Netgear Kit SB104!!
Written: Jan 16 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Price
Cons: Documentation, tech support
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| rpllingrock's Full Review: NetGear SB104 Network Starter Kit Networking Hub |
First off the kit is easy to install, if you don't have a problem opening your computers. Includes 4 port hub. The fourth port can be an uplink to another hub or cable/ADSL modem.
Installation
Consists of installing the PCI cards in each computer, routing the cable and installing the drivers. If you are lucky (i was) then Windows 95/98 will recognize the card on boot up.
Software
Don't look for fancy software or documentation. In fact on the box it says you can share printers and internet access but offer no help in the box or online.
Internet/Printer Sharing
Sharing printers is fairly easy to set up using the Windows help file.You'll need a third party software program for internet sharing such as Wingate or Sygate which I use.
Tech Support
I had a problem with slow performance from one of my machines and tech support tried to solve it but were of no help. I found them too technical and not too friendly. I guess when you deal with mostly computer oriented people on a day to day basis then getting a home networking freak who has not a clue on networking it can try ones patience. After several setting changes I had it working at 100%.
Performance
Well if you're looking to network your home computers for a small price, then this is the way to go. If you have a cable modem or ADSL you may want to look elsewhere or purchase a network switch since the hub only supports 10 M Bits per second or 100,000 bytes. To get the 100MB transfer rate you'll need the switch.
Overall
My three computers are networked and working fairly good. On occasion one will slow the others down for whatever reason but I feel this is due to an unknown setting on my oldest computer.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 49
Driver Availability: Windows only
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