Networking

[squidlips]

Anyone got any good recourses on how to network computer?

Got the cable set up from each computer, im pretty sure my mobo has a built in network card () and both comps are on xp.





Any help?

[defuzz]

if you've just got two comps with network cards you can just connect them with a "crossover" cable, much like a normal Cat5 cable but with a couple of the wires flipped around.


The other alternative is to use hubs/routers/switches which are more complicated and expensive.


I used to have a link to an excellent site with loads on this sort of stuff, I'll try and find it for you.

in the mean time try how stuff works web site: www.howstuffworks.com and search for networking.

[squidlips]

I'd checked out Howstuffworks before, it was informative, just not what I needed. We had it going with crossover cable, but we redid it with Cat5 through the wall... and there also has to be the ability to add another computer in a couple months time.

[Genesis F5]

Then you need a router(for sharing internet)/switch(for a network) or a combination periphrial. Check out www.linksys.com or www.netgear.com. Never buy DLINK. Their products are absolute garbage.

Also you can have a configuration that just uses a switch. Then you have one computer that has 2 network cards that shares the internet, thus eliminating the need for a router.

-genesis f5 (mx)

[squidlips]

Do we need a router right now? When we only have two computers?

I got a DLINK modem free with my broadband connection, hasnt given me any grief yet, but you probly jinxed me now. Thanks.

[Genesis F5]

Right now, no. But when you want to get 3 or more computers online, then yes.

Are both computers able to connect to the internet now? If not, then you'll need a router. Only problem with a router is that it normally only has 4 ports, which in your case, you'll only have 3 computers, and you'll be fine, but in the future if you want to expand, you'll have to get a switch in addition to your router.

Netgear has an 8 port router/switch combo which is very nice, and at a pretty resonable price.

lol, and sorry about the jink.

-genesis f5 (mx)

[squidlips]

Only one computer (this one, strangly enough) has the internet connected, thats the main reson for networking.