For simplicity in ease of installation and use, choose a NIC with the following features (see the Roll Call on pages 260 through 263 for details on individual products):
Configuration Software
Utilities that automatically configure a NIC for the host system are ideal; nearly half of the NICs in this review can be configured automatically. The software alters configuration settings such as the base I/O address, IRQ (interrupt request) setting, DMA channel, and RAM address, which eliminates the need for tedious jumper and DIP-switch hardware. Moreover, you can quickly modify a board's configuration without having to open up the system to access NIC switches.
Diagnostic Software
All but two of the NICs reviewed here offer some type of software bundle to help you troubleshoot network problems. The best packages include diagnost
ics for loopback and interstation transmission testing, plus the ability to gather statistics on frame overruns and collisions.
Network Drivers
NICs should provide multiple drivers to support your current needs (e.g., Novell NetWare server, ODI, IPX, NDIS, NetBIOS, and Unix) as well as network operating systems you may add in the future (e.g., NetWare clients for Windows NT).
Boot ROMs
Boot ROMs allow diskless workstations to attach to a network. Our evaluations gave the highest marks to NICs that offered boot ROMs for at least two different network operating systems.
Status Lights
LED indicators for items such as packet transmit/receive, link integrity, and collision detection help you to diagnose problems quickly.
Documentation
Finally, don't overlook the quality of the manuals that come with a NIC. Clear instructions for installing the adapter and its drivers save you time. In our evaluations, we also placed importance on the presence of a glossary and whether techni
cal-support information was easily accessible.
Hassle-Free NICs
