Install LAN between computers with Win 3.11 and 95.

I have two computers with different operating systems. One has Win 3.11 on it and one has Win 95 on it. I try to install a LAN between them. What cheapest way can I do it? What parts and softwere do I needed and where can I buy them?

I'm working on the same project. There are several members who have advised me to buy a couple of network cards and a cable between them to hook them up that way. I'm told this can be relatively inexpensive (I've never checked into the price of network cards) and the data transfer rate is quite fast.

I went a different route with my computers. I bought a parallel port null modem cable and now I'm trying to find software, such as an old version of PCAnywhere, provided it will work with a Win95 version on the other end of the cable.

Hope this helps you.

[This message has been edited by Reg Patton (edited 07-02-99).]

You can acuire a Network kit from most computer stores for anywhere from $70 -$130. I believe this to be your most cost effective and easier route. These kits usually come with a 4 or 5 port hub, 2 network cards,the cable, and fairly good setup instructions. This would be they way to go ... you can always acquire/add network cards to additional machines to fill up the hub later if you want. Going this route will provide a very good transfer rate between your machines, especially compared to the relatively slow connections using parallel/serial connections. It's also easier to set up than direct cable connections.

Other points to consider...you need/should use Windows for Workgroups (not Windows) for the one machine. Another route would be to get network cards which have BNC (thin ethernet/coax) connectors, then you can run the BNC cable to all your machines - just make sure that each end of the cable at the furthest most parts are terminated.

I'm work on the same project, as well. My problem is that I can't figure out how to make Windows 3.11 communicate with the network. It's a TCP/IP network. Is there a program out there that will add the functionality needed to make it work on my primarily 95/98 network?

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Sincerely,
Michael Glenn Wendt
<[email protected]>

I have a windows 3.x and a windows 98 with a tcp/ip network. I can share my printer, copy files from win 3.x to 98 and 98 to 3.x, sending instant messages to win3.x and 98 but are there some other freeware utilities you can use?