Networking two computers that share internet access

  • Thread starter Thread starter rocky20
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rocky20

I have two computers that share a high speed(cable) internet access
thru a broadband router(Linksys). One has Win XP Home and the other
has Win 98SE. The internet access works fine but I was wondering if
anyone knew how I could network these machines together. I would like
to be able to access one machine from the other. Is this possible? If
so, is there anything that I should be aware of as far as protecting
them from the outside world. Right now I have a software firewall on
each individual machine.

Thanks
 
rocky20 said:
I have two computers that share a high speed(cable) internet access
thru a broadband router(Linksys). One has Win XP Home and the other
has Win 98SE. The internet access works fine but I was wondering if
anyone knew how I could network these machines together. I would like
to be able to access one machine from the other. Is this possible? If
so, is there anything that I should be aware of as far as protecting
them from the outside world. Right now I have a software firewall on
each individual machine.

Thanks
Click to expand...

Here is what I would do:

First, ascertain that the networking protocol installed on both computers is
limited to TCP/IP and not NetBEUI, IPX, etc. If not, remove the others.
This may not be absolutely necessary - but it can remove a lot of headaches
and questions and wierdness as you proceed.

Next, make sure that Windows File and Print sharing is installed *and*
enabled.

Next, ascertain that the Workgroup for both computers is the same.

Next, make sure that the IP address for each is in the same range such as
192.168.1.1 - 192.168.1.254.

Next, share something on each of the computers. e.g. a file folder.

Next, check that the Trusted Zone on the firewall on each computer includes
the IP address range you're using as determined above.

Note that it will take some time for the computers to "see" each other.
Maybe 20-30 minutes. So, be patient. If you're lucky it won't take this
long but just so you're prepared. Since it's not instantaneous, you can get
in a loop of test/fix when all you had to do was to be patient.

Fred
 
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