what exactly do i need to network two or three computers? (update: got 2 nics, a hub and two cables)

[DAM]

Well, like the topic says. What exactly do I need? I have two network cards. I know I need some sort of cable, can I make it myself?


If its only two computers, am I going to need a switch or hub?




All help greatly appreciate.




dam(finals today)

 

[nateholtrop]

hub.

nate

 

[bigbootydaddy]

with 2 comps you can buy one of those usb thingys to share files, or use win98se inet shraring and the two nics with cat5 cable (yes you can make)

3 or more you need a hub, or switch (smart hub) and a router if you only have one ip/broadband

search, cause i know others have gone into much farther detail

 

[skywhr]

and 2 or 3 NIC's

 

[Gorgonzola]

if its only 2 computers then you dont need a switch or a hub, just make a CAT5 crossover cable. instructions can be found here. link them up and set up the network properties in windows and your ready to go.

i can go into a more detailed explanation if need be, im just kinda tired right now

btw, this should probably have been posted in the networking forum.

[edit]fixed the link[/edit]

 

[Youareaweaklink]

If it is only two computers, then you don't need a hub. Just two cards and one "crossover" cable. 3 or more computers need a hub.

 

[Cable God]

easiest thing would be to get the 4 port cable/dsl router since it has a 4-port switch built in. Then all you need is some cat5 to connect to the network cards.

 

[DAM]

damn guys you are quick. and i know this belongs in networking, but its 8 am here, what are tha chances that theres a soul over on the other forum. i swung by, and the tumbleweeds said hello.


thanks for the info, i now need a crossover cable. whats the speed between to comps with a crossover cable? 10 mbs?





dam()

 

[Stallion]

I would assume that depends on the speed of your nic. We have 4 PCs on a Switch using ICS with W98. Works like a champ. One PC needs 2 nics (server) everyone else needs one (client).


[edit]spelling[/edit]

 

[Youareaweaklink]

<< whats the speed between to comps with a crossover cable? 10 mbs? >>



Depends on the network cards. If they are faster the nework will be faster i.e. 10/100

BTW this has been the most meaningful discussion/question I have seen in Off Topic for months

Better than the usual stuff, for example:

Poll: What brand of toothpaste do you use?

 

[Stallion]

Do you just want to network for games or to get out on the net? If it's to get on the net then &quot;crossover&quot; cables wont work, you would need regular cat5.

 

[Gorgonzola]

maybe we should rename it to the &quot;Occasionally on topic forum&quot;

 

[DAM]

LOL @ weaklink, dude you must not come here much, theres not such thing are meaningfull duscussions. well, maybe once in a while, there was a really good one about virgins/sex and another good one about fight club. but aside from that, same oh same oh.



btw: heres a question.

machine:
a) win2k
b) 98se and linux


so lets say i network both comps a and b, would computer b, be able to be networked both in linux and 98se? and what clients, setup and i supposed to have in order for both computers to talk to each other?





dam()

 

[DAM]

stallion: i just want to transfer files and make duplicat backups of both machines.





dam()

 

[Gorgonzola]

Stallion, it depends how you access the net. i have a dialup connection shared between 2 computers, simply by using a crossover and running ComSocks (or whatever connection sharing softwrae you like).

 

[DAM]

gorgonzola: i am on a modem, so you are saying i can share my connection with a crossover cable?



how, pray tell.




dam()

 

[Gorgonzola]

DAM, yes, if you chose just to connect the 2 computers using a crossover cable, it is very simple to share a net connection. once you have your network setup correctly (file sharing etc works) simply install ComSocks and then you will be ready to go (there is very little that needs to be configured) others may recommend other sharing programs, but i found ComSocks to be very simple (and it works with everything, www/popmail/irc/icq/etc).

 

[I'm Typing]

Hands. You need hands. It is really really hard to install a network without hands.

 

[CirekL]

I'd think first, you'd need 2 or 3 computers, no?

 

[Stallion]

I'm sure there are a bunch of ways to get hooked up but ICS was how we choose to do it, We have cable and besides the fact that if the host/server PC goes down then all connections are lost it works really well for us. I have never heard of Comsocks, does it come on one of the OS set-ups.

 

[DAM]

ok like the updated title says, now show me the path into the promised land.








dam(shux?)

 

[BCYL]

OK, so after you got all your hardware, follow the instructions on HomePCLAN to setup your network...