Setting up a simple network (Advice?)

I have;
a) two newer pcs's with winxp
b) a 10/100mb switch
c) a cable modem with Cox high speed net
What's the advice for someone who'd like to setup a lil'
old home network and be able to share our music/video
files?

Don't buy a router. The extra cost is not necessary.
You will need 2 network cards in the main pc that connects
to the internet and another network card in any additional
pc's that you want to connect to the main pc.

You will need to learn how to crimp the connectors or buy
long enough cable to reach from room to room. This can be
costly if you buy CAT5 wire with the connectors already
attached. Buy a crimper and learn how to crimp your own
wires.

You will need to buy a Hub. Preferably a powered hub. Not
a router! A hub is nothing more than wires in a box that
connect all the cables together and link them to the main
pc.

Plug a CAT5 wire from your second network card (on the
main pc) to the hub.

Plug a CAT5 wire from the hub going to your second pc's
network card.

On the second pc setup ICS. (internet connection sharing)

That is all that is needed. If you need help with setting
up ICS, check the Microsoft Knowledge base for ICS help.

This is the setup I use for 4 addtional pc's that are
shared with a main pc that is connected to a cable modem.
It works well enough for everyone to play internet games
at the same time.

If you want to simplify the wiring buy a wireless router.
It is much more costly, but you pay for convienence.

-----Original Message-----
if you want to share the internet access, you may want to
buy a router.
alternatively, setup ICS.

--
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Robert Lin, CNE & MCSE
Windows & Network Support, Tips and FAQs on
http://www25.brinkster.com/ChicagoTech
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties.

"Andrew" wrote in message
...
I have;
a) two newer pcs's with winxp
b) a 10/100mb switch
c) a cable modem with Cox high speed net
What's the advice for someone who'd like to setup a
lil'
old home network and be able to share our music/video
files?


.