[NTLUG:Discuss] hardware upgrade

[greenglow484@juno.com]

On Wed, 31 May 2000 13:28:50 -0500 Steve Baker <sjbaker1 at airmail.net>
writes:
> Michael Sandfort wrote:
> > 
> > Hi,
> > 
> > I've got a brother who's going to law school next year and needs a 
> basic
> > computer for wp/email which dual boots win/linux.
> >  I have an old
> > 486DX4/100 from which I'd like to salvage as much hardware as 
> possible:
> > 
> > Seagate ST31200N 1.05G HD
> > Samsung VG32163A 2.16G HD
> > Sony    CDU55S   CD-ROM
> > MediaVision Pro-Audio 16 Sound Card
> > Cirrus CL-GD5402 Vid. Card
> 
> ...if this had (say) 32Mb RAM, then it would be fine for doing WP 
> and Email.
> 
> Note that Lawyers are just about the only professional group who 
> have
> standardized on WordPerfect instead of M$ Word - so you'll 
> *CERTAINLY*
> want to be sure to get WordPerfect for Linux (the free version 
> should
> be OK).
> 
> Most college campuses have ethernet access for students - you need 
> to
> check whether you need a modem - or a network adaptor - and if so, 
> what
> kind.
> 
> > Having read through Chris Browne's page on inexpensive linux boxes 
> and the
> > links there (Red Hill, etc.), 

	<snip>

Michael --

(1.)  After Steve Baker's excellent reply, and if you've been on Chris
Browne's info., it is highly unlikely that I can add much to the fine job
those folks have done.

(2.)  You didn't say which law school; I note you're over at SMU, and I'm
an SMU Law alum; I'm pretty familiar with the school today.  The
Underwood Law Library has a wireless ethernet system which I get the
impression lots of students are using; I think it might be free/ low-cost
to the students.  So, as Steve said, it's something to examine.  Beyond
raising the issue, I just can't help you on hardware; I'm not
knowledgeable re hardware.

(3.)  Yes, Steve, lots of attys do use WordPerfect; but Micro$oft Word is
spreading its monopolistic tentacles into lawfirms also.  Don't overlook
Star Ofc. for your bro; An excellent and free-cost/ inexpensive office
suite, for which, almost daily, I gain greater admiration -- mainly for
its great flexibility/ adaptability with other program file formats. 
(And AbiWord, ApplixWare, and Koffice [ will it *ever* get here? ] would
be add'l fine programs), and most all will open M$ docs. with better, or
sometimes lesser, success.  HTH
--
   Douglas D. Darnold	Principal/ Attorney
  LAW OFFICES OF DOUGLAS D. DARNOLD <greenglow484 at juno.com>
  P. O. Box 12461	Dallas  Texas 75225-0461	Voice: 214-368-0068
________________________________________________________________
YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET!
Juno now offers FREE Internet Access!
Try it today - there's no risk!  For your FREE software, visit:
http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.