How do I network my 2 home computers together?

Question

I've got them connected by a cable and when they're both on it confirms their connected, but I can't access the internet via the second one, nor access files which should be shared. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Also, when I try to connect to the internet directly with the second PC it doesn't work (it has once before but I can't remember how I managed to do that!)

My main computer has 2 network cards, one that connects directly to Broadband and the other was from when it was networked to an older computer. The new one has just one network card. Never had a router with my old computer and connection,don't know what that is.

Answer 1

you need a router

Answer 2

We could answer better if we knew how you are connected to the internet - Cable or ADSL, whether you are using a single modem, or, as many have pointed out, a router.

If you aren't using a suitable router - one that can act down as your broadband connection and a network hub - then it is far easier to buy one and replace whatever solution you have now.

If you have ADSL, in order of price, I firmly recommend any of the following Netgear routers as they are stable, secure and really, really easier to set up.

DG834 (about £45 now)
through
DG834N RangeMax NEXT ADSL2+ Wireless Router (about £110)

Naturally there are cheaper solutions.

For this solution:
Plug the ADSL lead into the router.
Plug a (cat5) network into your main computer, connecting it to the hub at the back of the router.
Ditto for the second computer.
For file sharing between computers you may need to turn this on (the wizard with XP generally works), remembering to have the same workgroup name for each PC - even if it is the default 'Workgroup'

Works pretty much the same for Cable routers.

Answer 3

You've got everything you need to allow both computers to access the internet.

1) Main computer with two NIC connections
2) Second computer with one NIC
3) Broadband access

There is just one piece you may be missing - it is called a cross-over cable. This cable is the one you would use to connect both of your computers with - directly. If you are using a regular CAT5 cable (straight through) - without using a switch/hub/router inbetween the computers, they will not talk.

Then all is needed to be done is on the second computer with one NIC:

Configure the main computer's IP as its default gateway, give it the appropriate DNS entries and assign it a unique IP (non-routable - ie: 192.168.1.x)

On the main computer you would:

Configure the broadband interface (NIC) to communicate with your broadband modem. Configure the second NIC to communicate with the second computer. Ensure that it is enabled to allow other computers to access the internet through that system (main computer).

Then you should be up and running like a champ.

Answer 4

I suggest you get a router (will be around $25) from any computer store. Connect your internet cable to the router, and the cables from the router to your PC. This is the most hassle free solution to home networks.

Answer 5

Listen, your level of knowlege and experiance is too limited and this subject to complicated for anyone to assist in helping you setup a network here at Anwers. I highly suggest you purchase a book called "Absolute Beginner's Guide to Home Networking" by Mark Edward Soper.

This book explains everything you will need to know in properly networking your computers. It explains the terms you don't understand, what hardware you need, helps you choose a Wired or Wireless network and even instructs on hooking up other nodes for your network like Game Consoles, Security Cameras, Entertainment devices such as DvD player, stereo, t.v. etc.

It is easy to follow and understand. Once you have the book and have read up on Home Networking you can come here for advice on specific issues, rather than attempt to get an entire general understanding here. Nobody can provide proper instructions here you could simply print and follow.

I know how intimendating this entire process can be when it can seem such a complicated process. There ARE many different subject areas within Networking and you will need to take each level of Networking step by step. Plus, reading up and learning how to do this on your own will increase not only your knowlege of computers, networking, security, encryption, routers, adapters, nodes, etc, it will increase your self confidence in ability to accomplish this on your own.

Once you have the basics you will see it is not that difficult to put a network together. However, it does take planning before implimentation.

One more thing you need to know. Over the last several years, while all these different hardware, software, specs etc have been evolving, a lot of people wrote up information and put it on the net, but as things changed these sites did not update the informaiton. So, doing research on the web can take you into a world of good and bad information. If you don't know even the basics you could very easily get misled and become very coonfused. So, stick to websites like Microsoft, Dell, HP, and other reputable sourses for updated computer and networking information, but leave the rest alone. When you have increased you knowlege base you will have a higher ability to know if something out on the web is obsolete or viable.

Just get the book, or another book like it, though I highly reccommend the one listed above, read up (The book is not huge, and sticks to the point, easy to understand and follow) then for specific additional issues come here for Answers or to a Microsoft News Group, etc.

Good luck setting up your home network. It really is not difficult once you have basic information and level of understanding. I am serious about it not being mysterious or difficult once you have the basic informaiton beyound a basic understanding of what a network is suppose to do.

If you find you are intrigued and wish more knowlege of this topic and other topics get the Microsoft Press book "Windows XP-Inside Out", which is at any book store like Barns and Noble or at a local Frys Electronics store. This is a huge book with everything you may want to know and if it also refers you out to great websites for further information if you wish to expand upon what is in the book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to learn the basics and then some.

Have a nice day and again, good luckk setting up and managing your home network.

Answer 6

You need to set up internet connection sharing (ICS) if you are not using a router. If you are using Windows XP you can run the setup a home network wizard which should get you up and running. Hope this helps.

Answer 7

You will need two network cards to access the internet. One for the broadband and the other for the crossover to your other computer.

Or do you have a network hub connecting them all?

Answer 8

I think what you're trying to do can be better accomplished by a router. We also need to know how you're connecting to the internet, which will better assist you in choosing a proper network solution.

Answer 9

try this
connect pc1 and pc2 with cross over cable
connect pc1 to modem
switch all on
run nnetwork wizard and select option other pcs connect to internet through this pc
run network on pc2
on pc 1 open network places highlight pc2 and modem
right click and bridge

Answer 10

Make sure that you are using cross linked cable..........Straight crimped cable wont work for direct pc - pc network....
Also make sure that you are using fixed ip address becoz you are using other machine as proxy for the first computer ok..
And also make sure that you usinng same subnet mask for both computers but separate ip address.....

Workgroup should be same for easier access.....
Gud luck

Answer 11

that's somewhat much less puzzling than you think of in case you have already got the computers networked. Hook the printer as much as between the computers and make confident it rather is working. Then pass to "commence">"Settings">"Printers and Faxes" The printer you have attached ought to be indexed right here. superb suited click on it and choose "sharing" One the window that pops up, click the alternative that asserts "share this printer" then hit "prepare" Now that that's completed, pass to the different pc. pass to "commence" > "settings" > "Printers and faxes" back. Then click the icon that asserts "upload printer" Hit "next" on the 1st window, then on the 2nd elect the alternative "community printer, or a printer that's linked to a distinctive pc" the subsequent option to elect ought to be "browse for a printer" or some thing comparable. next, double click on the icon which represents the pc which you have the printer hooked as much as, then, a printer icon ought to take place, elect that, and you have the flexibility to function the printer.