Networking with an antique?

[struggle4progress]

Old Dell Dimension XPS T450, c. 1999. No ethernet port, no network card. Two USB ports, probably 1.x

Is there any easy way to use this clunker on a network? I'd prefer not to buy a network card, since I expect they're no longer manufactured for this model and hence only expensive refurbished pulls will be available

Looking for advice on how to connect the thing through the serial port or USB to my switch

[canetoad]

1. Pretty sure it's possible

using a null modem cable. I did it years ago but can't remember the details. A Google of null modem cable will turn up something.

[hunter]

2. Generic USB to Ethernet adapters are about $15

The one I've got works fine on an old Windows 98 laptop.

There's a TRENDnet at Tigerdirect.com for that price:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_slc.asp?CatId=589

Old network cards are essentially free in my part of the world.

These guys have boxes and boxes of them:

http://www.weirdstuff.com/cgi-bin/category/NET000

[struggle4progress]

3. Thanks for the links. Looks like the Trendnet might work out-of-box with Ubuntu.

And if I can find a PCI pull that's compatible with my set-up, that might be a good option, too

[comtec]

4. honestly get a PCMCIA card

i, personally, don't trust the USB -> network, but im very old fashioned LOL.

you might want to check out http://www.weirdstuff.com
they are the mother of all junk shops in San Jose.

if it's computer-related they have it.

[whistler162]

5. 3com 3C905CX card will do the job in that youngster.

Now my Epson laptop eith the V20 processor is a antique.