jacobson@uxe.cso.uiuc.edu (12/06/89)
We are installing a ethernet backbone in our building in the near future. We have a large number of MS-DOS PC's and a few Mac's in our building. In our department we have mostly MS-DOS systems with dot matrix printers. My Mac SE (one of two mac's vs a dozen MS-DOS PC's in our dept) has a Laserwriter IINT. We may be getting another Mac in our secretaries office and would like to move the printer there and make it available to the MS-DOS systems through the ethernet. I don't know a lot about networks but I would like to find out some low cost solutions to this plan. Is there a way to allow our secretaries Mac to not only be her word-processor, but also a server allowing printing from both our Macs as well as well as our MS-DOS systems???? I am aware of the 3+ software/hardware from 3 COMM for example. It however looks like an expensive solution. From what I can read the 3 COMM solution involves a dedicated server to the printer, either an expensive one from 3 COMM or a dedicated MS-DOS system with software/hardware addons. My specific request is for information about all software/hardware solutions that would allow all our computers to share the laserwriter. I need to know the required hardware and software for any solutions that net readers are aware of. Also the cost for each of these solutions. These solutions need to be transparent to the Macs on the ethernet so that when we print we see no difference in response than what we currently see with localtalk now. Also in terms of 3 COMM's software--does it require their ethernet board or can the MAC or MS-DOS software they offer be used with other ethernet boards? We have considered getting their software if it can be used with boards we can afford to buy through lower cost University departmental purchases. And in particular can the software from 3 COMM that allows your own MS-DOS PC to be a server controlling devices (MACS also?????) can it be used with non 3 COMM hardware (ethernet boards, and such). So if any of you reading this can give me info on software/hardware that would allow sharing of our laserwriter with both Macs and PC's on the ethernet I would most appreciate hearing by email what you know. And in particular if you are familiar with 3 COMM's software and how it works your input would also be most appreciated. Thanks in advance Russ Jacobson Illinois Geological Survey Champaign, IL 61820 217-244-2425