Ready to set up the network now, but...

Cheechat · 02-12-2007, 03:47 PM

I'm not sure yet about the the sequence of steps.

I have two computers, one is XP and the other is W98SE. I am using a Qwest broadband modem, currently hooked up to only the XP computer. I have a 5 port switch and ethernet cables ready to go.

I know that I need to have both computers turned off, the modem turned off, and the switch turned off before I do the disconnect and reconnect. My question is - in what order should I turn everything back on?

Once everything is up and running what will be different? Will I be able to "see" the other computer when I click on each computers 'My Computer'?

Thank you. I appreciate your help.

johnwill · 02-13-2007, 05:58 PM

What is the make/model of the broadband modem? If it's not one with routing capabilities, a simple switch won't do the job.

Cheechat · 02-13-2007, 07:01 PM

It's an Actiontec GT 701-wg. I've got everything up and running and both computers are online at the same time, email and all. Feels great! But I don't understand how to use one computer to share files with the other computer. Thanks for all your help. I'm really glad I stumbled on to this forum. You all are amazingly patient with us greenhorns.

johnwill · 02-14-2007, 03:49 PM

Take a look at this tutorial, it should get you started with file sharing: http://www.homenethelp.com/web/howto/net.asp

Remember, we were all greenhorns at one time.

Cheechat · 02-14-2007, 05:12 PM

That tutorial and the Shields Up link really made me pause. They seem to be implying that when I enable my computers to share files I will also be making them susceptible to attack. I use Zone Alarm and AVG - isn't that enough?Maybe it'd be better if I just leave things as they are. I can access the internet and my email with either computer right now. I can use a flash drive to transfer documents, etc.

johnwill · 02-14-2007, 05:51 PM

Actually, if you're behind a router, it won't make any change in what Shields Up sees.

I've had all my systems networked for years here, and millions others do as well. With the proper firewall, virus, spyware protection, you're quite safe.

Cheechat · 02-15-2007, 02:15 AM

Okay then - I'll give it a go this weekend. Thanks for the reassurance.

02-12-2007, 03:47 PM	#1 (permalink)
Cheechat Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 106 OS: XP Home My System	Ready to set up the network now, but... I'm not sure yet about the the sequence of steps. I have two computers, one is XP and the other is W98SE. I am using a Qwest broadband modem, currently hooked up to only the XP computer. I have a 5 port switch and ethernet cables ready to go. I know that I need to have both computers turned off, the modem turned off, and the switch turned off before I do the disconnect and reconnect. My question is - in what order should I turn everything back on? Once everything is up and running what will be different? Will I be able to "see" the other computer when I click on each computers 'My Computer'? Thank you. I appreciate your help.

02-13-2007, 05:58 PM	#2 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 32,581 OS: XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	What is the make/model of the broadband modem? If it's not one with routing capabilities, a simple switch won't do the job. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

02-14-2007, 03:49 PM	#4 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 32,581 OS: XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Take a look at this tutorial, it should get you started with file sharing: http://www.homenethelp.com/web/howto/net.asp Remember, we were all greenhorns at one time. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

02-14-2007, 05:51 PM	#6 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 32,581 OS: XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Actually, if you're behind a router, it won't make any change in what Shields Up sees. I've had all my systems networked for years here, and millions others do as well. With the proper firewall, virus, spyware protection, you're quite safe. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

02-13-2007, 07:01 PM	#3 (permalink)
Cheechat Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 106 OS: XP Home My System	It's an Actiontec GT 701-wg. I've got everything up and running and both computers are online at the same time, email and all. Feels great! But I don't understand how to use one computer to share files with the other computer. Thanks for all your help. I'm really glad I stumbled on to this forum. You all are amazingly patient with us greenhorns.

02-14-2007, 05:12 PM	#5 (permalink)
Cheechat Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 106 OS: XP Home My System	That tutorial and the Shields Up link really made me pause. They seem to be implying that when I enable my computers to share files I will also be making them susceptible to attack. I use Zone Alarm and AVG - isn't that enough?Maybe it'd be better if I just leave things as they are. I can access the internet and my email with either computer right now. I can use a flash drive to transfer documents, etc.

02-15-2007, 02:15 AM	#7 (permalink)
Cheechat Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 106 OS: XP Home My System	Okay then - I'll give it a go this weekend. Thanks for the reassurance.