slots open. I intend to use the LAN for sharing files, and maybe the printer on the Win98-only PC if I can get Linux to do it. I would also like to be able to share the modem (and therefore Internet connection) in the Dual-booting machine (preferably while its running Linux). Even though I only have 2 PC's, I want the abillity to easily expand (although I'm not likely to go beyond 4 systems), so I will be getting a hub in stead of using a crossover cable. Here are my questions: (1)What would be easier to configure in Linux, a PCI or ISA NIC? Remember, I will be installing a NIC in a machine that previously had none. (2)Will 10-BASET be enough for me, or shall I aim for a 10/100 network? (3)Is there any benefit to having identical NICs in all the PC's on a network? Thanks for any info! Jeremy ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
