VERY SIMPLE HOME NETWORK

[GCC Consulting]

  _____  

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 4:51 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
 
Art,
 
A lot of good advise.  
 
Windows XP network wizard will help you set up the type of network you decide to
use.
 
The simplest will be to use a crossover cable.  
 
Next is a wired hub/switch or router/switch.  You will want to use a router with
broadband as it acts as a firewall.  It uses NAT usually 198.168.1.xx.
 
The last choice I would make is wireless unless you plan to use this with
broadband.  Wireless takes a little more care in setting up.
 
I just installed another wireless network at a client's site using Linksys
Wireless router with "speedboast" .  The instructions that come with it make it
fairly simple,  However, for protection you should implement WEB (64 bit is
adequate) and MAC Address filtering.
 
To get your mac address, if you don't already have it, go to the command prompt
- run cmd
 
type ipconfig /all <enter>
 
The line labeled "Physical Address" is your MAC address.  If you have booth a
NIC and wireless installed, there will be 2 MAC addresses.  My suggestions is to
enter both when using MAC filtering for "allow".
 
By the way,  if you make a mistake in setting up the router, just use the reset
button.
 
Once the router is set up and the wireless NIC turned on, your computers will
find the network.
 
Just remember that you will need to set up shares on both machines for sharing
files.  Some folders are set to share by default.
 
Richard Kreiss
GCC Consulting 

 
 

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