Networking two computers

[ROBERT]

Using the information from "Steps for creating a home or
small office network" found in Windows xp-home edition, I
purchased One 5-port workgroup switch, two USB 2.0
network adapters and two RJ45 cables. I installed them
between the two computers. The comuter detected new
hardware (and was aware that it was Cisco System's
Linksys adapters) and instructed me to put the program
disk for that equipment in the drive. When I did, I was
warned that if I continued with the installation, I could
damage my system immediately or damage could occur at
some later date. The network equipment was purchased at
Best Buy and the sales clerk seemed to know what he was
doing. I did not continue with the installation because I
cannot chance damaging my computers and losing any client
information (I am a CPA). What am I doing wrong? Should I
continue with the installation and ignore the warning?
Does anyone recommend other equipment? Hope to hear from
someone out there. Thanks.

 

[Chuck]

Using the information from "Steps for creating a home or
small office network" found in Windows xp-home edition, I
purchased One 5-port workgroup switch, two USB 2.0
network adapters and two RJ45 cables. I installed them
between the two computers. The comuter detected new
hardware (and was aware that it was Cisco System's
Linksys adapters) and instructed me to put the program
disk for that equipment in the drive. When I did, I was
warned that if I continued with the installation, I could
damage my system immediately or damage could occur at
some later date. The network equipment was purchased at
Best Buy and the sales clerk seemed to know what he was
doing. I did not continue with the installation because I
cannot chance damaging my computers and losing any client
information (I am a CPA). What am I doing wrong? Should I
continue with the installation and ignore the warning?
Does anyone recommend other equipment? Hope to hear from
someone out there. Thanks.

Robert,

What you're doing is perfectly legal and reasonable. The message was just
Microsoft reminding you that everything you do with their OS carries risk, so
you can't blame them if something goes wrong (as if they provide support
anyway).

OTOH, I have to ask why you want to use USB adapters for networking two
computers. Do your computers not have Ethernet ports already? Most modern
Windoze systems contain built in Ethernet ports. Adding a second Ethernet port,
IMHO, is somewhat superfluous.

And Robert, please don't contribute to the spread of email address mining
viruses. Learn to munge your email address properly, to keep yourself a bit
safer when posting to open forums. Protect yourself and the rest of the
internet - never post your address unmunged.
http://www.mailmsg.com/SPAM_munging.htm

Cheers,
Chuck
Paranoia comes from experience - and is not necessarily a bad thing.