Ok, I'm back on the job. I'll look for these DMA settings as soon as I've had sufficient coffee.
FWIW, the reading I have done so far on networking is that as you once alluded to, using a crossover cable, which is the simplest technique and will work for two computers does create the security problem that for the two computers to network, they have to let each other in and this lets hackers in too. The best solution is a router, from what I can gather (I am far from clear on this as you can surmise and I am patiently waiting for an expert to appear and give us the complete story), especially since with broadband (well, with DSL at least) you get a fixed IP. This allows a hacker to set up an ftp server on your hard drive and give out your IP to his friends. The most common reason they do this is for downloading MP3 files (music). With a router, the router gets the fixed IP, then assigns network IPs to your computers. Presumably there is a firewall in the router that prevents intruders from passing by it. I know this is what a router does, I just don't have the details yet. Experts supposedly can take an old machine and set it up with Linux OS and use it as a server. I am itching to know how to do this! There are incredible deals out there for older generation computers. Our local Fry's (electronic discount store) has complete systems with older chips for just a few hundred bucks.
I plan on putting four computers on a network all accessing DSL (and ultimately satellite, once Directtv establishes data delivery) so that I can have a serious trading station without relying on multiple monitors and overtaxing individual boxes. I think this is the only solution to running multiple complex software packages which deal with the massive amounts of real time data that stock trading requires.
best,
Rick
ps. Today is the day I do the battery transfer so I'll be offline for awhile. If you don't hear back by tomorrow, send a rescue team! |
