Home Network question

[Harold A. Climer]

I have three computers at home that I would like to network, mainly
to share one HP Laser printer. and an HP Deskjet printer.but also to
get on the Internet.
I have a surplus Optisys 24 port Network switch and enough type 5
cable to wire Miami Beach. Each computer already has an Ethernet card
in it.
If I set up the network, all of them will be running Windows
XP Pro. (Two are already running it)
I have no broadband access and will not have it in the foreseeable
future.
I also have the chance to get a wired router/switch in trade for some
other electronics. Would that be a better choice, considering I have
no DSL etc. access?
Is it possible to access the Internet using any of the three computers
with a setup as described above, or would it be better for each
computer to have it's own Modem. (I have two separate Telephone lines
into my house)Any help would be most appreciated.
Harold A. Climer
Dept. Of Physics,Geololgy, and Astronomy
U.T. Chattanooga
318 Grote Hall
615 McCallie Ave
Chattanooga TN 37403

 

[Nick]

As you have no broadband you could just stick with a hub.
Which computer is connected to the internet/near a phone
line? Because you could use this one as a internet server
and connect the printer to it when this one is connected to
the internet all the other computers will have access.
Configuration should be easy wire everything up then boot
your 'server' run the network wizard and set that one up to
share your internet and the printer, restart. then do all
the other conputers but set them so they don't share the
internet this should set there I.P. Address to be something
different to 192.168.0.1 your server should be this.
Hope this helps post back if you have any problems.
Nick