Starting from scratch

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We’ve just upgraded computers here at work, and my boss has given one of the old computers to my son. We already have one computer at home, and it will be a relief to no longer have to fight for computer time. I’d like to be able to network the two computers (both Win 98 OSes) so that we can both be online at the same time. We are currently using a dial-up account to access the internet, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.

We also upgraded our work network from hubs to a switch, so I also have access to one of the old 8-port hubs, if I can use it to create a home network.

What do I need to do first? Are there programs I need to install, and do I need any additional hardware? Any and all advice (spelled out in simple, step-by-step instructions) would be appreciated.

TIA

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Here’s a great place to start a little “reading” project. I’ve always gotten a lot out of Practically Networked. You might even want to start at the root page, rather than the sharing page I’m suggesting. There’s just so much to tell, it would be a whole lot easier to help you if’n you do a little reading and deciding first.

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Thanks, Al. I’ve browsed through the Practically Networked site, and I can see I’m going to need to do my homework. I knew there was a lot I don’t understand about networking, but I hadn’t realized just how far behind I was!!

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Here are the basics. You should get a crossover cable (NOT a patch cable) that is long enough to connect the two PC’s. Connect them to the NIC (Network Card) Next set up Internet Connection Sharing on the PC that is connected to the internet, You will be asked to make a floppy disk, go ahead. When complete put the disk in the computer that is not directly connect to the internet and run the program.

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Thanks for the info, Kent. It sounds fairly straightforward, but I now realize that I don’t even know if my home computer has a network card! Probably not, as I bought it straight off the shelf at Costco 3 1/2 years ago.

I think this is a project that I’ll turn over to my son to complete, and I’ll just hover over his shoulder while he gets his hands dirty.

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