networking A2000 to PC

[AmigaPixel]

Hi,

 What is a good network card for an A2000 and how easy is it to network to Windows XP? I currently have OS 2.1 but plan on upgrading to 3.9. Does OS 3.9 have utilities for better networking?

thanks

[darksun9210]

the x-surf is pretty much the only one available these days, and will run ethernet at 10mb/s which is fine for most amiga networky kinda stuff.

OS2.x should be pretty much fine for most network applications on the amiga side, but 3.x is the environment i've had most expirience so can't really comment on anything else, just most software seems 2.x/3.x compatable.

3.9 has a ...erm... "free" (dubious license) version of Genesis which is a very easy to install, configure and setup TCP/IP stack which gets you connected to the network (compared to amitcp - on which it is based). it will work with 3.0/3.1 but you need to download the version for those OS versions, and just use the keyfile off the 3.9 CD.
plus 3.9 has a basic web browser, and email program, to get you going.

if you want to mount "network shares" off your windows machine, you can use SMBFS off of aminet.net, or go the whole hog and install samba on your amiga to mount and share out windows compatable network shares from your amiga, and use a web browser to administer those amiga shares from any machine on the network.

[pVC]

SMBFS needs kickstart 3.x then.

[DoogUK]

pVC wrote:
SMBFS needs kickstart 3.x then.

And a ton of patience to set it up!

[Jiffy]

pVC wrote:
SMBFS needs kickstart 3.x then.

As TS plans to use OS3.9, that will not be a problem as he was will also need KS 3.1 for that.

[pVC]

DoogUK wrote:

pVC wrote:
SMBFS needs kickstart 3.x then.

And a ton of patience to set it up!

But once you've got it right, it's very easy next time

[DoogUK]

I tried and failed, then failed again...then gave up!  :roll:

[AmigaPixel]

Thanks, great info! Does X-Surf include the network card? It sounds like there maybe some limitations with this as opposed to SAMBA. I just want to be able to move files back and forth. :-)

[AmigaPixel]

O.k., I looked the X-surf up, so that answers my question on the hardware part. ;-)

[rkauer]

 Or if you are feeling brave, grab an ancient PC bridgeboard and an ISA NIC.

 Major pain in the back to setup (software-wise), but you will have a working network for a fraction of the price of a X-Surf (or a Deneb with a USB-to-Ethernet bridge).

 OK, a X-Surf or a Deneb will add more functionalities to your Amiga...

[pVC]

I wouldn't go with ISA option. AFAIK it will be slow and problematic at best

With same effort to find bridgeboard, you probably can find old Zorro networkcard for Amiga. There's lots of different models from the past and they all should work with A2000. They should be pretty cheap nowadays as they don't work as fast as PCI solutions and doesn't offer all the luxury X-surf does. So, I guess they aren't that wanted anymore. Some models don't have RJ-45 connector, but transceivers for AUI connector -> RJ-45 can be find from recycling centers for free. But there are cards containing RJ-45 connector(s) too.

[AmigaPixel]

I was wondering about USB after I saw a Deneb for sale on Ebay. :-)

[AmigaPixel]

... Some models don't have RJ-45 connector, but transceivers for AUI connector -> RJ-45 can be find from recycling centers for free. But there are cards containing RJ-45 connector(s) too.

That is good to know about the  AUI to RJ-45 adapters. I'll probably get an older card hopefully with the RJ-45.

[Fingers]

AmigaPixel wrote:

... Some models don't have RJ-45 connector, but transceivers for AUI connector -> RJ-45 can be find from recycling centers for free. But there are cards containing RJ-45 connector(s) too.

That is good to know about the  AUI to RJ-45 adapters. I'll probably get an older card hopefully with the RJ-45.

I picked up a Hydra AmigaNet card for my A2000...early revision so no RJ45, used an AUI-to-RJ45 "transceiver" for about $3.50 on eVilBay & the hardware combo works pretty well. Much cheaper than an X-Surf too! :-D

PZ.

[EMC_Errol]

Hi,

Just a thought... have you thought about the Siamese system? Just so happens that I have one for sale.

If you are interested take a Look here

Best regards


Errol