I am running five nodes on a eight port hub on a 10baseT Ethernet peer-to-peer network in my home office at this time. I am about to start an NT 4.0 server using MS Backoffice features. I use a 3Com OfficeConnect ISDN router to connect each machine in the network to the Internet through a dial-up connection to my ISP. The router has established a TCP/IP protocol Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) class C network for computer internal network communication. I am currently using a combination of Windows 3.11 WFW, Windows 95, and Windows 98 in the peer-to-peer setup on four computers. 

 File and printer sharing are the two functions which the home user will benefit from network operations. The HDD in each computer may be shared at various levels so that data need not be moved from computer to computer via floppy or other storage means. Files stored on one computer are readily available to the other machines on the network as are any printers. All of the functions associated with file generation, saving, and manipulation are available to any machine which as been given share responsibility. 

 My hardware is a combination of 486/Pentium computers. Two machines are Pentium 233 MMX computers, one each with Win 95 and Win 98 installed. One is a 486 using WFW 3.11. Another is my Toshiba 133 MHZ, using both Win 95 and WFW in a dual boot mode. The NT Server is a dual processor 166 MHZ, SCSI based machine. Windows 3.11 WFW, Windows 95/98, and Windows NT 4.0 are all network operating systems (NOS) and require little or no additional network software to begin network operations. 

 A point from one of the previous SOHO Comm Corner (October 1998) articles needs to be repeated in order to discuss this month’s column on SOHO hardware. That point is “There is little equipment and application difference between a home user and a home office. In fact, there is little difference between an individual user with more than one computer and a small office.” The step to a network for individual use is a very small step toward a home office. The hardware required for an individual with more than one computer is still computers, monitors, keyboards, mice, and I/O devices, ie., printers, scanners, etc. The additional hardware required concerns the network additions. This equipment consists of the Network Interface Cards (NIC) in each computer, the hub, and wiring to connect each computer node. The Windows Operating System (OS) (Win 3.xx, Win 95, Win 98) is network ready as installed to handle peer-to-peer file and printer sharing. 

 This was the point I found myself in when I undertook to move from individual machines to a network. I had more than one computer in the office, so I connected them together with the Ethernet based network. 

 The advantages of connecting those home/home office computers into a Local Area Network (LAN) are many. The primary consideration concerns a reduction in the number of peripherals needed to support each computer such as printers and scanners. These devices may be shared between each of the computers through the Windows OS. The cost savings in not having to buy peripherals for each computer allows one to invest in better quality laser or color printers and scanners. Savings may also be made in consolidating the connection to the outside world by using network dial-up analog or ISDN modems. 

 Each computer requires input/output of the data to be able to use it. Printers, scanners, and other peripherals are required to get the data into letters, graphics, or other usable forms. I have been able to use one laser and one inkjet printer for all four of my computers. I have one scanner from which the data files generated can be shared with all of the computers via the network. An additional benefit to has been the fact that I can afford the use of higher quality printers and scanners due to not having to buy one for each computer. The network also allows me to use one Internet connection for all four computers via the ISDN router. 

 Every home user or home office requires a basic set of equipment. This baseline equipment set includes at least one computer, a printer, fax capability, uninterruptible power supply (UPS), desk, and chair. If there are more than one computers to be used, then the basic network components are required. 

Computers are basic to the home user/office equation. This area is the hardest to define in terms of hardware. Computers change almost monthly. My basic suggestion concerning computers has two parts. The first is to realize that you most likely will not have the fastest, largest, budget be dammed ideal computer for use at home. That home computer, may in fact, be a dog in terms of what is available in today’s technology market. 

This brings me to the second suggestion, where I will use my favorite analogy about last year’s snow skis. Remember that last year’s computer like last year’s skis are the worst products ever designed, which means that we have to have this year’s model just to be able to keep the snide remarks about our hardware down. It does not matter that last year, we had great fun with that old computer or pair of skis. Last year’s computer was more than adequate for our needs then, and most likely we haven’t changed our uses that much this year. Last year’s computer will handle 95 percent of the tasks you are doing this year. Buy new hardware only if the last year’s hardware is broken. It may be necessary to make an upgrade to the hard disk drive (HDD) or add memory. If last year’s computer is capable of 100 MHZ CPU speeds and it was doing most of your computing tasks, then it will do them today. 

 I must also state my other bit of advice. Hardware is cheap. If you have the money and want that new hot fast computer, then buy it. The computer industry needs your money and my computer stocks need the boost that your purchase will make. 

Computer Hardware

 Upgrades should be able to operate in the 133 MHZ or above rates. Woody’s Axiom “Faster is better” rules. As I have mentioned above, I am using computers from 100 MHZ to 233 MHZ. These processor speeds are adequate for most of the things I do with these computers including using the Internet from any of them. The CPU processor mix is IBM, Intel, and AMD. 

I am from the upgrade-when-necessary- school and make the changes to memory, HDD, and other changes when I feel it is necessary. I also concern myself with the computer power supply, motherboard, and Basic Input/Output System (BIOS). One upgrade which may be a requirement is to have a BIOS which is upgradeable. Some older BIOS chip sets may require complete replacement. Most of the BIOS chip set manufacturers build software upgradeable sets today. These chip sets need to have manufacture dates after 1994 to really be capable of running the latest HDD operation and other system functions. The version of the computer BIOS controls the size of the HDD one can install. 

 Random Access Memory (RAM) memory is very important to today’s OS, especially Windows 95/98. Windows for Workgroups (WFW) 3.11 needs at least 16 MB of RAM to really function properly. Windows 95/98 needs 16 MB RAM just to function and 32 MB of RAM to really get the best from the OS. I use 65 MB of RAM in my Win 95/98 machines. Another Woody’s Axiom “More is better” rules. 

 Video cards are very important to the computer’s ability to present its data. Use a video card with at least 4 MB of RAM on it. I use Diamond brand video cards. 

 Hard disk drives (HDD) are important to the computer because the software developers are sloppy in their ability to write code. There can never be enough HDD space. HDD prices have fallen to a point that I recommend that you upgrade to the largest HDD you can afford. IDE class HDDs are adequate for most home network operations. The extra money for SCSI HDDs can be an important consideration for data reliability in servers. I try to use Western Digital or Seagate HDDs when I have a choice. Another Woody’s Axiom “Bigger is better” rules. 

Network Hardware

 There are several hardware components which must be added to the home office mix. Each computer requires a network interface card (NIC) which handles the physical and software movement of the data. It is the interface to the media (cable) which connects the other computers to it. The NIC handles the protocols which route the data to the proper destination in the network. NICs come in all prices and bandwidth capabilities. I try to use 32-bit plug and play (PnP) 10baseT Ethernet NICs from various manufacturers. When cost is a factor, I use Addtron ISA or PCI 10baseT Combo Ethernet cards. I use 3Com EtherLink 10baseT cards in servers where data reliability in the server is necessary. Other manufacturers are available. NICs are commodity products and are available off the shelf. 

 Hubs are necessary. Direct NIC cable connections are possible, but the Ethernet unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cabling is much easier to install and maintain. Most home office users can use a 10baseT Ethernet unmanaged eight port hub with no big problems. 

 The media (cabling) is the third major element of the network hardware which must be installed for the network to function. The cabling is the connection between the network nodes. UTP Category 5 cabling is used for most Ethernet based networks. UTP cable for this role consists of four twisted pairs of copper wire contained in a shield. The Category 5 is the grade or quality of the copper wire. Category 5 is the highest quality and can handle data transmissions of up to 100 Mbps. UTP cable is easy to work with and to terminate. The ready-to-use cable is available off the shelf at computer stores. UTP cable is flexible and forgiving to usage. 

Peripherals

 All the machines in the network can use a “ganged” analog or ISDN router if available. This works for direct and dial-up ISP accounts. There may be cost savings in the ISP accounts or phone accounts required. 

Conclusions

 John Woody is a networking communications consultant specializing in small office, home office networks, training setup, and internet connectivity.