Kathryn Bassett
kathryn at bassett.net
Fri Aug 29 23:31:44 CDT 2003
OK gang, it's time for a new computer for my husband. He's on either a 486 or 1st generation Pentium (Win98), can't remember which. I also can't remember if it's 64 or 128 ram, but whatever it is, I think something doesn't work. It takes about 15 minutes from turning it on, until his mail starts downloading. And then it takes about another 15 minute to download a like amount number of messages. I've got to do something before I leave for Salt Lake the beginning of Oct because we instant message every night when I'm gone. Now, if I was just going to get an ordinary system for him to use, I wouldn't need help. But, I had also planned in the near future to get a machine I could use as my own web server. So, the question is: what do I need minimum for him to use it like a "usual" computer, yet still be usuable like I want in the future? I'd *like* to get it with a hard drive fixed up with what I need (2003 Server???), but then pull that out and put in the existing C drive for now. That way I don't have to spend time now loading it and transfering etc. Instead, he can use it like he currently does, just with faster cpu and more ram, and I can do the loading after I get back. We have cable, but the hookup for my computer in living room. There isn't time to run anything right now, and I was planning on using something like I have available at Gwen's (work). She has a D-Link DWL-1000AP (http://reviews.zdnet.co.uk/review/19/1/61.html) and a LinkSys 11 MBPS that looks something like this http://www.linksys.com/Products/product.asp?grid=34&scid=29&prid=20 and we've been happy with them. Now, my understanding is that using this type of stuff, I can also make a wireless connection to the new computer, is that correct? Or do I still have to do that through wires? In any case, does my computer have to be in the loop for the combo to work to give Dave cable access in the other room? Remember, my computer will be gone as I'll have it in Salt Lake. So the network cable that usually plugs in to my computer will just be laying there with no connection. I guess that's enough for now, and remember talk grade school to me, not college. Drew, I'm especially trying to pick your brain, since you seem to be such an expert. And if you can give me part numbers etc from http://microcenter.com that would be a bonus as I have a credit card with them, and a zero balance. Oh, another thing, I'm happy with Win2kPro, so if you think I should stick with that, vs 2003 say so; or convince me I should go with 2003. Keep in mind that I will still need to run a couple simple dos programs that work on Win2k. Though when all is said and done, if I can dual boot in order to run the dos program, that's ok too. -- Kathryn Rhinehart Bassett (Pasadena CA) "Genealogy is my bag" "GH is my soap" kathryn at bassett.net http://bassett.net