[font=Comic Sans MS][size=2]Hi all! I've read (and printed) many of the posts in this forum, and been very impressed with the answers you have given those of us who are network-challenged. I have a problem now. I have recently purchased a Toshiba Satellite M35X-S349 notebook, which I would like to network with our other two (self-built) desktop computers. I purchased a netgear 5-port switch on the advice of a friend, and have an HP Deskjet 6840 (network ready) printer. All three computers are running Windows XP (2-Pro, the notebook is running home). I have managed to get all three computers to see the printer, and all can print fine. I would like to take my old desktop and turn it into a server for our network, as I will be using the notebook as my primary computer (I am a middle-aged full-time student and church webmistress). All computers have the same workgroup name, and different individual names. All show Client for MS Networks, File & Printer Sharing, QoS packet scheduler, and TCP/IP under network connections. I was thinking of installing Windows 2000, at least on the computer I plan to use as a server, but would like to solve this dilemna before I go any further. Also, would it make sense to turn that desktop into a server? What benefits would I gain from it? Would Windows 2000 be a better OS for the server and/or all of the systems? I really appreciate any and all help and suggestions. Oh, I forgot to mention that we will be moving soon, and when we do we will connect to the web via a cable modem (we are currently on dial-up
) -- therefore the netgear switch.
Thanks!