Xref: utzoo comp.periphs:1517 comp.sys.ibm.pc:24319
Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!cwjcc!ukma!xanth!rlb
From: rlb@xanth.cs.odu.edu (Robert Lee Bailey)
Newsgroups: comp.periphs,comp.sys.ibm.pc
Subject: Re: Sharing a printer among PC's
Message-ID: <7557@xanth.cs.odu.edu>
Date: 7 Feb 89 20:36:51 GMT
References: <320@frisbee.UUCP>
Reply-To: rlb@cs.odu.edu (Robert Lee Bailey)
Organization: Old Dominion University, Norfolk Va.
Lines: 45

In article <320@frisbee.UUCP> matt@frisbee.UUCP (Matt Taylor) writes:
>
>	We are looking for ways to share a laser printer among several (3-4) 
>IBM PC's via RS-232.  There are several hardware devices available to
>do this, and we are looking into them.  However, does anyone have any
>recommendations or experiences in solving this type or problem?
>
>The wish list is as follows:
>
>	1) Allow background printing.
>	2) Transfer files between PC's.
>	3) Possible email capability.
>	4) Share files (touching on some sort of LAN capability here).
>	5) Not cost a fortune.
>
>The ideal solution is probably something like LANtastic or Novell, but
>cost is a consideration.
>

Check out BOXNET.  This is a nice low cost alternative to a full blown LAN.
It uses a standard serial port for the network.  Features:

		File transfer
		File sharing (limited)
		Peripheral sharing
		Uses one serial port per PC
		Uses standard modular phone cable for interconnection (4-wire)
		Max cable length - 1000 ft. (1 mile with fiber optic cable)
		Includes necessary cable adapters & 25 ft of phone cable
		Cost - 89.95 per node ( 2 node minimum)

I installed BOXNET in my church's office to allow 2 PCs to share files &
hard disk storage.  Its been running now for about 6 months. No problems
have been encountered.  It tends to be a little slow if you run programs
off of another PC, but when accessing/transferring files it works ok. The
Transfer speed can be set as high as 115K baud.  At this speed, it is a
little faster than floppy access.

Contact BOX #1
	PO BOX 1
	Bath, NY 14810-0001
	(800) 541-2691

I have no connection with this firm other than being a satisfied customer.
They are very helpful and willing to answer questions via the tool-free no.