Silly Newbie (sort of) questions

[Ilwrath]

Well, what spec Amiga 2000 are we talking here?  Does it have some extras, or is it pretty much stock?  What amount of RAM?

You're right, in that you probably will want an ethernet card.  The only two solutions still in production are the X-Surf II, and the Algor/Norway (this solution costs more and is actually two boards, but also gives some USB support).  Both are available in the US through Anachronism Industries or Software Hut (and perhaps others).   To come in a bit cheaper, you might check eBay auctions for used network cards, as well.

Of course, you'll also need a TCP/IP stack or a newer version of AmigaDOS.  AmigaDOS prior to version 3.5 didn't have TCP/IP built-in...  And these expansions may open a pandora's box of other expansions you'll need, such as additional memory, an accelerator card, video card, etc...

What all are you hoping to do?

[Ilwrath]

I work on PC's all day and they've lost all of the "techie" fun about them with Plug and Play and Windows... so somethign that will let me mod the crap out of a piece of hardware would be great.

Ok, so I take it you're looking for a cheap and fun challenge?

As for specs: To be honest, I haven't fired it up yet, but from what I remember, I had updated the Kickstart chip as of around 1995 or so, as well as going to a newer version of AmigaDOS but as for the exact versions... can't quite remmber. I think Kickstart 1.2 is sticking in my head.. but I"m not totally sure.

I'm going to guess that's Kickstart 2.1?  (1.2 would have been the original kickstart, if you bought the machine in 1987/88, or so.)  

There's still quite a bit you can do with Kickstart 2.1... But it's a lot more of a challenge.  Lots of newer software requires Kickstart 3.1 ROMs, so you might want to consider picking up a set.  

But, there ARE TCP/IP stacks and FTP programs that'll run on 2.1  You'll just have to work a lot more to get them running.  If you're looking for a challenge, you'd have found it!    I remember going through quite a few choice four letter words getting my AmigaDOS 2.1 A500 on line back in 1991.  (Configuring dial-up on AmiTCP is a learning experience!)  

so 1MB of ram and standard video (to which I have no idea)

Ouch!  You definitly need RAM.  A cheap thing to pick up on eBay might be a processor upgrade with local FastRAM.  A card with a 68030 @ 25mhz with 4 or 8MB FastRAM on it should only go for about $50, and give you a HUGE performance and function boost.

I do have about 4 500 MB SCSI drives I was planning on tossing into it (first project after getting it online)

Personally, I'd probably do this first.  It should be an easy task, and it'll make getting the machine on-line later easier, as you won't be trying to build boot floppies, etc.

Do you have a SCSI controller for them?  If not, again, I recommend eBay.