BL=>   If I'm going to have 5 seperate computers (all PC) in various
BL=>parts of the house; no more than a MAX of 100' apart, with a total
BL=>network distance of less than 500', then 10base-2 (BNC) should be
BL=>more than sufficient, and as I understand it - all I will need will
BL=>be a network card for each computer (maybe a parallelBNC unit for
BL=>the laptop), a BNC "T" connector for the back of each card, and a
BL=>50 ohm terminator for each end of the run (2 terminators), and of
BL=>course the cable to connect the cards :)
Yes, but no chance of ever running 100baseT or an equivalent as they are
standardizing on twisted pair cabling, coax is dead.
BL=>   And since I didn't see ANY 10base-2 "HUBS" advertised in the cats
BL=>I have, am I correct that I will NOT need a 'hub', but will simply
BL=>connect each computer to the next (in parallel) with the RG-Cable ?
BL=>(if there IS a long run later, I presume that a repeater can be
used)
Yes, a repeater can be used, but good luck finding one, probably will
find one used as everyone is tossing this stuff out.
BL=>   Also from what I've understood, all I need to do (basically) is
BL=>to assign one computer as "server" and the rest as clients, each
BL=>with a different 'user/host' name, correct ?
Or each pc can be both.
BL=>On the OTHER hand, if I were to use 10base-T (RJ45) then I would be
BL=>limited to only *2* machines, due to the fact that the RJ45 can not
BL=>be connected in parallel (like the 2 conductor RG58), and for more
BL=>that *2* machines - I would HAVE to run each one to a "HUB" (like the
BL=>spokes on a wheel) which handles the addressing and routing from/to
BL=>each machine (user).
A hub is cheap, low as $50 new, or better if found used.
BL=>And finally, is there going to be a device to allow me to attach my
BL=>centronics inkjet printer to this LAN with a unique username/number ?
BL=>Or should I just attach it to the main server parallel port and
BL=>send everything I want printed to the LPT1 port of that machine ??
Sure, inkjet or whatever, a remote print server, approx $200 to $500
depending on ports available can solve this.
I do get the impression you don't want to spend anything, so....
connecting the printer to any pc on your "net" will suffice.
Please, dont waste your time with coax cable.
Hardware is temporary, cabling is forever.
Time_Wounds_All_Heels______Mark Wright______Kirkland WA__USA
 * OLX 2.1 TD * Gays in the military bring new meaning to "Rear Admiral"
--- GEcho 1.11+
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