10 Oct
2007
10 Oct
'07
10:57 a.m.
I've found (in the slowly shrinking pile I'm
trying to distribute) an
IBM PC Network Adapter identified by what I believe is the part
number 6450213
We used them in my job during seven years, from 1986 to 1993, in conjunction
with FBSS. This software permit to manage financial machines like passbook
printers (4720 for example), and you can organize a limited LAN, sharing one
disk in the "server" of the network. This server connect at same time with
an IBM or SNA Host using one LU0 (perhaps the most simple and useful
communication method developed by IBM) to one CICS (for example).
One of our networks more usual was compound by one Server (IBM PC-XT with 20
Mb HD, or IBM PC-AT with 30 Mb Hd, with 512 to 640 Kb) plus six Requesters
(IBM PC-XT with TWO diskette units and 384 to 640 Kb). All with monochrome
monitors. The electronic diary was stored in the terminal, included the
Server (it wasn't dedicated). The application used by the terminals was
developed in Microfocus Cobol and was of our own facture. And it survived to
this PC Network until 1999 under Token Ring with IBM PS/VP 486 :-). No
graphic environment at any moment... in fact the transition to Windows and
OS/2 was lightly complicated because all the system was very intuitive when
it was managed with the keyboard. In fact it was a development from the IBM
3600 previously used for us and some approachings of the 4700 plus the CICS
terminal, but all over PC.
Start the network completely took over TEN minutes. The most usual was to
leave started the terminals/PC's EVER DURING WEEKS. Fortunately someone send
one internal note speaking about the power comsumption. It was very
fortunate for our finances.
In the other side of the finance savings, the software was updated by
internal distribution in form of diskettes. All of them must be returned to
re-use them (some a couple of times/month during YEARS) in only one point of
recording. Our first antivirus was installed in... 1988 ? Not sure. It was
one from IBM, but in a short time we began to use another of one new builder
named McAfee :-)
I've got the original box (from 1985 looks like) and driver disks and
manuals. Doesn't look like this has ever been
used. 8 Bit card,
with a coax connector (it includes the coax cable). Not sure exactly
what kind
of network it would connect to... but I definitely have no need for it.
(it also has a diagnostics for IBM Personal Computer AT, Hardware
Reference Library Diagnostics, and
IBM PC XT compatibility test diskettes...)
I own this material plus a complete PC Network (boards, distributors,
etc...). I have it in my list of hobby tasks. By the way, this network works
with PC LAN Program 1.20... But I'm not sure about Lan Manager or early
Netware (as the 2.11 version).
But I'm almost sure that we have yet ALL THE PC NETWORK BOARDS IN OUR
BASEMENT (over 300) in a carton box.
Heh, heh, what times...
Greetings
Sergio