>You can network the Mac's together very inexpensively and easily using System
>7's built in file sharing and purchasing a PhoneNet connector for each
>computer ($15 per computer). Things become a little more complicated if the
>Mac's are not in the same room and more expensive if you want to put the
>Apple ][e's on the network. Also the built in file sharing only allows 10
>simultaneous connections to the file server, which you are OK on for now, but
>in the future when you want to add more computers and users to the network
>you will need to invest in Apple Share, about $500-$1000, I believe,
>depending on which version you get. Any one of the Mac's you have or are
>going to have could be used as a file server. I would suggest using the
>LC580. The "file server" could even be used a workstation at the same time
>that it is performing file sharing duties. Although this is a little risky
>because 9 people could loose information if the person on the LC580 happens
>to lock it up. The Apple Guide built into system 7.5 will take you through,
>step-by-step, the process of setting up file sharing on the file server and
>how to access the file server from the other computer on the network.
** If you have the option of spending a little more money, you can network
your Macs through the Ethernet option. Ethernet cards are easily installed
into the Macs or they can be purchased with this option. File transfer over
the network will be a lot faster than with the built-in Localtalk option.
It depends on your needs.
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Alison Richards, Quality Assurance
arichards@tenthplanet.com
TENTH PLANET EXPLORATIONS
-"Creating powerful learning experiences through multimedia curriculum."
Half Moon Bay, CA (415) 726-5891, Fax (415) 726-5995
info@tenthplanet.com
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