KISS - A software thing? Keep It Simple, Stupid! In software design, less IS more! (Sorry, wasn't trying to stump you or anyone else - even if I did have to look up aamof yesterday. <g>)
Is buying Disk Image online and downloading cheaper than CompUSA?
NT bootable: I was thinking about that, but was having problems with CDROM drive at the moment that thought crossed my cortex - tray wouldn't come out. Probably was related to the IDE cable problem. Currently resolving a few issues before proceeding to the NT install.
Starting @9pm yesterday, I installed video boards (just 2 so far: MM/W98 IS working), ensoniq sound card, $9 isa ethernet combo board, 2nd hard drive, thrashed thru some bios issues, did some partitioning and formating (the old fashioned way <g>), got Win98 up @3am after some nuisance sound card driver chasing the tail problems. Have since added new machine to LAN, screwed up this machine (p5-166) with Lan and later with dial-up networking as well. At the moment, I'm back on the net AND have all three on the LAN. Although, in general, I like the Linksys Network Starter Kit - I think its install procedures are shaky. Or it is MS Win95 looking (but not too hard) for various net components that really are not too hard to find once you commit to fly that low.
Want to do a quick CPU/Memory benchmark prior to executing the OC procedures. Probably do this prior to biting the NT bullitt.
Robbed myself of a valuable serial port by not specifying the at-connector for the touchpad. (My BMI Satellite receiver goes in via Serial port - and so does the external modem.) They do make an AT-6din connector version of that keyboard but I ended up with the serial port version: failure to do the extra level of research on my part. I think I can do more with this touchpad if I install the Acer driver ... but I may try to custom wire a serial to 6din conversion if I can locate the pin maps.
Other alternatives out of this small hole:
a) exchange the KB for the AT6din setup KB (xport costs,restock fee), b) hook the external modem to parrellel port rather than serial (but will then have 2 printers only 1 avail P-port once p5-90 goes upstairs), [will an Hp1170Cse 2-way data flow work thru an A/B switch?]
c) use a PCI slot for an add-ports card,
d) find some way to use USB to bail me out - I ALMOST went for the USB modem. Oh well. Actually acting on plans in a sufficiently complex environment is ALWAYS sub-optimal - unless you compare it to spending too much time optimizing. <g>
So far, so good. But then I haven't chewed NT (or vica versa) yet. Onward.
Paul
P.S. Haven't yet figured out where to hang the external Zip yet. Those extra ports sounding better than swapping plugs alot. Hmmm. ABC Switch? I occasionally have had both printers churning but not often. Zip passthru is not a problem with the simple BJ-200 but the HP does the 2-way and doesn't tolerate much in the middle. |
