basic queries

Steve Hyman(steveh[at]practech.com)
Thu, 2 Jul 1998 10:04:27 -0400

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I'm another newbie to the list, also via Tidbits. I love Macs, but
increasingly need to test Win95/98 programs and run PC-only CD-ROMs, and
want to use services (such as Internet banking) which use only PC-based
software. I had hoped Rhapsody might have solved cross-platform
problems, but now I am secretly hoping Bill G will just acquire the Mac
OS and make it mandatory on PCs.
Meanwhile, it is difficult.
The options seem to be:
1. Use SoftPC or VirtualPC or similar software, with plenty of RAM and a
fast chip. (Would 8600/200 be OK? Would PC-only CD-ROMS run properly?
What about sound?)
2. Install a PC card and partition the hard disk, enabling a quick
switch between operating systems. (Are there any speedy cards that will
run Win95/98 programs and are good value compared to just buying a PC?)
3. Buy a PC and monitor and sound card and speakers - a whole new
system.

Options 1 and 2 are probably much slower. I understand the PC cards have
not kept pace with the speed increases in the PC world. I have yet to
test the software options.
The appeal of option 3 (apart from speed) is that there is a second
computer, if that is needed.
But my queries are:
1. How difficult, expensive and/or subject to ongoing problems is it to
link one (or two) Macs with one PC. Is this done by Ethernet? Do I need
a hub and or router? Can a fairly handy person set it up without too
much trouble? Is it cost effective for two to three machines?
2. Is it possible via this Ethernet (or other) link to use a modem (now
used from the Mac) via the PC *AND* the Mac, or must I obtain a much
more expensive "Network modem". For my purposes, it is NOT necessary to
have simultaneous PPP access to the ISP, but it would be great. It would
be nice NOT to have to plug and unplug or move the modem.
3. Is it possible to use this Mac-to-PC link to print from EITHER
computer to, say, an Apple Laserwriter NTR (yes, it is old) or one of
the new Epson color inkjet models? Would it be expensive to do that?
Would the Epson printer have to be designed for Mac or for PC or
wouldn't it matter? Would the Epson use RAM from either machine or both?
Would it be possible to have a Postscript capability on the Epson, for
use with both Mac and PC?
4. Would it be possible to sometimes use an Apple 20" monitor with the
PC?
It seems a pity to waste such a resource, as many PC packages contain
smaller and lower quality monitors. Is it hard to connect up? Can this
be done so that it would easy to switch monitors?
Well, that will do for starters. Please direct me to an FAQ or archive
if such queries have been dealt with many times.
If anyone in Melbourne, Australia knows a good source for advice and or
connections, please let me know. I have the feeling a lot of folk are
asking similar questions, though some users will face problems on a much
grander scale.
Thanks for the list.
Roger Mitchell
rnm@mira.net

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