need help with home networking

[sideout]

I have three pc's (2 desktops and 1 laptop). I need to know how to network them together as i've never done this.

Just purchased Linksys Ethernet Cable DSL Router with built in 4port 10/100 switch (model befsr41).

One pc will have Windows 2000 on it. the 2nd pc has Windows ME and the third has windows 98. What protocols do each of these pc's need installed on them ? (Tcpip/netbeui)?

If someone could please give me some advice in plain jane english that would be great. I have quite a bit of understanding with pc's just not networking them.

Is it best to run them Peer to Peer or Client/Server. Whichever is best, what exactly do i need installed (software wise). I know each pc has to have it's own workgroup name.

Also i'd like to share files and 1 printer off this home network.

Any ideas and/or suggestions would be great!

Thanks :)

[JackMDS]

The way you describe your usage of the network, peer to peer will be good enough.

You plug the three computers to the LAN Ports on the Router (straight CAT5 RJ45 cables).

I don’t have off hand the instruction for W2K.

Sharing setting in Win98!!!

You will not see a Computer in the Network Neighborhood, unless it shares something.

All computers can have the following Network Protocols:

1. TCP/IP - must be installed for Internet
2. NetBEUI – simple, no IP scheme, Internet safe (recommended as Default Protocol).
3. IPX/PX – needed for some LAN games.

The three can reside together BUT - All computers must have the same Default Protocol..

All used Protocols are bound to the Ethernet Card.

All computers have the same Workgroup name.

Each computer has it own unique name.

Make sure that you Logon as Client for Microsoft Network.

There are three places to be checked for sharing:

The first two are in Control Panel, Network.

1. The Protocol that you are using for sharing, has to be bound to Client for Microsoft Network, and Sharing is Checked in the protocol's properties menu.

2. The general File and Print Sharing has to be installed, and checked.

The third in "My Computer" folder.

3. Individual Drive or/and printer has to be checked for sharing.
Right click on the device to share, choose properties, click on the sharing Tab, check [b]Shared As[b/], and give it a name.

For printer:

Click My Computer, click on Printers, right click on the printer that you want to share, click on Properties, choose the Sharing tab, checked share, give it a name.


Important: The shared printer Drivers as to be installed on all computers that share this printer.

[Storm90]

Jack you are the first person in along time who has mention IPX\SPX protocol should be added to your network. I am glad to seee this. I was taught this way. Most people now days will argue up and down it is not need. But it does also help speed up the file transfers to. This is how I was taught when I went to school for computers. You must be from the old school. Glad to see someone else that use this Protocol.:D

[Bouncer]

IPX is used in a client/server configuration (which is why it was used with LAN games).

Unless you're using an IPX based service like an older Novell type environment there's simply no reason to add it. It's not going to do you any good in a TCP/IP/Netbeui mixed network environment.

Might as well add token ring and thicknet support while you're at it.

Regards,
-Bouncer-

[JackMDS]

.

IPX/PX – needed for some LAN games .

Yeah may be a surprise, but some of the most favorite Network Capable Games from few years ago use IPX as the connection protocol.


.

[Boosted3si]

In the LAN setting of Starcraft, it uses IPX/SPX protocol. (Just throwing in my contribution to the message). :D

[CBurcik]

Red Alert 2 (a newer game) uses IPX/SPX also for lan
games.

[MosDef112]

*** In response to Bouncer ***

LOL