Local Grid

Junaith · 07-19-2006, 06:28 PM

Hi Friends,
I have a LAN which consist of 3 desktop PCs. My aim is to set up a LAN grid which is not connected to the internet, but only to the local LAN. I want to use the combined resources of these 3 computers.

Please tell me how to do this, and list the software /hardware (free software if any).

Comp Specs

1. Pentium 4 HT
• 2.6 GH Pentium 4 HT
• 1GB RAM
• Win 2KProf – SP4

2. Pentium 2
• Pentium 2 300MHz CPU
• 384 MB RAM
• Win XP Prof – SP1

3. Pentium MMX 200MHZ
• Pentium 200MHz MMX CPU
• 64MB RAM
• Win 95

Thanks a lot!

chauffeur2 · 07-19-2006, 06:59 PM

Hi Junaith,

This is a long shot, but I think if you were to use the computer with Xp Pro on it you should be able to create a 'Network without an Internet Connection'; however, you would be advised first of all to install Sp2 on it.

The main reason for the recommendation of Sp2 is that Microsoft will cease support for Sp1 as of October this year.

Furthermore,I think the 'Network Connection Wizard' is part of Sp2.

Once Sp2 is installed, you will need to navigate to 'My Network Places', or 'Network Connections' and start the 'Set up a "Home or small Office Network Wizard' from there..you will need a floppy disc, and run it on all computers; then, reboot all computers.

To create a non-internet network, click on "other" in the wizard.

If you have any other queries, post back and either myself or someone else will guide you through it.

**Terrister** · 07-19-2006, 08:53 PM

This will work without SP2 on the XP box.
You need network cards in all 3. Now you need a hub or router to connect the 3.
Now you need to decide what network protocol they all need to run. TCPIP,IPX or another.
Post back with that and we can help you from there.

**Ralck** · 07-19-2006, 08:59 PM

When you say "combined resources" do you mean make all three computers act as one single computer? Or do you just want to have the three computers connected through their own private LAN so that you can access the files from one of the computers on all three?

Junaith · 07-20-2006, 12:50 AM

Yes Ralck,

I meant make all three computers act as one single computer.

Pls tell me how to do this.

Thanks!

**Terrister** · 07-20-2006, 06:11 AM

Please tell us what you want these combined computers to do and we can help you better.

**MunkyPhil** · 07-20-2006, 06:42 AM

Something for the other Techs and Mods here as this isn't something I know much about - What about a Direct Cable Connection using the parallel ports?

ebackhus · 07-20-2006, 08:50 AM

I remember using null connections for DooM co-op games in the late 90's. The speed is just too slow for modern file sharing.

All you'll really need is a DHCP device like a simple router, LAN cables, LAN cards for each PC, and a protocol. TCP/IP or IPX will be good enough for a basic home network.

07-19-2006, 06:28 PM	#1 (permalink)
Junaith Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 37 OS: 98	Local Grid Hi Friends, I have a LAN which consist of 3 desktop PCs. My aim is to set up a LAN grid which is not connected to the internet, but only to the local LAN. I want to use the combined resources of these 3 computers. Please tell me how to do this, and list the software /hardware (free software if any). Comp Specs 1. Pentium 4 HT • 2.6 GH Pentium 4 HT • 1GB RAM • Win 2KProf – SP4 2. Pentium 2 • Pentium 2 300MHz CPU • 384 MB RAM • Win XP Prof – SP1 3. Pentium MMX 200MHZ • Pentium 200MHz MMX CPU • 64MB RAM • Win 95 Thanks a lot!

07-19-2006, 06:59 PM	#2 (permalink)
chauffeur2 Manager Emeritus Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Adelaide, South Australia Posts: 10,180 OS: Xp Sp3 with all updates + Vista™ Ultimate SP1. My System	Hi Junaith, This is a long shot, but I think if you were to use the computer with Xp Pro on it you should be able to create a 'Network without an Internet Connection'; however, you would be advised first of all to install Sp2 on it. The main reason for the recommendation of Sp2 is that Microsoft will cease support for Sp1 as of October this year. Furthermore,I think the 'Network Connection Wizard' is part of Sp2. Once Sp2 is installed, you will need to navigate to 'My Network Places', or 'Network Connections' and start the 'Set up a "Home or small Office Network Wizard' from there..you will need a floppy disc, and run it on all computers; then, reboot all computers. To create a non-internet network, click on "other" in the wizard. If you have any other queries, post back and either myself or someone else will guide you through it. __________________ Dave T. Submit New Articles If it works, Don't fix it! Especially if Bill Gates had anything to do with it!!

07-19-2006, 08:53 PM	#3 (permalink)
Terrister Moderator Hardware Forum Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: West Georgia, USA Posts: 7,098 OS: Xp	This will work without SP2 on the XP box. You need network cards in all 3. Now you need a hub or router to connect the 3. Now you need to decide what network protocol they all need to run. TCPIP,IPX or another. Post back with that and we can help you from there. __________________

07-19-2006, 08:59 PM	#4 (permalink)
Ralck TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,454 OS: 98SE/XP PRO/FC4 My System	When you say "combined resources" do you mean make all three computers act as one single computer? Or do you just want to have the three computers connected through their own private LAN so that you can access the files from one of the computers on all three? __________________ Power Supply Info Everyone Should Read! How to Post Your System Specs

07-20-2006, 12:50 AM	#5 (permalink)
Junaith Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 37 OS: 98	Act as One computer Yes Ralck, I meant make all three computers act as one single computer. Pls tell me how to do this. Thanks!

07-20-2006, 06:11 AM	#6 (permalink)
Terrister Moderator Hardware Forum Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: West Georgia, USA Posts: 7,098 OS: Xp	Please tell us what you want these combined computers to do and we can help you better. __________________

07-20-2006, 06:42 AM	#7 (permalink)
MunkyPhil TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Liverpool, England Posts: 1,140 OS: Win XP Pro SP2 My System	Something for the other Techs and Mods here as this isn't something I know much about - What about a Direct Cable Connection using the parallel ports? __________________ "Now I am become death, the destroyer of worlds." - J. Robert Oppenheimer, July 16th 1945. CPU-z -- Memtest -- Speedfan -- Prime95 -- SandraLite Important Power Supply Info -- Applying Thermal Paste -- Posting System Specs

07-20-2006, 08:50 AM	#8 (permalink)
ebackhus Manager, Design Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: SATX Posts: 14,294 OS: WinXP Pro SP3/Windows 7 RTM My System Blog Entries: 28	I remember using null connections for DooM co-op games in the late 90's. The speed is just too slow for modern file sharing. All you'll really need is a DHCP device like a simple router, LAN cables, LAN cards for each PC, and a protocol. TCP/IP or IPX will be good enough for a basic home network. __________________ ----------------------------- There are no dumb questions, unless a customer is asking them. Help in the fight against cancer and other serious illnesses.