Intel PRO/100 appendix Manual Installation, Dcompvlm Path

Models: PRO/100

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Windows 3.x/MS-DOS Installation 4-19

2Reboot the PC.

3Install IBM PC LAN or IBM DOS LAN Requester according to the instructions in the IBM documentation.

4Reboot the PC.

Manual Installation

All network drivers provided on Intel Disk 2, Network Drivers Disk can be installed manually, without the Intel Installation Program. You must copy the correct driver files to your hard disk and make appropriate changes to CONFIG.SYS, AUTOEXEC.BAT, and configuration files such as NET.CFG (for ODI) or PROTOCOL.INI (for NDIS). Manual installation should only be performed by a system administrator or someone with equivalent knowledge of the installation process for your network operating system.

Note

For manual installation of Novell NetWare with VLM (available only under MS-DOS or Windows 3.x) you must first decompress the VLM files by running the MS-DOS batch file DCOMPVLM.BAT from the Network Drivers Disk, as follows:

DCOMPVLM [PATH]

where [path] is the directory for NetWare files (usually C:\NWCLIENT). DCOMPVLM will decompress and copy all required files to the designated directory.

For an overview of the installation process, see the instructions provided for your network operating system in the alphabetical section of this chapter. Consult the section Windows 3.x Network Driver Parameters later in this chapter for detailed information on configuration files and settings. For additional information, consult your network operating system documentation.

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Intel PRO/100 appendix Manual Installation, Dcompvlm Path

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.