djo7613@blake.acs.washington.edu (Dick O'Connor) (10/31/89)
I'm setting up a small test LAN for 5-8 AT-compatibles to share two printers, some files, and *maybe* perhaps do some application software execution over the net (using LAN-pack versions of stuff like Word Perfect, Harvard Graphics, etc.). The sharing is the critical use; the other (execution) uses may or may not even be important. This I guess we need to decide. I'm looking at lowend, simple to configure systems that will run over twisted pair Ethernet. What I'd like from opinionated (!) netters is reaction to the following comment from a systems consultant, whose opinions are respected by some pretty smart folks I know. I mentioned I was looking at TOPS/DOS, and her comment was: "Why TOPS? You'll be much happier with something like Novell ELS if you have no MACs to connect. You'll *kill* TOPS running a major application over the net, like Harvard Graphics!" Again, I'd like a few more opinions. I'm seeking locally, but the net is always a good source for more! :) If I get enough responses to summarize, I'll post in a week or two. Thanks as always.. "Moby" Dick O'Connor ** DISCLAIMER: It would Washington Department of Fisheries ** surprise me if the Olympia, Washington 98504 ** rest of the Department Internet Mail: djo7613@blake.u.washington.edu ** agreed with any of this!