System Makes PC Networking Simple
Mention the phrase “local area network” and many personal computer users scramble for cover.
“LANS,” as they are called, can be a scary proposition. Using one PC is hard enough. Hook two or more together and you could be in for trouble.
Not so if you use LANtastic, an inexpensive and easy to use local area network from Artisoft of Tucson, Ariz., (602) 293-6363. I just installed LANtastic software and adapter boards in my two IBM compatible PCs and I’m now sending files back and forth.
It took me less than an hour to get it working, plus a few more hours to fine-tune it. The hardest part was removing and replacing the cases from the PCs. Because I am using 386 computers with DOS 5.0, the network software was able to load itself into “high memory,” leaving the bulk of the regular 640k working memory available to run other software.
Now I no longer have to dance the floppy shuffle to move files between my two machines.
I admit that my situation is unusual. Not too many people who work at home are likely to invest in their own “one person area network.” But it might make sense for any small business with two or more users. A network allows you to share resources. It’s cheaper to install a network than buy an extra laser printer or tape backup system.
Network users can even use each other’s hard disks to back up data. That’s because LANtastic is a “peer to peer” network. Any machine attached to the network can be used as a “server” so that its files, printers and other equipment are available to other users. There are ways to restrict access if necessary.
Peer-to-peer networks save money because, unlike traditional local area networks, it isn’t necessary to dedicate a computer to function as a central file server. Novell, the leading LAN vendor, has recently introduced its own peer-to-peer network called Novell Lite. Novell’s new network, like LANtastic, is aimed at small businesses. It has a suggested price of $99 per user plus the cost of hardware adapter boards.
The LANtastic network has a suggested retail price of $699 for a two-machine starter kit that consists of two Ethernet adapter boards, the software and 25 feet of cable. The software can be used for up to 300 machines. Additional Ethernet adapters cost $299 each.
Local area networks can be a boon for organizations and departments. To begin with, they give users the opportunity to share resources. Why purchase a laser printer for every user when one can serve the whole group? The same is true for a CD-ROM disc drive or a tape backup system.
Sharing resources saves money, but LANS have an even nobler role to play. They can help people communicate. LANtastic and most other LAN packages come with an electronic mail program that lets each user send messages to others on the network. There are also programs available that allow office workers to check each others’ schedules and send documents around the office. A LAN user in one office could prepare a spreadsheet and forward it to another user who could add additional data. The spreadsheet could be sent to a colleague who could integrate it into a report created with a word processing program. That document can be sent to another person for editing and then off to the graphics department for some embellishments. Finally, copies can be sent to all involved for their approval.
IBM-compatible PCs need network adapter cards. Macintosh users have it easier. All Macs come with built-in network connectors. Each Mac connected to an AppleTalk network can share the office laser printer. LANtastic does not sell devices to plug Macs into its network, but such products are available from other companies.
