Recommended Installation Steps

Windows 95 Installation 2-3

•Windows 95 troubleshooting information is provided in this chapter following the installation sections.

Insertion, Detection, and Prompt for Disk

1With the computer powered-up and Windows 95 running, insert the PRO/100 PC Card into the PC Card slot in the computer. Windows 95 will detect the insertion of the adapter. (If it does not, see item 3 of the Troubleshooting Checklist: Be sure that PCMCIA support is enabled ... later in this chapter.)

2At the New Hardware Found screen specifying Intel EtherExpress PRO/100 LAN+Modem PC Card, select Driver from disk provided by hardware manufacturer and click OK.

3At the Install From Disk screen, insert Intel Disk 1, Installation Disk and verify the specified path (for example: A:\). Click OK.

4Intel files will be copied from the Intel disk and Windows 95 will recognize the modem and network functionality of the Intel adapter.

Windows 95 Network Installation

In most cases Windows 95 network files will need to be installed, using CAB files from diskette or CD-ROM. If another PC Card modem or network adapter was installed previously on your system, some of these files may already be present.

5If prompted for Windows 95 networking files, click OK at the Insert Disk screen.

6At the Copying Files screen, specify the path to Windows 95 installation files (usually c:\windows\options\cabs) and click OK.

7At the System Settings Change screen, remove the Intel disk from the disk drive and click Yes. If Windows 95 networking was installed, the computer will restart.

Country Identifier Utility

8After the computer restarts and Windows 95 reloads, the country identifier utility will be launched automatically. At the country identifier utility screen, make the appropriate selection and complete

PRO/100 specifications

The Intel PRO/100 network adapter series, introduced in the mid-1990s, revolutionized networking by providing robust performance and reliability for both desktop and server environments. These adapters were pivotal in enabling fast Ethernet connectivity, helping to establish standards that would be instrumental in the advancement of network technology.

One of the primary features of the Intel PRO/100 series is its support for 10/100 Mbps Ethernet speeds. This dual-speed capability allowed organizations to transition seamlessly from older 10 Mbps networks to faster 100 Mbps connections without the need for a complete hardware overhaul. This adaptability made the PRO/100 cards a flexible choice for various network architectures.

Another significant characteristic of the Intel PRO/100 is its use of advanced bus mastering technology. This feature enhances data throughput by allowing the network adapter to take control of the system's bus when transmitting data. By doing so, it minimizes CPU overhead, which results in better overall system performance and efficient network communication. This was particularly beneficial in environments where network traffic was heavy, allowing the processors to handle other tasks without being bogged down.

The Intel PRO/100 series was also incorporated with Intel’s Plug and Play technology. This innovation simplified the installation process, automatically detecting the hardware and configuring it to work with existing system resources. As a result, system administrators could save time and reduce errors during setup, making it an attractive option for businesses looking to streamline their IT operations.

In terms of compatibility, the PRO/100 adapters supported a variety of network operating systems, including Windows NT, Linux, and Novell NetWare, providing users with a versatile solution for integrating into existing infrastructures. Furthermore, the cards were designed with high-quality, durable components to ensure longevity and reliability even in demanding environments.

Intel also emphasized the importance of network security and management with these adapters. The PRO/100 series featured capabilities for diagnostics and performance monitoring, allowing administrators to quickly identify and resolve network issues. Advanced features like Wake-on-LAN (WoL) provided additional functionality, enabling remote management and maintenance.

In conclusion, the Intel PRO/100 network adapter series represented a significant leap in networking technology during its time. With features such as dual-speed functionality, bus mastering, Plug and Play installation, and extensive compatibility, it laid the foundation for future innovations in network communication, solidifying Intel's reputation as a leader in networking solutions. Whether for small businesses or large enterprises, the PRO/100 series offered the reliability and performance critical to maintaining efficient and effective network operations.