OT: RE: VERY SIMPLE HOME NETWORK

[Mike Schwartz-PC Support & Services]

	Home networking is such a common thing now days that I can find
dozens of articles about how to do it just by searching for "home
networking".

For example:

http://www.homenethelp.com/sharing/modem.asp

and 

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/home-network.htm

	I'm going to make a lot of assumptions here, like, for example, that
you and your son both have network jacks already installed in your laptops,
or that both laptops have wireless capability.  Most newer laptops should
have them.

	You don't mention whether both of these laptops have wireless
networking built into them, or whether you would be willing to purchase
wireless network cards for them, but if you do that you can connect the two
computers using ad-hoc networking without purchasing any other equipment.  

	You also don't mention exactly why you want to network to your son's
computer, so I assume that you only want to network in order to share your
one modem connection.  If that is the case, you should read the help files
on your laptop concerning "Internet connection sharing".  

	Since only two computers are involved, if you don't want to or can't
do wireless, you will only need one (1) network cable to connect the two
computers.  HOWEVER, it must be a "cross wired" cat-5 network cable.
Cross-wired cables should be available at Comp USA and most other computer
stores.

	You could also purchase a small hub or switch and two standard (not
cross-wired cables) instead of the cross-wired cable. 

	Since you are thinking about getting DSL anyway, you might want to
consider purchasing a combination router/switch right away, so that you can
use that device to connect to the DSL line later.  This link will help you
select that kind of equipment:

http://www.dlink.com/configurator_v2.0/index.asp?vendorID=dlink
 
	To summarize, there are many sources for home networking info on the
Internet.  If you can't find somebody at Comp USA, try Office Depot or Best
Buy.  Better yet, call a smaller computer dealer that specializes more in
support, rather than sales.  I bet somebody from a smaller store could
recommend the proper equipment and even come over and set you up within an
hour or two.  (But probably not on Christmas Eve, though...)

*** Mike Schwartz ***
*** PC Support & Services, Appleton, WI ***

-----Original Message-----
From: filepro-list-bounces at lists.celestial.com
[mailto:filepro-list-bounces at lists.celestial.com] On Behalf Of Art Moore
Sent: Friday, December 24, 2004 3:51 PM
To: filePro List
Subject: OT: VERY SIMPLE HOME NETWORK

I don't know who I expect to be reading this on Xmas Eve, in fact I am
getting bad glares just writing it so I will necessarily be brief but
hopefully complete enough.
 
I am going to be spending a few days after Xmas with my oldest son (30+)
alone - bonding.  One of the things we decided to try during our retreat is
to network to computers.  Neither one of us has ANY CLUE on networking
Windows computers.
 
We have two portables (HP and Toshiba) both less than six months old and
both running Windows XP Professional and both with I believe enough slots or
whatever to network.   We are looking to a wireless setup. 
 
I am asking for help from the group only after having made three visits to
my local CompUSA store where the one kid who knew anything about networking
was only available to be talked to sometime in Feb.
 
We only decided to try this because we can.  There are no security problems
or concerns.  Both the computers are mine and I can only see one use for
networked computers at this point.  I use modems with the computers now. 
Soon I will be getting a DSL line.  I would like to be able to print to a
single computer from anywhere. 
 
If it is possible I would just like in the simplest terms possible
suggestions of what I should get in the way of equipment.  I know the minds
an abilities of this group or usually for more advanced.  I do not want to
build anything elaborate I want to use the KISS principle then MAYBE I will
understand what I am doing.
 
If anybody reading this thinks they can help I would be most grateful..... 
wife's stares getting worse so I must go.
 
Thank you and MERRY XMAS.....
 
Art Moore