New network

[savak]

Hi

I have two computers, one HP Laserjet 4, one HP 7450 inkjet and a Zoom X3 ADSL Modem linked to one of the computers.

Currently I use bluetooth that is giving me no end of problems. java script:emoticon(':ranting:', 'smid_15')

smilie

What I want to know is what extra/replacement hardware do I need to network it all together so that both computers can use the internet together and either computer print to either printer?

Thanks

Graeme

Oops should have said wirelessly!

[homecomputeraid]

An Ethernet network interface card (NIC) for each computer (make sure they don't already have one first as many computers come with them now), and Router/Firewall, and of course Category 5 cables to hook it all together. You could go Wireless, but it's an add level of complexity unless you have a need for it.

You would have a printer hooked to each PC using a USB or Parallel cable, then share it. Hook each PC to the Router/Firewall, and hook the Internet port on the Router to the Zoom Cable Modem.

If you have a choice between USB or PCI NIC's, I definitely recommend PCI.

[savak]

What about going wireless?

This is my preferred option as there will also be a laptop occasionally used for the printers.

What I thought of was because the two computers are not near enough to use cables use wireless for the computers and Laserjet, which has a network port, and use the bluetooth for the injet as one of the printer receivers works well. The other one windows xp doesn't remember its there at all.

Graeme

[homecomputeraid]

Wireless will be slightly more expensive and difficult to configure, but could be worth it if you want to use a laptop and be mobile.

To do wireless, you'll want a Wireless Router/Firewall (There's a review of some here: http://www.firewallguide.com/wireless.htm), and wireless NIC's. You could get an inexpensive wireless print server for the printers, or you could get a regular Ethernet print server and use a cable (printers aren't usually moved around much).