network and internet

[the dave]

I have what may be a basic question, but one I could use clarification on
from someone in the know.

If I need to setup a network with a server and 3 workstations, and all need
internet access, does the internet and the networking happen together
through a ethernat cable together. Do the computers need 2 ethernet jacks
and do I set up the internet and the networking separate or exactly where do
I start?

I know how to get all the computers on-line through the dsl modem, but Im
not sure if I need to set up something seperate or exactly what to allow the
computers to all communicate with the server..

Any help is greatly appreciated.

thanks

the dave
mailto:[email protected]

 

[Malke]

I have what may be a basic question, but one I could use clarification
on from someone in the know.

If I need to setup a network with a server and 3 workstations, and all
need internet access, does the internet and the networking happen
together through a ethernat cable together. Do the computers need 2
ethernet jacks and do I set up the internet and the networking
separate or exactly where do I start?

I know how to get all the computers on-line through the dsl modem, but
Im not sure if I need to set up something seperate or exactly what to
allow the computers to all communicate with the server..

You need:

1. DSL modem
2. Router attached to DSL modem. A 4-port router will work for now. You
can always buy a switch if you need more ports later. Or get an 8-port
router to start with if you have network printers (best choice for
printer sharing).
3. Install the hardware and all the computers should be able to access
the Internet. Then for the Local Area Networking (lan), just make sure
all machines have file/printer sharing enabled and all firewalls are
properly configured to allow lan traffic as trusted.

You use the term "server" but didn't mention what server operating
system you have. If you really mean a "pseudo-server" - a machine that
is running XP and not Windows Server 2000 or 2003 and is being used as
a file/backup server - then nothing else needs to be done. Here is a
cut/paste about basic networking:

Run the Network Setup Wizard on all computers, making sure to enable
File & Printer Sharing, and reboot. The only "gotcha" is that this will
turn on the XPSP2 Windows Firewall. If you aren't running a third-party
firewall or have an antivirus with "Internet Worm Protection" (like
Norton 2005/06) which acts as a firewall, then you're fine. If you have
third-party firewall software, configure it to allow the Local Area
Network traffic as trusted. I usually do this with my firewalls with an
IP range. Ex. would be 192.168.1.0-192.168.1.254. Obviously you would
substitute your correct subnet.

If one or more of the computers is XP Pro or Media Center:

a. If you need Pro's ability to set fine-grained permissions, turn off
Simple File Sharing (Folder Options>View tab) and create identical user
accounts/passwords on all computers.

b. If you don't care about using Pro's advanced features, leave the
Simple File Sharing enabled.

Simple File Sharing means that Guest (network) is enabled. This means
that anyone without a user account on the target system can use its
resources. This is a security hole but only you can decide if it
matters in your situation.

Then create shares as desired. XP Home does not permit sharing of users'
home directories (My Documents) or Program Files, but you can share
folders inside those directories. A better choice is to simply use the
Shared Documents folder.

Malke

 

[Paul Johnson]

I have what may be a basic question, but one I could use clarification on
from someone in the know.

If I need to setup a network with a server and 3 workstations, and all
need internet access, does the internet and the networking happen together
through a ethernat cable together. Do the computers need 2 ethernet jacks
and do I set up the internet and the networking separate or exactly where
do I start?

You might want to hit your local bookstore for some basic networking type
books or Google for some beginner's guides.

The basic idea, though, is you want to put a router (something that connects
two different networks) between the Internet and your home network. This
gives your network a nice gated community and

I know how to get all the computers on-line through the dsl modem, but Im
not sure if I need to set up something seperate or exactly what to allow
the computers to all communicate with the server..

Easiest method is to go get yourself one of those Linksys routers (don't get
a wireless one if you don't have any wireless network devices, wireless
ones are more expensive and if improperly used can unintentionally give
access to your network to anybody within the physical proximity of your
router, walls and doors be damned) and follow the instructions that come
with it. If you're looking for the Magic Fix, your average consumer-level
Linksys router is good enough for home use in most cases.

I don't suggest using Windows Internet Connection Sharing for pretty much
the same reasons I don't suggest using Windows directly attached to the
Internet. Windows just isn't up to the task of fending off a determined
attacker even when patched, thanks to undisclosed security flaws.

 

[Paul Johnson]

You use the term "server" but didn't mention what server operating
system you have. If you really mean a "pseudo-server" - a machine that
is running XP and not Windows Server 2000 or 2003...

Just a minor clarification: The operating system is not what makes it a
server. Having services listening for incoming connections makes it a
server. There's no "pseudo-server" concept in the client-server model.