News Archive - 1998

Here is an archive of our news items from 1998.

Jesse Berst, editorial director ZDNet's Anchordesk this week posted an article entitled "Smart Shopping Guides: Avoid Home Networking Horrors." Berst writes, "If you've been tempted to network your home this holiday season, beware. For most people home networking is not quite ready for prime time. Don't miss my guide to avoiding networking heartaches." As usual, this site (as with all ZD sites) has good information. But keep in mind that Berst is making a distinction between some of the new "beta" technologies, and the tried and true ethernet cable and hub systems. Either way, worth a read. There are also lots of good links to other networking information Check it out here. 12/14/98

ZD says people don't want second computer

You may have seen the headlines. A friend told me he saw it in the Wall Street Journal, but I haven't been able to track it down yet. According to my contact, the paper quoted a Ziff Davis study that most people with a computer don't see the need for a second or third computer. Obviously, that would mean no need for a home PC network. If someone can find the reference or the WSJ piece, please send me an e-mail. 12/06/98

Umax starts a networking division

Umax, a company largely known for scanners, other peripherals and a line of Mac clones know gone, sent us a note that they have created a network division to begin developing and offering networking products. The Umax Networking Communication Division will focus on "products for Departmental and Workgroup, Internet and SOHO customers." We're working now to get an evaluation of one of their first products, the UGate II, a 4-port internet sharing hub that allows PC, Mac and other computers on a network to share internet access without any special drivers or software. Stay tuned. 12/06/98

3Com introduces a new network interface card

3Com Corporation today introduced the OfficeConnect™ Fast Ethernet 10/100 network interface card (NIC), a new offering apparently targeted squarely at small business and home users. We haven't gotten our hands on one yet (we're still waiting for 3Com's response), but we're guessing it's a quality product from 3Com. However, it will need to have a few bells and whistles as the 3Com press release suggested it will have a street price of around $69, considerably higher than many of its competitors. One neat feature, according to the press release, is "easy-to-understand product documentation and the OfficeConnect Network Assistant CD-ROM, a tool that uses graphics and simple instructions to explain networking concepts and to guide users through network set-up and installation. The CD walks users step-by-step through the entire process of setting up a Windows 95 peer-to-peer network, including installing the NICs, setting up a hub and printer, and activating file, print, and e-mail sharing. For more experienced users, especially those planning to migrate to higher speeds or add more users, the CD provides troubleshooting tips and information on network expansion." Check out the press release here. 11/30/98

Check out the Intel Test Drive program

For anyone interested in advanced network equipment, check out the "Test Drive" program being offered by Intel. This is not your basic network hardware, but if you're looking for intelligent server adapters, etc, you can get some good deals. Check it out at http://www.intel.com/network/offers/testdrive_adapter.htm 11/30/98

Netgear has shipped new drivers with better NT 4.0 support

Netgear has released new drivers that apparently fix some problems with Service Pack 3 on Windows NT 4.0. Check out those and other driver updates here. 11/23/98

Asante ships new Mac drivers

Asanté announced today the release of Mac OS 8.5 compatible drivers for the company's popular 10Mbps and dual-speed 10/100 PCI Ethernet adapters for Apple Mac and compatible systems. The new drivers are now shipping with Asanté 10 and 10/100 Mbps PCI adapters, and can be downloaded from their site at www.asante.com.

Unlike few other companies, Asanté ships PCI networking adapters with drivers for both Windows/Win NT and Apple Mac operating systems to support customers working in mixed Mac and PC environments. 11/23/98

Intel to acquire Shiva

We haven't been able to find any evidence that Intel's planned acquisition of Shiva will have much impact for homePC networkers. If you ask us, the major affect, and the major reason Intel wanted Shiva, is to keep the impetus behind faster and faster CPUs. After all, slow networks would negate the speed of fast CPUs. Conversely, if you're moving data around faster and faster, you'll need a faster CPU to keep up and, surprise, Intel will make one to sell you. For more, check out the Shiva news release. 11/09/98

Good deal on server NICs

3Com has a good deal going on 10/100 server NICs. These provide a lot more functionality, of course, than regular NICs. 3Com promotional item is 2 Fast EtherLink 10/100 Server NICs for $139. Call 1-888-906-3Com ext. 130 for more information. 11/01/98

New book on networking

We recently read a review of the new book, "Using Networks" by Frank J. Derfler, Jr. from Que publishing. From what we read, it sounds like a perfect book for the home PC network enthusiast. It appears to be aimed at the beginner to intermediate networking professional, which is where I would put many of us that have networks at home. I found it at Amazon.com for $23.99. We may get a copy and provide our own review right here. Stay tuned. 11/01/98

"Consumer" network products key for 3Com

In case you wonder just how big "home networking" is, none other than 3Com says it is focused on "networking products for consumers and SOHO (small offices/home offices." The company sees it as one of two market segments that have emerged (the other is small and medium-size business). Check out a full interview with the 3Com CEO on PCWeek Online. 10/5/98 http://www.zdnet.com/pcweek/stories/news/0,4153,357220,00.html

3Com and Intel?

Shares of 3Com Corp. rose sharply this week on renewed whispers that Intel Corp. is potentially looking to bid for the company. 9/21/98

ZD Anchordesk features home networking

Anchordesk, the ZD online magazine, had a good collection of articles and tips on networking at home. Here's the link: http://www.zdnet.com/anchordesk/story/story_2519.html   9/11/98

3Com offers dual analog router

3Com has released a product that may be of interest to a few who have home PC networks and a few extra bucks. The OfficeConnect Remote Dual Analog Router combines two 56K modems and a four port Ethernet hub. You'll need an ISP who can handle the dual 56K connection to get full performance. I found the router on NECx for a cool $489 + shipping. Check out the details at www.3Com.com

Majors cut hub prices

Both Hewlett-Packard and Intel have cut prices on hubs. HP dropped Fast Ethernet (100Mbps) hubs to as low as $30 per port. Intel has prices as low as $54 per Fast Ethernet port. Check out www.hp.com or www.intel.com 9/7/98

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