I use two computers onto which I can attach the same SCSI chain of removable hard drives etc.. Whilst changing options around I noticed I had a computer OUT and a device IN connections which prompts me to ask whether you can have two computers in a SCSI chain. If so, what limitations apply? E.g., can one computer access the others hard disk like a network? [Sorry if this is a silly question].
It is not a silly question and in theory would be possible but probably only practical on high end servers.
The problem is not so much in the physical connections or the SCSI protocols (that do include mechanisms for locking a device for access by another computer whilst being used). The normal use for shared devices would be expensive tape back ups and big raid subsystems.
Best to connect your PCs with a couple of high speed network cards.
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marsh_dave@hotmail.com
Thanks Dave
I have a 450 Aptiva with 16Gb disk and an old Gateway 90MHz with 2 x 1Gb drives. We make a lot of Training materials eg CDs and it is useful to have them side by side and work on both.
I have had them connected by "Netbox 44" but it would seem simpler to use a SCSI connection if it works. From what you say there should not be any problem connecting and having a look see???
Many thanks for your help.
Helena
I really think you should stick to network cards, they are cheaper than they used to be, I don't know where you would get the software to connect the 2 machines.
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marsh_dave@hotmail.com
Helena
It is possible to use a common SCSI bus as Dave has said but I would also recommend you use two network cards as this is less likely to cause problems, and expert help on networking problems is a lot easier to find than expert help on SCSI problems.
Mark
Thanks both for your comments. Since I am sitting at both computers and don't need them to talk to each other I don't want to use net cards. What I was looking for was, for example, to work on Illuminatus or a video and load original Word text onto the small computer (from removable hard drive)or to do audio on one computer reading from text on the other - easier than multi-tasking.
However, since I cannot just make the connection and share the removable disks without difficult-to-obtain/service software it is a pointless exercise. I can still get what I want by changing the whole SCSI chain. [Load from one and then re-connect to other].
Thanks for the comments - I didn't think it was possible at all. Better to ask and not implement than just not ask and remain ignorant.
Helena
A cheap and easy way to connect 2 PCs is to use a laplink cable, you can get them for serial or parrallel (printer) ports. At computer shows they cost less than £10. Win 95 has built in software for shareing files across 2 PCs connected that way, I can't remember if NT does.
Thanks guys, but I don't want to connect two computers. I want them to SHARE access to SCSI drives. Now I can do this by connecting one Plasmon disk to each computer and swapping removable drives EXCEPT THAT one is disabled. That is, it "pretends" to be write protected. I think this happened when I tried to make one Panasonic PD disk "receiver" of Infinite Disk. OK I can buy yet more Plasmon or Jaz but that is not my question. Maybe I should buy more but I am not made of money. So what can I do?
Helena