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Service Hints & Tips

Document ID: PMYS-3W6R5L

Aptiva - Networking Support Index

Applicable to: World-Wide

This document is designed to provide information regarding networking options available with your IBM Aptiva computer. From general networking information to detailed installation tips, this index will help you maximize the benefits of these growing technologies.

As we continue working to bring you the very latest in technologies, this page will be updated to provide the most current information available. Please refer back to this page often to keep up to date with our progress.

What's on this page?
I. General Networking Information
II. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
III. Hints & Tips
IV. Where to get additional help
V. The future of networking

I. General Networking Information:
- For general information on networking, please visit IBM's Networking website at: http://www.networking.ibm.com .

II. Frequently Asked Questions:
What can networking do for me?
- Share the same printer with multiple computers.
- Allows "Network Capable" games to be played by multiple players in the household.
- Share files between all networked computers.

Does my Aptiva support networking?
- Currently IBM has completed testing on, and support limited networking on the following Aptiva models only:
1. Machine Type 2139 (all models): Limited network support in accordance with the Aptiva Networking Support Statement. Click Here to view this statement.

2. Machine Type 2153 (all models): Limited network support in accordance with the Aptiva Networking Support Statement. Click Here to view this statement.

3. All other IBM Aptiva machine types: No support of networking at this time.

Which network cards can I use on my Aptiva?
- IBM 10/100 BaseT PCI EtherJet Adapter (model # 08L2549)
- NDC 'SOHOware' Network Kit (model # SKE782B): Two PCI 10/100 Ethernet adapters w/5-port 10 Mbps hub.
- NDC 'SOHOware' Network Kit (model # SKF812A): Two PCI 10/100 Ethernet adapters w/5-port 100Mbps hub.
- 3COM EtherLink XL 10 Mbps PCI Adapter (model # 3C900B-TPO)
- 3COMFast EtherLink XL 10/100 PCI Adapter (model # 3C905B-TX-NM)

What software do I need?
- Currently each of these solutions include all necessary drivers and diagnostics, in addition the preloaded Windows98 operating system includes many features to take advantage of networking. See the Microsoft Windows98 website for more information at http://www.microsoft.com/windows98.

How do I install a network card in my Aptiva?
- Each of the supported network cards have been tested in accordance with the installation procedures for each. Any issues which may have been found are documented below in the "Hints & Tips" section.

Can I use more than one Network Interface Card (NIC) in my Aptiva?
- No, currently networking support on any Aptiva system is limited to ONE (1) NIC only.

What type of networks can I connect my Aptiva to?
- Support of networking on Aptiva's is limited to Windows 95/98 Peer to Peer environments. There are no plans to support other network environments or applications such as Novell, NT Server, etc.

Can I use my Aptiva and a network card when I go to college?
- YES. These Aptiva networking options provide the perfect solution for connection to most college campus networks. For details of connecting to and configuring the network settings for your school network, contact the campus network administrator.

Where can I get help with networking my Aptiva?
- There are a variety of electronic support options, as well as limited telephone support options available to assist you with questions or problems you may encounter.

III. Hints & Tips
Limitations of Aptiva systems on a network.
- IBM 10/100 BaseT PCI EtherJet Adapter: No known limitations at this time.
- NDC SOHOware Ethernet Kit(s): No known limitations at this time.
- 3COM EtherLink Adapter(s):**

** Certain limitations have been identified with the 3COM 3C905B EtherLink Adapter under Windows 98 using EtherDisk version 3.x. Detailed information and a downloadable patch is available from the 3COM support site http://support.3com.com/ or from the IBM eSupport site by clicking Here.

Glossary of networking terms: Coming Soon

Installation instructions for the NDC SOHOware Ethernet Kits are available by clicking Here.

IV. Where to get additional help
- IBM E-Support available on IBM products:
IBM Networking Support: http://www.networking.ibm.com/support
IBM Aptiva Support: http://www.pc.ibm.com/support?page=IBM%2BAptiva%257CAptiva

- 3COM support for all 3COM products listed here:
http://support.3com.com/

- NDC support for all "SOHOware" products listed here:
http://www.sohoware.com/service/service.htm

- Documentation and Driver resources
IBM Networking Support: http://www.networking.ibm.com/support
IBM EtherJet Drivers: http://www.networking.ibm.com/nes/neshome.html

- Register for Notification of Updates
IBM Networking Subscription: http://www.networking.ibm.com/support/register.nsf/fProp?ReadForm

- Other technical support options
Online Services:
America Online (Keyword: IBM)
Compuserve (Go: IBMAptiva)

The Future of Networking
What is ADSL and can I get it?
- Check your local phone company or Internet Service Provider
- Resources available on the internet:
The ADSL Forum: http://www.adsl.com/
The Alcatel ADSL website: http://www.alcatel.com/telecom/asd/keytech/adsl/adsl

- Will my Aptiva work with cable modems?
The Cable Modem News Source: http://cabledatacomnews.com/index.html
The Cable Modem University: http://www.catv.org/modem

NOTE: IBM does not warrant, and does not provide support for non-IBM products. Compatibility statements are valid as of 07/15/1998 and apply only to the model numbers listed. IBM makes no claims as to the accuracy of the information contained on non-IBM websites.

Search Keywords

Hint Category

Networking

Date Created

07-07-98

Last Updated

10-12-98

Revision Date

10-12-99

Brand

IBM Aptiva

Product Family

Aptiva

Machine Type

2139, 2153

Model

All

TypeModel

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