Lenix vs. Windows?? and MORE!!

[Len Sabatine]

      Real basic stuff. You don't need a killer PC to talk to Vehicle 
Computers.
      El Cheapo 486 Notebook with Diacom Plus or Similar DOS Based Tool
      works peachy. In many instances I use an old NEC 286 Notebook with
      Dos 6.22  and Diacom Plus for road trips , powered from the cigarette
      lighter socket . It's simple and Painless Data Acquisition.
      If you got to use windows 9x series , W95 SR 2.5 works fairly solid , 
booted
      to Dos Mode.
      While Linux is gaining favor , It's not a secure OS.
      Win XP 's Dos Kernel isn't really Legacy DOS , nor is Win 2000.
      Again , We don't need high end PC HW or SW to gather Information from
      the PCM at this point in time.
      You can spend big $ to get Data from your car ECM , however , it 
really won't
      help you make it run any better. Just some practical thoughts.
      Len


>   OK, I need computer GURU help, please. I have traded my Portable Pioneer
>DVD player for 2 Pentium III Computers. One is a 450Mhz the other is a
>700Mhz. I plan to permanently mount the 700 in my Vette, and the 450 in the
>house. I will also be gladly loosing AOL for a Cable Modem.
>   My main question is, what Soft/Hardware should I use for the 700 in the
>Vette to tune my Computer?? Dia-Com?? And what Operating system should I
>use?? Lenix or Windows XP?? I know nothing of Lenix, tho it has been
>recommended for my application by many. I also know little about windows, and
>the New XP. Since I am relatively computer illiterate at the moment. I do
>have 2 friends willing to help me learn. One uses Lenix the other uses XP and
>both are very literate.
>    I need to also inform you all of my exact intentions for the Vette's
>Computer (the Pentium that is). OK, for one, I have BW/Infrared and color
>cameras. I plan to mount one, forward facing, on the rear view mirror. This
>one will be used to record drag races and such, and to help with my poor
>night vision. The second will be mounted in either the "O" of the "CORVETTE"
>insignia, or the third brake light, used mainly as a reversing aid, and to
>help see since I have Limo tinted windows. =) These will be hooked to the
>Computer at all times using a Video "IN" card.
>    Secondly, I will be integrating the Vats and Viper Alarm Systems already
>in place (Mass Proximity sensors, Pager Warning System, Multiple shock
>sensors, and window roll-up/down module) , with the computer, and a cell
>phone Modem (PCS). This way I will be able to access my Computer in the Vette
>over the "Net" and hopefully, if all goes well be able to Interact with those
>systems using the modem (to make a very long story shorter).
>    I also have a 17.3" SGI LCD Monitor, cordless keyboard/mouse. The Disk
>burner and floppy drive will be mounted in the dash/glovebox area. I also
>have 2 removable hard drives.
>    A friend recommended a "Ricochet" modem inplace of the cell phone modem.
>Anybody have experience with one of these??
>    I know of some electronics companies making circuit boards with multiple
>12 volt relays that are controlled by your PC, this is what I plan to use to
>interface the PC with the Alarm system.
>    I hope to be able to use the Computer to "Authorize" who I let drive the
>car by either Password or Voice Recognition (XP comes with this) So that only
>the people who I previously authorize will be able to use it, and certain
>"accessories" when IM away. This will also insure that only certain people
>can use certain things. Like when my girlfriend drives the car, I can shut
>the NOS off automatically with her "User" controls when she enters the car,
>for example. Even if somebody stole a set of keys, they could not move the
>car an inch. Ofcoarse this is a project, tho most of what I have mentioned I
>already poses, PC's, Cameras, Soft/Hardware,etc.
>   Sorry for the huge post, I just wanted to make sure I covered everything
>in regard to what I plan on doing with the Vette/what OP System would best
>suit my needs.
>  TIA for any input.
>      Justin (88 Vette, Super Sonic office on wheels) P
>
>

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