Advice needed

[dc9mm3]

I have 3 computers which am planning on connecting to a router for both internet connectio via cable modem and to network the 3 computers. All running win XP home edition. I know how to get them all connected to internet through router but not sure how to network them through the router? First is this the way to do it?

Second main question One of the computers is brand new Dell system and i want to basicly clone one of the older computers to the new one so all 3 computers have the same programs installed and same data information. Or is it better just to install on new computer all the programs i need and then network the computers to copy data information (doc files and data base for sales program) onto new computer?

Just trying to do this the easyest way possable. Thankls for any help.

 

[ktwebb]

If you have imaging software (Symantec Ghost, PowerQuest Image etc..) you can image one machine then put that image on the other machines, running sysprep from the windows CD first so all your hardware and so forth is properly recognized and installed via plug and play. Frankly it's probably going to be easier and cheaper to just install the apps over but if your comfortable with imaging software then that would be the quickest and perhaps the easiest to do, again IF you've done it a few times AND you have the software to do it.

Google XP file sharing or XP home networking tutorial for a walkthrough on how to setup your network.

 

[JackMDS]

Three computers connected to a Router and working with the Internet already constitute a Network. You have to configure the computer's Sharing to share Files and printers.

Log to this page it has a lot of links to instructions to Windows Network Settings, and Sharing.

Link to: Windows Network - Installing & Sharing.

If I have a solid clean computer I usually Ghost, otherwise I install from scratch.

When Ghosting computers for the same Network you have to make the three computers Network ID unique other wise you would have Network conflict.

If you use Windows, whether you install or Ghost you would need additional licenses for the software.

:sun: