The IBM-PC network: a review of the network and associated programs

The application of computers to the solution of biomedical problems has begun to reach a level of maturity wherein any laboratory which does not have direct access to a computer for the collection and processing of data will be at a serious disadvantage. Even though personal microcomputers are a relatively recent addition to the biomedical laboratory, investigators are beginning to appreciate the advantages to be gained by the facile sharing of programs, data and devices. To facilitate this process, there are a variety of mechanisms which are appropriate depending on the relationship between the groups as well as the compatibility of the equipment. Some groups have chosen to share information by the simple procedure of swapping diskettes while others have chosen more elaborate schemes such as host-dependent network in which a minior mainframe computer manages the interaction. Although the latter option is readily available as a solution, the cost of, and the dependence on, the host are definite factors to be considered. In this article, I will assume that the interconnection of personal computer workstations is advantageous and I will describe and evaluate the networking system which we have implemented.