how to share my internet and printer.?

Question

First PC
2 lan cards (10/100)
a pppoe based internet connection

Second PC
1 Lan Card (10/100)
1 printer

I have a computer to computer (cross over cable)
which is the best way to configure my computer for sharing

1. printer and net
2. net only
3. other options

how long can the cable be? i require somewhere around 25 Metres now... No current plans for upgrade. So a cross over is best right?

how do i go about configuring the system on windows xp
the second system is windows vista :D

Do i really need 2 lan cards on one system?

can i get a crossover to patchthrou cable converter?

i know there are too many questions... please can you guys help me?

Answer 1

I think whether you have a wired network or a wireless, you need a router. It'll hook both computers up to the modem. You should be able to use the printer from both computers once you set up Printer sharing on the computer you have the printer hooked up to.

I have a wireless network. I have my desktop and printer hooked up together, and the desktop hooked up to the router. The router has the modem hooked up to it and the latop uses wireless capabilities to share the printer and the modem. :-)

Unless both computers are in the same room, I'd suggest a wireless network.

Answer 2

Get a router. Routers are very cheap. Connect both PC's via a straight RJ45 cable from their LAN cards to the router. Set up your router to use PPOE with login/password that you now enter on your PC.

Then, if it is XP, run the network setup wizard (under accessories - communications) on both computers and give your home network a name. From then on, you will be able to share files (if explicitly shared) and printers.

Answer 3

Im to tired right now to have to type everything to get you going. Why do people insist on doing everything the hardest way possible?

Get a router to network your two computers together and share the printer so other computers on the network will beable to use it.