matt@frisbee.UUCP (Matt Taylor) (01/31/89)
We are looking for ways to share a laser printer among several (3-4)
IBM PC's via RS-232. There are several hardware devices available to
do this, and we are looking into them. However, does anyone have any
recommendations or experiences in solving this type or problem?
The wish list is as follows:
1) Allow background printing.
2) Transfer files between PC's.
3) Possible email capability.
4) Share files (touching on some sort of LAN capability here).
5) Not cost a fortune.
The ideal solution is probably something like LANtastic or Novell, but
cost is a consideration.
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Matt Taylor @ Maximum Storage, Inc.
Colorado Springs, CO. 303-531-6888
{cbosgd,handel,hao,hplabs}!hp-lsd!frisbee!mattrlb@xanth.cs.odu.edu (Robert Lee Bailey) (02/08/89)
In article <320@frisbee.UUCP> matt@frisbee.UUCP (Matt Taylor) writes: > > We are looking for ways to share a laser printer among several (3-4) >IBM PC's via RS-232. There are several hardware devices available to >do this, and we are looking into them. However, does anyone have any >recommendations or experiences in solving this type or problem? > >The wish list is as follows: > > 1) Allow background printing. > 2) Transfer files between PC's. > 3) Possible email capability. > 4) Share files (touching on some sort of LAN capability here). > 5) Not cost a fortune. > >The ideal solution is probably something like LANtastic or Novell, but >cost is a consideration. > Check out BOXNET. This is a nice low cost alternative to a full blown LAN. It uses a standard serial port for the network. Features: File transfer File sharing (limited) Peripheral sharing Uses one serial port per PC Uses standard modular phone cable for interconnection (4-wire) Max cable length - 1000 ft. (1 mile with fiber optic cable) Includes necessary cable adapters & 25 ft of phone cable Cost - 89.95 per node ( 2 node minimum) I installed BOXNET in my church's office to allow 2 PCs to share files & hard disk storage. Its been running now for about 6 months. No problems have been encountered. It tends to be a little slow if you run programs off of another PC, but when accessing/transferring files it works ok. The Transfer speed can be set as high as 115K baud. At this speed, it is a little faster than floppy access. Contact BOX #1 PO BOX 1 Bath, NY 14810-0001 (800) 541-2691 I have no connection with this firm other than being a satisfied customer. They are very helpful and willing to answer questions via the tool-free no.