Re: Setting up Small 2 Computer LAN

[Markoman01027]

Hello,
I currently have two computers only hooked up for internet access. I am using the LINKSYS router/4 port hub. I have configured the internet connection thru the use of Linksys setup program. I want to setup a LAN, so I can file-share between the two computers that I have.

I am wondering where to get started.
Will this effect my internet access?

1 Computer is running Windows 98SE, and the other one is running Windows ME.


-Matt

[glc]

Right click on Network Neighborhood/My Network Places, select Properties, enable file and print sharing, and on the Identification tab just make sure both computers are in the same workgroup but have different names. Reboot them both and then share your drives and printers.

[Markoman01027]

When I right click on Network Neighborhood, I do not get My Network Places and then Properties. When I click on Network Neighborhood, Entire Network, I get an error saying "unable to browse" thru network.

Should I add any protocols?
My workgroup name is workgroup? and the second computer's work group name is: workgroup

I do not have file and print sharing enabled at the moment. If both computers have it turned on, will it work then?
I have client for Microsoft networks, TCP/IP, network adapter, etc

We both are logged in

-Matt

[LawyerRon]

You need file and print sharing enabled if you want to share files and printers. I always install the Netbui protocol for file sharing.

You should have installed:
Client for MS networks
TCP/IP
Netbui
File and Print Sharing
NIC

Under the Identification tab put both machines on the same workgroup (the name "workgroup" is fine) and give them different names. Then everything should work for you.

Also when you right-click on Network Neighborhood you won't get My Network Places in WIN98, just go to "properties". I think glc was thinking of XP or 2000.

[glc]

I believe ME also uses My Network Places instead of Network Neighborhood, that's why I wrote it that way. Right click on whatever you have and choose Properties.

You do not HAVE to use Netbeui - in fact ME seems to have issues with it. TCP/IP is fine for sharing, just enable sharing and share your drives/printers.

[LawyerRon]

glc is correct, you do not have to use Netbeui for file sharing if you check both binding boxes in TCP/IP properties, ie MS Client and File and Print sharing. However, I've read that checking file and print sharing under TCP/IP properties makes your files more vulnerable to the outside. I've read (quite a while back) you should NEVER check file and print sharing under TCP/IP properties and I've also read it's no big deal any more. Maybe the security risk is not there anymore with the use of routers as firewalls but that's why I run Netbeui for file sharing and it's always worked fine in the past.

[Markoman01027]

How about the IP addresses? My Router takes care of it all. What would I put in the IP address field? I have obtain an IP address automaticly, based on how my router set things up. I understand when I had my own LAN a year ago, I would use private addresses with my ethernet hub. But right now, I dont know what to use, because I have my router doing everything, so I can get net access.

-Matt

[LawyerRon]

Leave it on "obtain IP address automatically".

[glc]

I reviewed the whole thread - you are almost there already. Just enable file and print sharing and share your resources (drives, folders, printers, whatever) and you are ready to go. It really is that simple.

[Markoman01027]

So I will need NETBEUI protocol installed, file/print sharing turned on, client for microsoft networks, and "obtain ip address automaticly" as it is set like that right now.

Am I correct?

-Matt

[LawyerRon]

You don't "need" NETBEUI installed if you use TCP/IP for file sharing, ie the binding box is checked for file sharing, but see my earlier post above.

[piasabird]

Usually they say never use file sharing and printer sharing on the TCP/IP that is for a modem connection or a braodband connection without a router. With Broadband, If you have a router you block quite a bit.