there are many information on the internet. here is one of them. quoted from
http://www.ChicagoTech.net
How to Setup A Windows Peer to Peer Network
Concept and Requirement
Win9x Setup
Win2k/XP Setup
Test
Concept and Requirement
Hardware
1. NIC - each networking computer needs a network adapter to communicate
with others.
2. Hub or router - if you want to connect more than two machines and access
the Internet, it is better to have a router to offer DHCP feature, easy
setup and manage, and protect your computers.
3. Cable or crossover cable - if you have only computers and save some
money, you can have a crossover cable to connect those machines directly.
Configuration
1. Workgroup - it is better to setup a same workgroup on all computers
2. Client for MS Network - must be enabled to access the network
3. File and Printer Sharing - accessed computer should enable the File and
Printer Sharing for other computers accessing
4. User Accounts - for users logon and setup permission
5. Permission - setup necessary permission for users to access network
resources
6. Protocol - TCP/IP is we want
We assume you have all computers physically connected to a router which is
connecting to the Internet. The router is also a DHCP server.
Win9x Setup
To check or setup your network, open Control Panel>Network. Under
Configuration tab, you should have Client for MS Networks, NIC, TCP/IP and
perhaps File and Printer sharing for MS Networks. If you do not have click
Add and then follow the instruction to install them. Also make sure you
select Client for MS Networks as Primary Logon Network.
Now, double-click TCP/IP to check the TCP/IP settings. Normally, you should
keep the default settings: Obtain a IP Address Automatically, no WINS,
Gateway and DNS setting. This means all computers will get IP, DNS and
Gateway from the router as the DHCP server.
Click Identification tab, type a unique name for each computer and the same
group name for all computers.
If you want other machines access data or/and printer on this win9x, enable
file and printer sharing, and right-click the folders you want to share.
Following the instruction to finish the sharing.
Win2k/XP Setup
You will do the same network settings on win2k/XP by going to My Network
Places. The differences are 1) you may want to check NetBIOS over TCP/IP by
going to Properties of TCP/IP>Advanced. 2) If you have a laptop using at
home and work, and you also want to have same peer-to-peer workgroup name as
the same your company's domain, you should install the domain name as the
workgroup name at home, then join the laptop to the domain (have your
company administrator do that for you). 3) you need to create user accounts
for each user logging on the network and access the resources. To do that,
right-click My Computer>Manager>Local users and groups. This is very
important step. 4) after creating all user accounts, you need to assign
necessary permission for each user to access the computer. 4) if you this
machine access both home and domain network, you are better to create one
local logon matching the domain logon and also the password should be the
same.
Test
Now, it is the time to test your network settings. After reboot all
computers, logon the user name you created in win2k (it is easy for sharing
if you use just the same logon name on both win98 and win2k). Open My
Neighborhood and My Network Places to check the sharing folders and
printers.
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For more and other information, go to
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Don't send e-mail or reply to me except you need consulting services.
Posting on MS newsgroup will benefit all readers and you may get more help.
Robert Lin, MS-MVP, MCSE & CNE
Windows & Network Support, Tips and FAQs on
http://www.ChicagoTech.net
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties.
