Upon reflection, it was easy. Networking extends the life of an old
computer, but not without performance tradeoffs. Would I give up my old
computer? Nope.
Setting up and using a network between computers at home will
broaden your computer experience. Setting up a network is more than
connecting a cable between two machines; it is opening up (perhaps for
the first time) unfamiliar control panels or perhaps reinstalling
control panels and extensions on the old computer because there had
been no need for them.
Using the network is finding out what works and doesn't work (like a
printer), learning new habits to save files over the home network, and
learning how to share peripherals between computers. With some
patience, experimentation, and tradeoffs, a home network can be fun and
make the investment of time and money very worthwhile.
Below are the components of my home network:
- iMac with
internal modem, FireWire CD burner, USB digital camera
- ethernet hub and cables (new)
- Performa 635 (with new
ethernet card), Color StyleWriter 2400 printer, QuickTake Camera,
QuickCam (all connected through serial ports), Apple TV/video card,
SCSI scanner, Zip drive.
Setting up and using the all my peripherals over the network has
meant readjusting my expectations that everything on a Mac is merely
plug and play. My iMac uses the StyleWriter over the network, but that
required reinstallation of printer drivers on the iMac. The Apple TV
software will work on the iMac, but only to view Video CDs - nothing
more.
The iMac does not "see" a floppy or Zip disk on the Performa
desktop, but files can be saved to a floppy or a Zip disk by dragging
files from the iMac to the Zip and/or floppy disk. Conversely, files
from a Zip disk can be burned on the FireWire drive by dragging them
from the Performa to the drop file area on the Adaptec Toast
window.
Overall, networking both my Apples at home has been a good
experience and is helping realize the full potential of both
computers.
