Need help setting up a internet and printer sharing computer at home.

[Trevelyan]

Okay, I just bought a cheap little system and I want to set it up in my home to share my dial up internet with the computers on my home lan. As of now there are two computers hooked up to a switch and the server computer hooked into the switch also.

What I want is for this computer to do is sit in the corner and stay connected to the internet 24/7 and also allow computers on the lan to print to it's printer. My question is: What OS should I use, and what program(s) should I use to setup those things?

Here is the server computer specs:

HP Netserver LC
486 100mhz
256k cache upgrade
40mb ram
1gig scsi hd
3 scsi cdroms
isa 3com nic

Oh, and it's an RJ45 switch.

 

[ronin100]

OK.... here we go....

As for OS's, I recommend windows 2k pro, mainly for dunctionality and stability (if your gonna have it on 24/7).. Now, for the internet connection sharing.....

Using win 2k (on a modem) go to the DUN bit and go to the conxion properties - there should be a tab called SHARING....click the checkbox and it will auto assign the IP to the server....effectively making it a proxy server....set all the other pcs to AUTO assign....and in internet options click on 'auto-detect proxy setting'....hey presto...a network...

 

[ronin100]

i mean functionality, not dunctionality....
also, if it does not assign it, leave the default gateway BLANK as it should find it itself.....hurrah

 

[Trevelyan]

How do I install win2k on it... I mean, aren't there system requirements for win2k?

 

[JackMDS]

Win2K on 486 with 40MB????

Win98SE will do.

Option 1(I can spend some money): Get SMC Barricade (instead of the Switch). The Barricade has a Printer Server, and can use an external Modem.

Barricade's Review.

Option2 (I am short on cash): Install Windows 98SE and configure ICS (part of Win98SE) to share. Configure the Computer with the printer to share the printer.

All that you want to know about ICS.

 

[Trevelyan]

Ok, yeah, I think I'll do that with Win98SE... heh, I don't think I could stand to wait 15 minutes for 2k to boot up...