OK, let's see. The 5400 is working pretty well for the kids' games. Haven't gotten it up on the network. I've got a PCI NE2000-type card that I might be able to find drivers for, or maybe I can cut loose a Realtek.
My older daughter asked about whether they could use it for Internet, and I said no, and she asked why, and I said because the network card doesn't work, and I got a blank look. I scowled and noted that all my prior attempts to interest her in the workings of computers have been met with unalleviated disinterest, so it's no surprise she doesn't understand the reason I gave. I ended up explaining, in general terms, how computer networks worked. Anyway, I do have one problem. The built-in CDROM drive works fine with most of the discs, even the ones I burned two years ago at 8x on dodgy CD blanks, but it's VERY sensitive to fingerprints and scratches. If the CD isn't nearly pristine, the drive takes forever to read them. That alone isn't a problem (I've been making clean copies). The problem is my 7yo is learning-disabled. So far I've been unable to get her to understand that she simply must not touch the data surface of the discs. So I end up cleaning off fingerprints daily, and what's worse is that unless I simply power-cycle the Apple uncleanly, it can take forever to get it to give up the disc. Yes, I've cleaned the drive optics. Is this the drive being picky, or the OS? I've had less trouble with the PC drives, but I don't know if it's inherent or if Windows drivers are more forgiving. Other than installing an external SCSI drive -- which I'm not unwilling to do, but I'd rather keep things in the box if I can -- does anybody have any ideas? One other thing. I've downloaded (or been sent) several Mac programs. Due to the fact that my PC is connected and my Mac isn't, naturally all have been run through my PC to a floppy. I can transfer the files, but when I get them onto the Mac, it claims that they're PC files and looks baffled when I ask it to run them. What magic spell do I need to get the Mac to recognize them as its own? Prestidigitation? Pray to the gods? Sacrifice a virgin? Thanks. ----- Jeffrey J. Nonken http://jnork.nonken.net/ -- PCI-PowerMacs is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... Small Dog Electronics http://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- Sonnet & PowerLogix Upgrades - start at $169 | & CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> PCI-PowerMacs list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/pci-powermacs.shtml> --> AOL users, remove "mailto:"; Send list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive:<http://www.mail-archive.com/pci-powermacs%40mail.maclaunch.com/> Using a Mac? Free email & more at Applelinks! http://www.applelinks.com
