network card/broadband connection

[Shep]

Hi all

Just trying to arrange broadband connection for my work PC, this runs windose 98, I understand that there is some issues using the USB ports with the standard modem that is supplied by BT or similar.

I can't find a copy of 98se anywhere, and my software for my engraving machines become unstable with windows 2000 or XP.

This leaves me with having to connect via a network card & router.

Questions are,

1. Is it easy to install a network card? I've added extra memory before but thats about all my experience inside the "magic box" .

2, is it a specialist job to configure my pc/the router etc as I understand the router comes with a firewall of its own? (whatever that is?)

Keep it simple please!!

Regards Shep

 

[Iain Hogg]

Fitting a network card should be even easier than adding memory! Win98 should be able to find the drivers OK, worst case is the need to insert the Win98 CD for a minute or two.

Modem/Router should be extremely easy to set up. I recently bought a wireless one from Netgear and all I had to do was enter my username and password ant it was all up and running!

Do it, you wont look back!

Iain

 

[unshift]

found this on google which you might find usefull

install network card

configuring the router and its firewall settings can become a complicated matter, depending on how paranoid you are with security, out of the box configurations are not very secure but if you let me know what make and model router you plannning on getting i can help further.

getting them all to talk is a simple matter and there are a number of sussed folk on the forum that will get you through the initial steps

- your biggest issue is running win98 it has no security and being connected via broadband is going to make it easy to get hacked.

personally if i was unable to upgrade my computer and wanted broadband i would move to linux - which if you are used to Win98 will be a bit of a learning curve

but happy to help you connect whatever you choose

 

[unshift]

oops just reread your post missed the bit about the engraving machines, i know you want to keep it simple but

quick question how did you install the software which became unstable in xp/ 2000 ? i am assuming it became unstable because it was written for a win98 / dos enviroment. win xp and 2000 allow tweaks to what is called the NTVDM subsystem which is the virtual dos subsystem on xp/2000 which allows 16bit (older applications) to run on it.

It may be worth your while to get someone to look into that

then again it depends how concerned you are with security

 

[Shep]

Hi Unshift

Thanks for your prompt reply, I hav'nt tried the engraving software on more modern windows myself, the manufacturer, when asked, recommended that windows 98 or 98se only be used.

Security, I guess, could become a greater issue than before, i've been using Norton 2000 (updated every 4-5 days) up untill now, however my ISP (businessserve) has offered there own anti-virus anti spyware service, which i'm led to believe with the routers firewall, when configured correctly, should be enough (i hope???) they are going to charge me £6.00 pcm for their security package, and unlimited access to t'internet for about £20.50p, is that alot?

There is not alot on my PC that is sensitve for anybody to access, its just if I get a virus/worm etc the downtime is expensive (i got a version of netsky on the pc a year back when I was running Macafee security)


Any other advice will be appreciated

Thanks Shep

 

[unshift]

I don't follow prices too closely but i think its fine assuming a 2meg connection for broadband - what does the £6 security package really give you ?

if it is a all inclusive package (spam, ant-virus etc) which includes maintaining and configuring your router/firewall with support when you need it, it will be worth it. If it is just Spam and antivirus then it will be nothing special.

 

[mikeh501]

The evil which is Windows 9x and network cards....

My only advice is that you buy a Intel network card or at least a brand which comes with decent device drivers.

 

[Shep]

Thanks all

Eventually got it sorted with an old Netgear network card and a Billion wireless router! Clever things these 'puters eh! Now where's all them video clips and photo's?

Regards Shep