HELP: 1st network ever! 2 XP boxes, router as acess pt

[TheToddster]

As the title implies, I am trying to set up my first network ever on 2 xp pro machines, PC-1 is a desktop, and PC-2 is my laptop. I am using cat5 patch cable for both PC's, and want share the A0L dial-up through PC-1 which will be folding 24/7, yet I want to retain the ability to log on to AOL with the laptop when I am at parents house or other off site location.
I have a Belkin Wireless Router F5D6230-3 (review HERE) that I am trying to use as an acess point. I also need to move files from my "old" laptop to my new desktop. The desktop has NF7-S mobo with built in network port. My laptop is a Toshiba Satelite 1905-S303 with integrated 10/100 ethernet LAN.

The problem? on the 1st computer (my new desktop), I see on "Local Area Connection Status" that PC-1 (desktop) is sending and recieving some packets, connected, and speed is 100.0 Mbs and when I click the support tab, there is an adress type (assigned by DHCP), an adress (192.168.2.13), a subnet mask (255.255.255.0), and a default gateway of 192.168.2.1
"The Local area Connection Status" for PC-2 (laptop) shows "connected" and speed is 400.0 Mbs, but under "support" tab, Adress type, IP adress, subnet mask, and default gateway to be "unavailable". Also, on the "Network Connections" screen of PC-2 (laptop) the device under "LAN or high speed internet" is listed as "1394 Connection" "enabled 1394 net adapter" ???? I thought 1394 was firewire, and I know that this laptop does not support a firewire port. Please help. My 18 units of college starts MONDAY.

I have loaded all the optional XP network stuff under "add/remove windows components" for both machines. Did the "set up a home or small office network" wizzard thing for both computers. On the first one, under "select a conection method" I chose "This computer conects directly to the internet. I do not have a network yet." Finished the wizzard and re-booted as requested. On the second computer, I chose the same "select a conection method" - "This computer conects directly to the internet. I do not have a network yet." I chose these just to get the network up so I could transfer all the files to my new computer, but I can't even do that.

[Karnevil9]

I am not an expert, being new to this myself, but If your new laptop is running XP you should be able to tranfer files from the old one to the new one by directily wiring the two togther using either firewire or CAT5. I have never done it, so I can't give you the how to, but I am sure you can find it in the XP help menu. That should solve at least one of your problems.

[Confused]

The best way with dial-up is to connect the PC's directly with a crossover cable and use ICS. I don't believe you can use a router with dial-up.

Do a search on these forums for AOL and networking. I do believe you are going to run into a lot of problems.
Chas

[TheToddster]

OK, screw AOL. My GF is talking about getting earthlink (ez to share) anyways.
I could use a xover cable, but I don't have one. I do have 3 cat 5 cables, a wireless router, and a 802.11b pcmcia card. I want to connect the 2 computers. I am using the cat5 right now, and eventually want the laptop wireless and be able to swap files, share printer and scanner. If it would be easier to set up the laptop wireless first and never use the cat5 for it, then great. It is my understanding (from reading the review of the router- linked in first post) that I can use this router as an acess point.

[glc]

I would not even try to use a router with dialup, especially AOL. You also can't share a scanner unless it's a networkable scanner.

Best way to do sorta what you want is get Earthlink and share the dialup connection, and get a crossover cable, they don't cost that much. If you want wireless, just use 2 wireless nics in "ad hoc" configuration instead of wired nics and a crossover. Swap your router for a PCI or USB wireless nic, same brand as the PCMCIA wireless nic you already have.

[TheToddster]

thanks glc. How important is it to get the same brand wireless network interface device? I missed the chance to get a belkin (same mfg as pcmcia wifi card) usb wireless ni device for $20 AR @ compusa (sale ended saturday). Got a xover cable yesterday though. That will do for now, but I haven't had a chance to test. 18 units of school are kickin my a$$ already and it's only the 1st day!!!

[glc]

It's not that important - 802.11b should talk to any other 802.11b device, but setting up encryption security across brands can sometimes be tricky.

[Karnevil9]

I missed the same sale, lol. I went to the store the tuesday of the sale week, but they were all gone by then. Someone correct me if this information is outdated, but while doing some research on how to network for myself, I read that the wireless PCI cards tend to be unstable or give inconsistent performance. Judging from some of the specs given, I suspect the information was about a year or two old, so I don't know if it still holds true.

[TheToddster]

my understanding of wireless pci cards is that performance is related to the strength of the signal from the router/acess point, which is affected by distance, interferance, antanae o router/acess point and other things. But my knowledge is really limited in this area..

well, all this networking stuff has led me to a class at the local college for networking plus. Went to the first class today (22 units this semester), and so I am going to crimp my own xover cable next week (haven't opened the one I have so I can return it). I have been demoted to utilizing a usb hdd to transfer files for now, but I thank you all for your help on this issue.