easy network questions

[jimminy]

This is probably easy-

I have a pc with win2k which has 2 NIC's. One for the cable modem, and one to a hub with two other computers hooked in via ethernet.

My questions:

-if the machine with 2 nic's is acting as a server, do I need win2k server or will win2k pro do this?
-can I have the server assign IP's the same way the cable modem did so I don't have to change the settings on the two clients? how?
-is this configuration already a firewall, or do I need firewall software on the server?
-would I be better off hooking up a printer to the server machine or to one of the client machines?
-what are good resources to find out my networking questions?

[Pakrat]

WOW! What a loaded question?
I'm skipped this one. So I don't fall into a trap???
What's different between W2K server and Win2K Pro. You can use Win2K Wrkstation and set Internet Connecting share, that will share your Internet connection with the other client. I'm have some problem with mine. I can't break the lock for 120 days. I have to reload every 4 months. M$ wants me to become expert at load the darn thing.

[Edited by Pakrat on 11-30-2000 at 02:22 AM]

[jimminy]

not quite sure I understand your response. As I understand it, win2k pro is like NT workstation, I assume for general purpose computing, while win2k server is mainly for big servers. I don't know if pro has enough 'server' capabilities to do the minor stuff I need.

Trapp?? huh?

anyone else out there?

[Felix]

- I dunno if you can share your internet connection with WWin2K Pro. Maybe there is no way beyond that 120 days issue packrat mentioned?

- if the server should assign a IP to a client you need a service called "DHCP server". Set the clients DNS to "automatic", IP do "automatic", and standard gateway to the IP of the DHCP server. The client will then obtain an IP from the DHCP server.

As we all know about Big Bill, I guess you need W2K server to do your stuff. If it could be done with W2K Pro who would buy the server version? *sigh* :(

- No, it is not a firewall. A Firewall does some specific checking about your network traffic. It works kinda a customs clerk which controls your passport if you cross the border. A firewall checks the passports of IP connections (or IP packets) crossign the border between your LAN and the internet. This means you need special software.

And a further thought:
1) Firewall software is some sort of programs.
2) all programs are buggy.
3) big programs are even more buggy.
4) Bugs in critical programs cause critical effects.
Conclusion: Critical programs should be as small as possible. This leads to small boxes with small OS which are hooked between LAN and internet for establishing a firewall. I don't think it is a good protection if a firewall software is run on top of a huge overblown OS like windozze (all sorts). Well it depends how big your LAN is. For a company LAN I woudl definately stand away from a windows firewall software.

- It doesn't matter where you hook the printer. But the machine hooked to the printer must run file and printer sharing, and the printer must be shared of course.

- good resources for your network questions? Ummmm... What about PC Mech? :D

[mairving]

I think that you are confusing what a server is. You can have a file server where all your files are centrally located. A print server for printing. You can have one machine be both a client and a server.

-In your case, you W2K machine is a server in the aspect that it is serving up it's Internet connection to the other machines. Your network is strictly peer to peer. You really don't need W2K server.
-I would put the printer on the system that you use the most or has the most horsepower. Some people don't realize that it takes system resources to use.
-With ICS, you can use only one IP address. You can also consider the addition of a Linksys or other Cable/DSL router. This will be your DHCP server (assigns an IP to your other machines).
-You will still need a firewall. If you look here and in the peripherals/internet sections, you can find out more. The router I mentioned above would be a firewall (hardware based). There are a bunch of firewall programs (software based) out there like BlackIce, Norton Internet security, and the free ZoneAlarm. At the minimum, install the software version.
-I don't know of any one site that has all the answers. Cisco has some pretty good info. PCMech has some answers. I also like the Linksys site.

Hope this helps.

[jotto84]

all i know is that win 2k pro and server both have routers built into them!