AlanHo Posted May 31, 2005 Report Share Posted May 31, 2005 I have a standard desktop computer and a new notebook which I would like to connect together to both transfer files and share my Telewest cable broadband access. My destop has an Asus A8V motherboard with IEEE 1394 firewire and USB2 sockets. It also has a RJ-45 LAN socket which is connected to my cable modem. OS is Windows XP home SP2My Dell notebook has Wireless LAN 802.11b, USB2, IEEE 1394 Firewire, and 10/100 Ethernet LAN RJ-45 connections. OS is Windows XP Home SP2I have little idea what all this means - I have simply copied the info from each computer spec.I have read the pinned articles on networking by homecomputeraid but my limited knowledge of the subject means I don't understand what it is all about.What is the best way of connecting the two computers together so that the notebook can share the cable internet connection? If possible - can both computers use the web at the same time and will the link enable me to transfer files between the machines. Will I need extra software or hardware? - if so what.I would stress that my technical knowledge is very limited. Hence a detailed and simply worded response would be appreciated.Dumb aint I ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
expertec Posted May 31, 2005 Report Share Posted May 31, 2005 Probably a wireless router is best.You plug the cable modem and the desktop into it, and wirelessly connect the laptop.It will do everything you need, sharing internet/files etc. :)Should be able to get one for a very reasonable price online, and it shouldn't be hard to setup. :)http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/in...oduct_uid=51436 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
homecomputeraid Posted May 31, 2005 Report Share Posted May 31, 2005 AlanHo,Please be sure you get a Firewall/Router. I think the one on the link provided by Expertec is a Wireless Router (the documentation says it 'acts as a NAT Firewall). My personal recommendation is to get one that does Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) which should be available for not too much more money. I'm not sure if you have ADSL, but here's one potential candidate:http://www.linksys.com/international/produ...coid=6&ipid=667And here's a link to it on the eBuyer Site:http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/in...oduct_uid=59951You can shop around, but should specifically look for SPI, not just NAT.Just my recommendation. :) Maybe I'm just paranoid? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
expertec Posted May 31, 2005 Report Share Posted May 31, 2005 I was just offering that as an example, not specifically recommending purchase.And he said "cable modem" not ADSL. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
homecomputeraid Posted May 31, 2005 Report Share Posted May 31, 2005 Thanks expertec,Here's a cable version:http://www.linksys.com/international/produ...coid=6&ipid=416[edit]This one looks cool too. :) Not sure I'd pay double the price just for looks though.It's a bit pricey though:http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/in...oduct_uid=59954Here's a Netgear for ~45 pounds.http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/in...oduct_uid=48546 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanHo Posted May 31, 2005 Author Report Share Posted May 31, 2005 Thanks for the info guys - but I feel like I am a bit out of my depth here.Am I right in assuming that If I purchased the Wireless Cable/DSL Firewall Router that I would park it alongside my desktop computer, plug the wire from my cable modem into it and then plug the Router into the network socket on the computer. I assume that the laptop could also be connected to the Router by a network cable - or I could use the wireless facility built into the laptop (if only I knew how). This sponsors a few more questions if you could bear with me.What specification cables would I need to buy.If the Router has a built in Firewall - do I need to switch off the XP firewalls on both computers.Do I need anti virus and malware software on the laptop - I assume so because it seems as though it connects to the internet directly through the Router rather than via the desktop.Can both computers use the internet at the same time - if so I assume some drop in speed if both are on heavy downloads.Can I transfer files from the laptop to the desktop and vici-versa via the router. If so, what software is required and how does it work.I assume that if I use the laptop's wireless connection - I can use it anywhere in the house provided the Router is powered up. Does the Desktop also need to be running.I read somewhere that Wireless Routers can interfere with cordless phones (or was it the other way round). Is this the case because we have 6 cordless phones in the house.Sorry to be a bothersome newbie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
expertec Posted May 31, 2005 Report Share Posted May 31, 2005 Am I right in assuming that If I purchased the Wireless Cable/DSL Firewall Router that I would park it alongside my desktop computer, plug the wire from my cable modem into it and then plug the Router into the network socket on the computer. I assume that the laptop could also be connected to the Router by a network cable - or I could use the wireless facility built into the laptop (if only I knew how).Cat5 patch cables (straight, not crossover). You already have one for the modem, the router will probably come with one, so you may not need to buy any.If the Router has a built in Firewall - do I need to switch off the XP firewalls on both computers.You shouldn't need it if the router has one built in, and I would say yes as it can cause problems when you network the PCs.Do I need anti virus and malware software on the laptop - I assume so because it seems as though it connects to the internet directly through the Router rather than via the desktop.That is correct.Can both computers use the internet at the same time - if so I assume some drop in speed if both are on heavy downloads.Right again.Can I transfer files from the laptop to the desktop and vici-versa via the router. If so, what software is required and how does it work.Yes you can, no extra software is needed. Windows has networking functions built in.I assume that if I use the laptop's wireless connection - I can use it anywhere in the house provided the Router is powered up. Does the Desktop also need to be running.Yes you can use it anywhere (dependent on signal strenth), and only the router needs to be running, not the desktop PC.I read somewhere that Wireless Routers can interfere with cordless phones (or was it the other way round). Is this the case because we have 6 cordless phones in the house.It can happen, but it is usually possible to eliminate the problem by changing the wireless channel used by the router and wifi card.Sorry to be a bothersome newbieThat's OK, we all have to start somewhere. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
homecomputeraid Posted May 31, 2005 Report Share Posted May 31, 2005 Thanks again Expertec! :)Alan,In answer to your question about whether you need Antivirus, and Antispyware software, absolutely. The hardware firewall will only be protecting you from outside access that you don't request. It does little to nothing to stop viruses or spyware (which usually enter your computer when you inadvertently 'ask' for it by clicking or opening something). Sorry to be a bothersome newbieNot at all! That's what the forum's for! My Networking Essentials links at the top of the forum, and Scuzzman's Wireless tutorial may help, but feel free to post any time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanHo Posted June 3, 2005 Author Report Share Posted June 3, 2005 Next instalmentI have ordered the Netgear Router - it is due to be delivered on Monday so please brace yourselves for more questions.One that springs to mind - I have 2 printers connected to my Desktop via USB1 cables. A Brother HL1450 laserAn Epson Stylus Photo 750 inkjet.Both are about 3 years old but still providing sterling service.Is it possible to connect these printers in some way that the Desktop and laptop can both access them - or do I have to scrap them and buy a new network printer? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
homecomputeraid Posted June 4, 2005 Report Share Posted June 4, 2005 Alan,You absolutely do not need a network printer (in fact, for home use, they can be a bit confusing!). All you have to do is right click on the printer and share it, depending on the Operating System. You'll want to have the drivers readily available on the computer that you'll be connecting to them from. We'll hook you up when it's time. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanHo Posted June 6, 2005 Author Report Share Posted June 6, 2005 My Netgear WGR614 Wireless Cable Firewall router arrived 2 hours ago and I am now typing this on my laptop connected to my new network using its internal wireless thingy.Installing the router was unbelievably easy. I was a bit worried not to find a set up manual in the box - you have to print your own off the set up CD which is 59 pages of technical jargon that would take quite a bit of studying. Undismayed, I crossed my fingers, stuck the CD into my desktop drive and followed the simple step by step instructions on the screen which are an absolute breeze. It takes you through every step with a description and diagram - too easy for words.Having got the router working I then went to Windows control panel on the desktop - clicked on the network wizard - and went through all the set up steps in perhaps 3 minutes before repeating the exercise on the laptop.Bingo - it worked first time and I am now sharing files across both computers with the laptop working beautifully anywhere in the house. The only problem I am wrestling with is with one of the printers. Both printers are USB connected to my desktop and set for sharing. The Epson injet works fine from the laptop - but the Brother laser has a glitch. When I print to it I get an error message stating "There is not enough space on your PC. Make room on the hard disc by deleting some files". If I click OK the message vanishes and the printer then works OK. I do not believe the message - I have 30 Gb of space on the hard disc. I have not been required to instal any printer drivers on the laptop so it obviously uses those on the desktop without a problem - other than the irritating error message on just the one printer.Many thanks to the guys who encouraged me in this thread - Netgear and Microsoft make setting up a wireles network so very easy for the most inexperienced newbie like myself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
homecomputeraid Posted June 6, 2005 Report Share Posted June 6, 2005 I have 30 Gb of space on the hard disc.You're not trying to print a 30 Gig file are you? :blink: Just kidding. :)Personally, I'd download the drivers from the Internet for the problem printer even though it doesn't seem to ask for them. Just go here:http://esupport.epson-europe.com/SupportHome.aspx?lng=en-GBinput your model, and OS, and I hope one of the options you'll see is Driver Downloads.Glad you gave it a try, and glad it sounds like it was so easy for you. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanHo Posted June 7, 2005 Author Report Share Posted June 7, 2005 Having now got my notebook and desktop computers talking to each other - I have a slight problem with Emails.I use Outlook for Email on both machines.What is the best way of transferring to the desktop, copies of all Email messages sent from the notebook.At present I am exporting the messages to a comma separated file on the notebook and then, using the network, importing the file into Outlook on the desktop. it's cumbersome but works.Is there an easier method? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanHo Posted June 7, 2005 Author Report Share Posted June 7, 2005 homecomputeraidThanks for the thought about printer drivers. It is the Brother printer that is misbehaving - but only when I print from the notebook computer - it's fine from the desktop computer.I have checked the Brother web site and I am using the latest driver. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
homecomputeraid Posted June 7, 2005 Report Share Posted June 7, 2005 I have not been required to instal any printer drivers on the laptopAlan, are you saying you already have the drivers on the desktop and feel you don't need them on the laptop, or am I missing something?You'll want the drivers on both computers. Are the drivers present and up to date on both? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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