Networking 101

[Jamie_R]

OK, don't call me Stupid and please don't laugh.
I have a Linksys BEFSR41 cable router and 2 pcs running WIN98. Could someone please tell me how in the hell I can set up a peer to peer so we can see each other??? I tried using static IPs, I switched the logins to Client for MSN, I think I've tried every possible combination I know. What am I missing guys? I know it's probably something small and I'm gonna want to spin my foot around backwards and kick myself in the butt when yall tell me, but I need a little help!
Thanx!!!
BTW - Right now I have the Linksys running DHCP, and I took the statics out of the 'puters.

[Brent]

You have to have the same protocol installed on each pc, either tcp/ip or netbeui for lan communication, then you can use either Microsoft Sharing by enabling it, or just use netbeui, I suggest using TCP/IP only for Internet communication and reserving netbeui for LAN communication, it makes for faster lan transmission and keeps it seperate from TCP/IP for security sakes....

[Norm]

Adding to Brents post...

In Network properties
Use same name for 'workgroup' on all PC's
Use same 'protocol' (add netBEUI for better security)
TCP bound to nothing (but you need TCP for Internet access)
Enable file/print sharing (you can share printers too)
Unbind TCP from File Sharing and MS Client
Under NetBEUI 'Advanced tab set as 'default protocol'

Reboot, and then right click any file(s) / dir(s) / or drive(s) and select "Sharing" Take it from there, I suggest passwords too.

[Jamie_R]

Thanx Guys ... it was the NetBuei that did the trick.
Only problem is that now I can see my computer in network n'hood on my computer and my son's, but I can't see my son's computer from mine unless i do a "find computer". Once I do that, I can browse all his files.

[therealcableguy]

Is the workgroup the same for both PC's?

[Jamie_R]

Yep ... I even changed it from "WORKGROUP" to another name ... same on both.

[Sid]

You don't need netbeui with your combination! Did you go in and add file and print sharing in the service area? I don't mean just click on enable file and print sharing from the menu you have to install the service for it to work. TCP/IP is all you need. That's one of the features that the router does for you. I use a netgear router which does the same job and I have NEVER installed netbeui and can see the whole network.

RT click network neighbor hood then properties then click add then services the double click file and print sharing(do it on all the systems). go ahead and reboot you should see the other systems after reboot.

[oakfan52]

First off NetBUI is not even routable so it out off the bat. TCP/IP is needed for the net so just stick with that.

BTW Norm NetBUI sux for security. It is broadcast protocol how can it have better security? plus it only supports 254 connections because it has no network layer.

[Sid]

oakfan52 he doesn't have file and print sharing service installled! All I can say is thank god he's not on a linux site cause he sure ain't gonna get this info from them. Yeah netbeui sucks hardcore!!! Great if you got a hub but not a router.

Norm I love you bud but your off base here.

Claude_Ballz, do what I said above, the router will do everything by itself. Thats its job! You don't need anything but clinet for microsoft networking and file and print sharing. end of story.

[Norm]

I use NetBEUI and have for sometime now without any problems at all. I only use TCP for my internet connection. Your right, NetBEUI isn't routable so it's secure from anyone beyond the router. I'm only broadcasting to my own PC's, so no need to worry.

A bit about my own setup....

4 machines go into a 5 port hub, then to a one port router and on to my cable modem. NetBEUI bound to file sharing and client, and all shares passworded. TCP has no bindings. With ZA as firewall on all PC's. Win98/2K on my main personal PC. I might add that since I installed the router ZA doesn't take any hits. Before the router I had the hub only and 3 IP adresses. ZA was my hero.

I'm no networking expert, I admit that, but this works well for me, and none of my machines have ever been compromized.
Lots of attempts though.
I just can't bring myself to trust NetBIOS over TCP and have the one protocol for sharing and internet.

Not saying I'm absolutley right here, only that I'll stick with a setup that has served ME well. :)

[oakfan52]

Ok Norm,
Your setup would work becuase you have your router hooked up to a hub. However if you had your computers connected directly to the router like a lot of people netBUI wouldn't work.

[Norm]

Originally posted by oakfan52
Ok Norm,
Your setup would work becuase you have your router hooked up to a hub. However if you had your computers connected directly to the router like a lot of people netBUI wouldn't work. I figured that was the reason, I forgot about NetBEUI and a router.

So what is Claude_Ballz best option with the equipment he has?
Should he go with TCP over NetBIOS and just be sure to make strong passwords on all his shared files?