(This was a toss-up between GQ and IMHO, but as I’m seeking advice more than a factual answer I opted for here. Mods please move if appropriate.)
I’m having a couple of these delivered next week, and I need to find the best way to link them together so they can share (existing) broadband, files, printer and scanner.
I’m gonna have to pay someone to do this for me, but I’m a complete klutz :rolleyes: PC-wise and I’ve got “gullible” written all over my face, and I don’t want to get ripped off and end up paying more than I need!
A few more details: the PCs will be in adjoining rooms, will be loaded up with 98SE ('cos I like it!), and I’m foregoing the DVD drive for 120 GB hard disk on both.
So … any advice on the best way to go about this, and what I need to ask the hired tech for?
As you have onboard 10/100 LAN cards all you need is a suitable length of network cable [RJ 45 if I’m not mistaken - it’s a while since I did mine) 25M should cost about £10-15.
WIN98 has all the software you need to do this. Any problems try the ‘World of Windows Networking’ site, lots of free info for non-business users . I had no probs at all with 98 but a few hiccups when one of the machines was briefly converted to ME.
Just select which drives/folders/files and peripherals you want to share.
YOU CAN DO THIS YOURSELF - really is easy. Try it, you can always get help if you get stuck.
A more elegant (and expensive) solution would be to go wireless. My setup is a Draytek wireless adsl modem/router, a Linksys wireless bridge for the Linux machine, and a Belkin USB wireless adapter for the other. The router will do most of the work of keeping nasties out of your systems. You still need a virus checker, but probably not a personal firewall. The router makes internet connection sharing painless, and wireless makes for a neater installation with no cables running across the floor. And you should really consider giving up on Win98 and going to XP Home. Win98 is going out of support soon and XP really is more stable and secure.
Trouble is, I can’t - apart from being an idiot :D, I’m in a wheelchair and so have restricted access to the back of the CPU, and have trouble shifting heavy items around and connecting things up … also my eyesight ain’t what it should be. And as for drilling holes in walls … :eek:
I think your suggestion seems to be the way to go, and I’ll take a look around the site you mentioned.
kferr - Sounds expensive? BTW - both PCs will be loaded up with AVG antivirus, Zonealarm, AdAware and Spybot, and my daughter’s will also have CyberSitter. Both will also prompt for cookies. This combination has kept me pretty well protected for the past few years - are there any additional security risks with two PCs linked together?
If the network cards are RJ45 you’ll need a hub. You can pick up a little 5 port one for under 50 quid. Apart from that, it’s just a case of two cables long enough to reach the hub. Windows has its own simple networking system, so you don’t need any further software.
Giving both access to broadband is a bit trickier. Essentially you’ll be connecting the broadband to one of the computers then asking it to share it with the other, which isn’t so straightforward. You might try what I use as a proxy router; NetCruiser. This means setting up internal IPs on both computers. Computer with the broadband runs this ‘proxy’ application. Computer without routes all its internet access through the other.
However, in common with others in the thread; I’d advised two things. Lose Win98. It’s gone and it was never that great to begin with. Also, if you have the cash consider going wireless rather than buying a cabled hub. It will give you so much more flexibility. You can also purchase a wireless hub that doubles as your broadband box, thereby solving all routing problems.
You mention that you have broadband - NTL or ADSL? Get yourself an appropriate broadband router/switch (they typically come with 4-8 ports). Make sure it does NAT and DHCP. Plug the router/switch into the broadband, and use two RJ45 cables to connect the PCs to the router/switch. When you install the OS, install TCP/IP and choose DHCP for the settings.
I am concerned at your choice of Windows 98. This has been end-of-lifed by Microsoft and thus is no longer supported. Getting drivers and the latest software may be problematic. Windows XP Pro is vastly more stable and usable, and is actively supported. And you can lock it down so your daughter can’t access your files or do much harm. Assuming your daughter is in school, you should be able to get educational licenses.
I’m also concerned about the shared memory graphics: if either of you play games, you may find them slow.
I would further junk the CD writer and DVD reader and go straight for a DVD writer.
I am also looking to network together a couple of PCs I have at home. They both have XP on them, one has Home Edition and the other has XP Pro. I want to network them so that they can share my cable connection and printer. I was thinking of going with a wireless 802.11g connection because one on the PC is a laptop.
I have done some reading, but I’m not totally sure what I need to get this up and running. I have several questions and a couple of concerns.
What hardware do I need? I have been thinking of getting a router but do I need a hub? There is a 4 port wireless router I have been told about (don’t remember then make/model, but I can find out whne I go in to work tomorrow) but is that all I need? Also, is there anything I need to do with my ISP or current cable connection to have both PCs on the internet? (if it is relevant, my ISP is Comcast).
My main concern is will I run in to problems and that I won’t be able to fix them. I work in IT, so I have some knowledge, but not much networking knowledge/experience. How hard is a home network to troubleshoot/fix?
Sorry for the hijack Shrinking Violet, but I did not want to waste boardspace by starting another thread.
Opinions on that might differ, but you don’t necessarily have to hire a professional.
It is relatively easy for someone who has done that before. (If it was a few hundred miles closer I’d come over) There is certainly someone among your friends who can do it, or you can get a low-cost student. If it is a stranger, don’t give away your ISP password and decide beforehand whether you want to have holes drilled (and you will have to order all supplies yourself.)
RickQ - Be my guest, it’s all “grist to the mill”!
Y’know, it might just be cost-effective to fly you over here.
I’ve just moved home, and have no family or, as yet, friends in the area . But I’ll give your suggestion some thought. I know and trust the guy I’m intending to use - he fixed me up with Sky, after Sky insisted it wasn’t possible in my location. :rolleyes: They later reimbursed my costs after he showed them how easy it was.
He mentioned as he was leaving he also “does computers”. Maybe he “does 'em in”.
One of those 4-port switches with built-in firewall is better than a hub. With a hub, you share the bandwidth. A switch allows each computer to have full bandwidth.
. But I’ll give your suggestion some thought. I know and trust the guy I’m intending to use - he fixed me up with Sky, after Sky insisted it wasn’t possible in my location. :rolleyes: They later reimbursed my costs after he showed them how easy it was. 