The Proxim Orinoco World PC Card Gold first went on sale in late 2000, but periodic price cuts and updates have sustained this 802.11b model as a good value for savvy business travelers. Several CNET readers have remarked on this card's comparatively long range and resistance to dropped connections--observations borne out in CNET Labs' tests. Yes, the card would benefit from lower power consumption, longer free phone support, and better documentation (particularly for Windows XP users). You won't find a lot of extras with the World PC Card, but its long three-year warranty, friendly client software, and 128-bit WEP security make for a solid choice. One advantage to buying a card such as this one, which has been on the market for a while, is that Windows XP comes with a driver for it, so you can simply plug in the card and go (as long as no network security has already been enabled on the access point).
Recently I bought a Orinoco gold wireless card. However, all drivers version I can find are 6.3 or 7.2. Both of them only supports Mac OS 8.5. Find great deals on eBay for orinoco wireless card. Shop with confidence.
Nonetheless, when you have time--even after plugging in the World PC Card--you should make sure to download and update the card's firmware to take advantage of the latest power management, encryption, and compatibility tweaks. The card's short, slick Getting Started manual provides a capable sketch of wireless LAN topologies, then steps you through basic installation and functionality for the wireless utility software that comes with the card. Next, the setup manual includes helpful installation instructions for Windows 9 x and 2000 (the PDF user guide also covers Windows NT and MS-DOS) but, due to the card's age, not Windows XP. Upkar prakashan books pdf free download. Getting Started manual. Unfortunately, the setup manual also glosses over security options--and the user manual devotes only a few lines to the topic, referring users to their system administrator. Those trying to connect to a WEP-enabled network might find themselves stymied.
In addition to Windows, the Orinoco World PC Card also works with Mac OS 7.5.2, 8.6, 9.0, and 9.4; Novell Client 3. X; and Linux (kernel versions 2.0. Because the Orinoco World PC Card's software does not explicitly support Windows XP, if you're running that OS, you're better off using XP's built-in wireless configuration utility than the Orinoco Client Manager software. That said, we were able to get the utility to run under XP, although it took two attempts and a reboot. When minimized, the Orinoco Client Manager appears on the taskbar and serves as a reliable readout of current connection quality. Open it, and through the Actions menu, you can access a full range of wireless-networking functions such as power management and encryption settings.
A complete diagnostic routine and extensive online support round out the software. Main Client Manager window. The Orinoco World PC Card also features a unique external antenna connector in case you want to use it in a desktop computer. This feature, not found on other PC Cards, is helpful if your desktop sits hidden beneath a desk or is otherwise obstructed from a wireless access point. Simply attach an indoor antenna such as the $70 Proxim Orinoco Range Extender model to the end of your PC Card via the included cable. You can then place the external antenna up high on a desk or a bookshelf and increase your wireless coverage. External antenna connector.