As always, Michael could not be happy without his toys!  In our small little flat, we have an ethernet network linking the Gateway G6-300 (Pentium II running at 300 MHz) computer to a Toshiba 420CT Laptop (Sandy's computer in the spare bedroom), a Toshiba Portege Laptop, a laser printer, and a color HP Deskjet printer.  In addition, Michael's work laptop can also connect to the network making file transfers and printing from that machine while at home a breeze.  The Portege Laptop acts as the file and print server and makes sure that we can print from any machine connected to the network.

We even have a firewall and proxy server (called Wingate Pro) that allows any machine on the network to share a common internet connection.  So, for example, Michael could be using Quicken to download stock quotes or access our bank accounts on the Gateway while Sandy sends/receives e-mails from the Laptop at her desk in the spare bedroom at the same time.  Whenever a machine tries to access the internet, Wingate Pro automatically dials the phone, makes the connection, and manages the access.  It even prevents unauthorized access to our local network while online by isolating our network from the rest of the internet.  Unfortunately, even though the internet access itself is a fixed price for unlimited access just like home, all phone calls in England are charged by the minute!  So, depending on the time of day, calling the internet costs anywhere from 5.2p to 1.2p (8.6 cents to 2.0 cents) per minute!  For those of you who know Michael, you know that this has put a serious dent in his internet usage! But e-mail is relatively quick and painless so we can still keep in touch.  So keep those e-mails coming!