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Re: Networking computers
oh.. I did not want you to think I was stepping on your toes ma'am.. It's all good now
oh.. I did not want you to think I was stepping on your toes ma'am.. It's all good now
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If you don't fight for what you deserve, you deserve what you get.
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Re: Networking computers
my goodness I am not that touchy about said things - the thread aint about me
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Re: Networking computers
Well, for the non-wireless printer Jazz could buy a low cost wireless printer server, if it does not have a cat-5 port on the printer to plug into the wireless router.
Jazz, the router takes the place of the PC server (minus the usual storage space of course).Comment
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Re: Networking computers
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jazz</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LinSkinny</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Mi seh, it hot in ya massa.
What is the operating system on the pcs? <span style="font-weight: bold">(Windows XP and Vista)</span>
You have a router and network switch already? (<span style="font-weight: bold">say warra? is the router the thing that sends the wireless signal to the vaius computers if swo then - yes - network switch I don't think so)</span>
I counted five pcs, plus two printers. That means you'll need 7 ports total to combine them. Most lower end routers and switches have 4 ports. That's under $100 for those. Add another $25 for network cables, but usually you have all those already too. Depending on the version of windows, it has a network wizard that makes things simple, or complicated depending on the state of the software on the pc. Networking them is not really that difficult.
Not sure why you would need a 'server' unless you're doing something more complicated than setting up a home network. Are you talking about a print server to share out the printer?
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Are you saying that all the computers have to be physically linked together??? KI was hoing it could be done wirelessly... I thought all networks need a server which is like the brains of the operation and which stores and backsup stuff.
mi confused \o/ </div></div>
The answer depends on the router. Some allow linking between the physical ports and the wireless connections, others do not. It varies by the version of firmware on the router and the router itself. Some you have to manually link by fiddling with the router routing table, while others do it automatically. Physical connections are always better if you are within the cable spec range and more secure than wireless. It isn't always needed to use cables, but that is going to depend on the router. Sometimes you don't know until you actually try it.
There are two different types of networks. (actually more, but for this discussion two.) Peer to peer which is probably the most effective for this particular situation, and the other type is client server, which is where you are thinking about a 'server' The term server is used interchangeably in peer to peer networks, but instead of say a single server doing everything, on a peer to peer you can have multiple pc sharing devices/folders. Think of the music sharing programs as an example. That is a type of peer to peer network.Comment
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Re: Networking computers
The first step in mixing the two operating systems is to check the workgroup that they are in. If none of the pcs/laptops are corporate machines, then it should be safe to change the workgroup name.
On the xp machine, right click on My computer, properties, computer name tab, change. Make sure the workgroup is the same on all the xp machines. Then you go to My computer, My Network Places, Setup a small network for home or office. The wizard should lead you though the steps needed. Putting all the pcs in the same workgroup makes it easier. It can be done with other workgroups, but I usually do that manually.
On the vista machine it is similar. If you have account security turn off, it will make this process easier. I've found on some Vista machines, I have to add in the xp user to the login, so that the xp machines can find it on the network, even when it is in the same group. I haven't bothered to research why because usually I get it working. The printer that isn't wireless can be hooked to one of the ports as a network printer, then shared out. When it is shared out, the other machines should be able to find it on the network too. The wireless printer, same thing.
It really isn't that difficult, but when mixing two operating systems, you occasionally run into some Microsoft quirks, especially then the stupid microsoft wizard does something you don't want it to. (that has not changed since win 3.1) I've tested the usb network setup wizard between pcs and it works in many cases. You basically take a usb thumb drive between the pcs you want to network and it does everything for you.Comment
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Re: Networking computers
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nylah</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
naah woman, he is confirming the same as me that you have a wireless router to link up all your things! You dont need to link them physcially if you have a wireless router.
If you are using a non-wireless router then you need a network switch to hook it all up.
You dont necessarily need a server. If you want to store all your information on on PC then a network wizard will allow you to do so. My work laptop, I dont keep any files on it anymore since all my work files are on my desktop in my office. My desktop then remotely backups
every night at midnight, so no need for a separate expensive server. If you have just a home office, a server is simply too much.
so you havent downloaed the trail version and play with the software to see how it works?
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OK Cool - cause Linskinny asked about network cables - that sounded like he was talking about a physical linking... mi nevva have time yessideh fe ramp wid it - I'll do it before the end of the week - I need a solid 4 hours that I can dedicate to it.Comment
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Re: Networking computers
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kia</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
ok you said you have
2 desktops
3 laptops
1 regular printer
1 wireless printer
and your objective is to have all connected wireless to share data between the PCs and print from both printers yes? <span style="color: #FF0000">(YES)</span>
You have confirmed you have a wireless router
<span style="color: #FF0000">(YES)</span>
Now do the 2 desktops have a wireless device attached to it so it can access the internet wirelessly? Either a card that used internally or a device connected externally via USB? <span style="color: #FF0000">(All the machines can connect wirelessly to the internet now)
</span>
I will assume the 3 laptops have built in Network Interface Cards(NIC)
I will also assume the wireless printer has a NIC. <span style="color: #FF0000">(YES and YEs)</span>
so that leaves one printer that will need to be networked. <span style="color: #FF0000">(The software that Nylah recommended said that I can just hook that printer up to one of the computers and let the network find it through that machine nuh so?)</span>
If all the PCs have wireless cards then it is just a function of having them connect into your router and I think you know how to do that already.
I have a wireless printer at home but the way it works is that it is physically connected by ethernet cable to one of the ports on the router. The printer is assigned an IP address by the router and I have it designated as my 'network printer' <span style="color: #FF6666">(the wireless printer speaks wirelessly to all the computers now)
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The non wireless printer will have to be connected either to one of the PCs that is on the network or I think it can connect to the router (if it is modern enough I have an old clunker non wireless printer as well) but dont recall how it works when router connected.. I can remember physical connections to the pcs.
and as Nylah said the Network Magic will ensure the connectivity you need and the way you need it
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Thanks Keyer - I think Net work Magic is definitely the way to go...
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Re: Networking computers
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nylah</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
no I agree. I made assumptions about her level of understanding and that she knew she needed to have certain things in place
she should be able to follow things now. </div></div>
- bout made assumptions - tap talk like mi ah ediat - mi did undastan! 
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Re: Networking computers
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: J kid</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well, for the non-wireless printer Jazz could buy a low cost wireless printer server, if it does not have a cat-5 port on the printer to plug into the wireless router.
Jazz, the router takes the place of the PC server (minus the usual storage space of course). </div></div>
Gotcha! - thanks Jkid.
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Re: Networking computers
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LinSkinny</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The first step in mixing the two operating systems is to check the workgroup that they are in. If none of the pcs/laptops are corporate machines, then it should be safe to change the workgroup name.
On the xp machine, right click on My computer, properties, computer name tab, change. Make sure the workgroup is the same on all the xp machines. Then you go to My computer, My Network Places, Setup a small network for home or office. The wizard should lead you though the steps needed. Putting all the pcs in the same workgroup makes it easier. It can be done with other workgroups, but I usually do that manually.
On the vista machine it is similar. If you have account security turn off, it will make this process easier. I've found on some Vista machines, I have to add in the xp user to the login, so that the xp machines can find it on the network, even when it is in the same group. I haven't bothered to research why because usually I get it working. The printer that isn't wireless can be hooked to one of the ports as a network printer, then shared out. When it is shared out, the other machines should be able to find it on the network too. The wireless printer, same thing.
It really isn't that difficult, but when mixing two operating systems, you occasionally run into some Microsoft quirks, especially then the stupid microsoft wizard does something you don't want it to. (that has not changed since win 3.1) I've tested the usb network setup wizard between pcs and it works in many cases. You basically take a usb thumb drive between the pcs you want to network and it does everything for you. </div></div>
Linskinny - I;m gonna get the software Nylah recommended then i'm gonna come look at what yuh saying step by step...
All in all though it sounds like something I can do myself instead of paying out more money to this guy...
Thank you very much!
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Re: Networking computers
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jazz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
All in all though it sounds like something I can do myself instead of paying out more money to this guy...
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Another poor IT Guy bites di dust! Unnu kno sey man haffi feed dem family?
Unnu noh realize sey unnu ah tek food outs di bredda 10 pickney mouth?! Unnu is ah bad seta people yuh noh!Comment
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Re: Networking computers
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: J kid</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jazz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
All in all though it sounds like something I can do myself instead of paying out more money to this guy...
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Another poor IT Guy bites di dust! Unnu kno sey man haffi feed dem family?
Unnu noh realize sey unnu ah tek food outs di bredda 10 pickney mouth?! Unnu is ah bad seta people yuh noh! </div></div>
BOADWL - no man mi still need him fe certain odda tings
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Re: Networking computers
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jazz</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nylah</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
no I agree. I made assumptions about her level of understanding and that she knew she needed to have certain things in place
she should be able to follow things now. </div></div>
- bout made assumptions - tap talk like mi ah ediat - mi did undastan! </div></div>
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Re: Networking computers
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nylah</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jazz</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nylah</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
no I agree. I made assumptions about her level of understanding and that she knew she needed to have certain things in place
she should be able to follow things now. </div></div>
- bout made assumptions - tap talk like mi ah ediat - mi did undastan! </div></div>
</div></div>
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Re: Networking computers
Dem people yah is wan vilent bunch! Mek mi stay outa arms reach.
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