How to make a 2 pc network?

Shawzer · 04-29-2004, 06:21 PM

I'm sure this will be an easy one for most of you, but I am a complete novice.

I'd like to know the easiest way of connecting 2 pcs. The idea being to share files and an ntl broadband connection(currently connected via e/net to 1 pc). Both PCs are running XP home, so does this make it easier? Do I need to but an extra hardware/software to do this.

Thanks
Gary

ekÃ†sine · 04-29-2004, 06:30 PM

all you need is a router and maybe some straight through CAT5 cables if you want a wired network. there are two kinds: wired or wireless. wired is much cheaper. check your local computer store and ask the salesman for which routers he would recommend in your budget.

Sikchoppers · 05-01-2004, 12:10 PM

You can also go a real cheap route and just use cross over CAT5..

Like "ekÃ†sine" said... It depends on your budget.

Shawzer · 05-01-2004, 12:30 PM

You mean just using the cross over cable to connect the 2 PCs without using a router? Can I still share the Internet connection this way?

ekÃ†sine · 05-01-2004, 03:33 PM

no i think Sikchoppers did you see that you needed to also share broadband internet. you cannot share broadband without a router, this is required.

paintballer · 05-01-2004, 11:05 PM

actually you can, I am doing it on the computer I am currently on, you just share the internet connection of the computer that has broadband. If the computers are close together, just get a crossover cable, if theyre far apart, you have to make a decision wether you want to spend some extra money to connect them wirelessly, or wire your house for it.

tylertherobot · 05-01-2004, 11:10 PM

Daisy Chaining doens't work with most internet providors though - They require you to have a router because it keeps businesses from using home plans to run servers.

CrossMX · 05-02-2004, 04:40 PM

Thats right, esp DHCP setups. They will cause you problems most of the time. Now if just want to connect them yes you can use a crossover cable (I can upload the setup on how to do this if need be) But the smart way to share the net is a router as said above. It takes your gate to the internet and makes doors for all your other computer systems so they can all have access and this way you never have to rest your dhcp modem because they will change settings about every month to help prevent users from just using hubs, etc. The router is the best bet.

Shawzer · 05-02-2004, 05:50 PM

Thanks, that does sound like the best option, so I'll give it a go. Just one more question - can I also share a printer over a network using a router? at the moment the printer is just connected locally to one of the pcs by usb.

Thanks
Gary

ekÃ†sine · 05-02-2004, 05:56 PM

yes the router usually has built in switch so you would also be networking your PC's at the same time. just share your printer over the network. this is all done with the router. like paintballer you could use ICS, but that is a very poor solution because it requires the ICS serving computer to always be turned on.

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