Have a 4-computer home network (all running Win 98 SE) which share a DSL dynamic IP address. The server has 2 NICs - one connected to the modem, the other to a hub with the other 3 machines. Using AnalogX Proxy and Zone Alarms on the server.
For the most part, the system seems to run fine. Downloads on the remote machines typically exceed 50 kbps. There are situations where the limited features of this freeware proxy prevent the networked machines from accessing things like RealAudio broadcasts, some ftp downloads, ICUII, and accessing some secure web sites.
Even though I am really cheap and don't like spending money on such things, hardware routers / switches have really come down on price, and I am wondering if there is a real benefit in making the jump.
For the most part, the system seems to run fine. Downloads on the remote machines typically exceed 50 kbps. There are situations where the limited features of this freeware proxy prevent the networked machines from accessing things like RealAudio broadcasts, some ftp downloads, ICUII, and accessing some secure web sites.
Even though I am really cheap and don't like spending money on such things, hardware routers / switches have really come down on price, and I am wondering if there is a real benefit in making the jump.
