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Date: June 22, 2001 12:58 PM
Subject: Re: Windows XP and old thingys

> I've spent forever getting my old Ditto Max Pro
> tape drive (Iomega) to be nice to the other
> devices on the sacred LPT 1, which no one wants
> to share. What will be the fate of this, and
> other devices no longer under warrenty when XP
> comes out in fall? I would like to get a new
> computer at that time, but I'm really worried
> about my peripherals. In addition to my scanner,
> three printers and a digital camera, I have an
> external ZIP drive (100) Will this stuff work on
> the new operating system?

Hi Charlotte!

Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to your question. I'm pretty positive Microsoft will continue to support the parallel port in Windows XP, however, the more difficult question is, "Will the manufacturers of my peripherals support Windows XP?"

Users of the Apple Macintosh faced a similar dilemma after Apple discontinued producing the actual hardware Serial Port. All of a sudden, Apple users who purchased a new iMac found themselves not able to use any of the legacy peripherals they had purchased. Other companies eventually discovered this out, and provided USB-to-serial interface boxes for sale. These boxes work most of the time, but as always, some experience problems with them.

Fortunately for the PC users, most motherboard manufacturers today still incorporate an on-board parallel port to support these legacy devices. Some computer manufacturers are building what are known as "Legacy-Free" PCs, and these computers usually do away with connectors that most new equipment do not need to take advantage of, such as the serial and parallel ports. Most of the industry has already moved the direction of USB, and I think it's safe to assume that this trend will continue.

My recommendation to you would be to contact the manufacturers of the devices you own, and ask them if they intend on releasing drivers that function on Windows XP. I've found companies that are very good at supporting their legacy products, and others that drop support quickly for products over a year old. Embrace those companies that give a long useful life to your peripheral by supporting them. For those that don't, new peripherals may be the only option.

Brian Klier
Forum Pro
http://kliernetwork.net

(http://www.connectedhomemag.com/Forums/thread.cfm?CFApp=80&Message_ID=186414)

Date: June 22, 2001 01:02 PM
Subject: Re: broadband router recommendation

> Hey all,
>
> Currently I'm using an evaluation
> copy of Microsoft ISA Server, but when that runs
> out I'm probably going to want to switch to a
> hardware solution to connect my LAN to the
> Internet over DSL. I know the Linksys routers are
> the most popular, but they also were the first
> ones on the market. Has anyone looked at the SMC
> or other broadband routers and compared them to
> the Linksys? Any
> opinions?
>
> _--Will--_ http://www.inside-corner.
> com http://www.mp3.com/hypnoticsuggestion

Will,

How many users are you supporting on your LAN? Is this an "in-home" LAN, or a business LAN?

If it's an "in-home" LAN with a small amount of users, may I suggest trying Internet Connection Sharing, which is built into Windows 98SE, Windows ME, and Windows 2000? I am currently using an evaluation copy of Windows 2000 Advanced Server on my server, and I have Internet Connection Sharing setup to share the Cable connection. This piece of software uses an IP masquerade to make computers on your LAN appear as one computer to the remote network, as far as TCP/IP addressing is concerned...

And best of all? Internet Connection Sharing is a free solution. I have been very happy with it so far, with a total of 4 computers accessing the Internet. Can't beat the bang for the buck!

Brian Klier
Forum Pro
http://kliernetwork.net

(http://www.connectedhomemag.com/Forums/thread.cfm?CFApp=80&Message_ID=186415)