Q: I just built a new computer (with Win2k), but still have Windows 98 on my old for a few games. So instead of dual boot as I did, I wanted to set up a network and access my Win98 box from my new machine to play games without a keyboard, mouse switch, cables and monitor. First, its possible in a network or do I have a dual-boot or swithching mouse, keyboard and monitor to keep? And if it is, I have a DSL router / switch only the networks (I do not have broadband), until I later braodband? So, I do not have to buy a switch / hub and then through a broadband router like me.
Best Answer: If you don't have en Ethernet connection, that answer is no.
Re:The main game I am worried about is a football game from about eight years ago, I still use the play editor in it to design plays for a newwer version that runs on Win2k. So, I needed to share files to get the plays to Win2k. I may do both a kvm switch and a netwrok, just because I have been meaning to mess around with a network and get back to messing with linux. Which I haven't done for about 4-5 years.
P.S. it sure is nice going from a K62+ 450@550 with 256 ram and a Voodoo3 1000 16 MB to a XP1700+ with 1 gig and a Radeon 8500 128 MB. Now I might actually be able to play some reasonably modern games. <g>
Re:Originally posted by: guy
Actually, I'm wondering if you could use a program like TightVNC (http://www.tightvnc.com/) to access the Win98 box and actually run the game(s) thru a window? :confused:
Admittedly, the KVM route is the one I would take(and have) for games, but it might be fun to try the software route and see what's possible. And since TightVNC is FREE to try and asks only for donations(shareware), it's worth a shot.
I have tried to do a game through Terminal Services and WinVNC and I am going to assume that tightVNC is no better. It is tough to send the video stream through a network because of the data it requires. I think you can calculate it, something like resolution * color depth * refresh rate would tell you how much bandwidth you need.
I am not sure if any of the VNCs have some clever compression routine like mpeg4/divx which does not update non-changing bits. If so, then that would make more sense as to why you can use it easily for a desktop and not too complicated graphics but not for a game.
Re:Originally posted by: guy
Older games will probably work over VNC, newer ones will be unplayable.
Change to WinXP and trouble is over.
???
Remote desktop is good, but it's not that good 
What I meant change to WinXP, and then you can put the games on the New computer, and forget about the hoopla.
Re:Older games will probably work over VNC, newer ones will be unplayable.
Change to WinXP and trouble is over.
???
Remote desktop is good, but it's not that good
Re:Actually, I'm wondering if you could use a program like TightVNC (http://www.tightvnc.com/) to access the Win98 box and actually run the game(s) thru a window? :confused:
Admittedly, the KVM route is the one I would take(and have) for games, but it might be fun to try the software route and see what's possible. And since TightVNC is FREE to try and asks only for donations(shareware), it's worth a shot.
I use TightVNC to monitor my many home rigs that I have running for our TeAm's D2OL project (http://d2ol.sengent.com/memberServices/teamProfile.jsp?id=16). 
Re:In addition, playing fairly recent games across a network connection is hardly possible at the resolution required. You would most likely experience severe lag as it tried to send the screen data across the network unless we're talking about games like solitaire that are low action + resolution.
Re:Change to WinXP and trouble is over.
Re:Originally posted by: guy
Thanks for the replies. I figured I'd have to go with a KVM switch. Thought maybe with a program like PCAnyhwhere if I had a network I could just access the win98 box without having to pay $40 for a KVM switch since I wanted a network anyway.
You'll pay more for PC Anywhere.
Re:Thanks for the replies. I figured I'd have to go with a KVM switch. Thought maybe with a program like PCAnyhwhere if I had a network I could just access the win98 box without having to pay $40 for a KVM switch since I wanted a network anyway.
Re:So instead of dual booting like I have been doing, I wanted to set up a network and access my Win98 box from my new machine to play games without having to switch keyboard, mouse, and monitor cables
Maybe I misunderstand your post, but you can't simply run the games from your Win2K machine even though they physically reside on your Win98 box. They need to actually run on the Win98 box. And you will need a KVM switch as previously indicated to share the Keyboard, Mouse and Monitor between the two machines.
Re:You wont be able to play games on your 98 box if u have no mouse, moitor or keyboard on it. Just because it is networked, doesnt mean you wil be able to do that. What u really need is a KVM switch that will allow u to share the keyboard video and mouse between 2 computers with the push of a button.
Amazon has a nice Linksys one (check hotdeals) that has everything u need for $35 or so. I use a bunch of the 2 home,4 at work, they are perfect for what u want to do.
Re:Most 4 port routers also serve as a switch. As long as you pick up a router/switch, you will be able to set up the network with no broadband.
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