wired network advice needed

[Steve T]

I have two XP PC's in the same room and can place them within 5' of each
other. I would like some advice and or recommendations as to which hardware
to purchase for ease of use and performance. I also would like to be able to
share a printer and scanner. Already have those two. Running cable. Thank
you, Steve T.

 

[Carey Holzman]

Not possible to share a scanner unless you buy a special scanner or
expensive third party software.

You can share files (not programs) and printers. That's why the service is
called File and Printer Sharing.

I'd recommend a router and two Ethernet patch cable (assuming both computers
already have NICs)

Carey

 

[Steve T]

Thanks Carey. Both computers have network cards. The scanner is not a
problem. More a matter of convenience for me than a necessity. I was hoping
for a brand recommendation such as Belkin, Netgear, etc as I don't have a
clue if there are different/higher standards as in wireless setups. Steve T

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

I have two XP PC's in the same room and can place them within 5' of each
other. I would like some advice and or recommendations as to which hardware
to purchase for ease of use and performance. I also would like to be able to
share a printer and scanner. Already have those two. Running cable. Thank
you, Steve T.

If you just want to share files and printers between the computers,
get a crossover Ethernet cable to connect them directly to each other
via their Ethernet adapters.

If you also want to share a cable modem connection between the
computers, get a home broadband router and two regular Ethernet
cables.

All of the brands that are available in computer and office supply
stores are fine. I usually shop based on price, which can change
weekly or even more often.

Sharing a scanner is only possible if the scanner manufacturer or a
third party supplies software to do it. Windows doesn't have that
capability built in. Here's one possible source:

http://www.remote-scan.com

Scanner sharing isn't as convenient as printer sharing. Unlike a
printer, you have to be physically present at a scanner to operate it.

Here are some possible alternatives to scanner sharing:

1. Scan images into a shared folder on the computer that connects to
the scanner, then access the images from the other computer(s).

2. Install the free RealVNC program on each computer, allowing you to
remotely control the computer that connects to the scanner from any
other computer on the network: http://www.realvnc.com
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

 

[Leythos]

I have two XP PC's in the same room and can place them within 5' of each
other. I would like some advice and or recommendations as to which hardware
to purchase for ease of use and performance. I also would like to be able to
share a printer and scanner. Already have those two. Running cable. Thank
you, Steve T.

Purchase a Linksys BEFSX41 router that has additional features, this is
one of their better units. You could also purchase a DI804HV unit, but
they are a little harder to setup, but they are even better than the
Linksys units.

The DI804HV is closer to a firewall than the SX41, but the SX41 unit is
cheaper and is a drop-in configuration for a cable modem internet setup.

You need to standard CAT5 cables, and then you can enable file/printer
sharing on your systems, you may have to disable the XP firewall (if you
are using Windows).