Adding a New PC

[weddingcrafter]

I'm hoping some of the techies out there can help.

I am about to recruit a part time administrator for the office and will need to purchase a second computer. I currently do everything through my Dell laptop which is about 3-4 years old and still runs fine. It has XP professional and Office 2002

As far as I can understand, I can link the 2 together so that we can share files, internet broadband connection and printer etc without a server but am not sure exactly what I need to buy (or lease - will check with my accountant). I have a rough quote from Dell but without knowing all the bits I need I am struggling to compare. Also how easy will it be to set up or should I just shout help and pay someone to do it?

Any suggestions?

Alison

[annethedonn]

A straightforward hub would do the trick Alison.

[confused]

A hub would cause unneeded complications sharing the broadband.
What you need is a router -probably ADSL but if you tell me your ISP I'll tell you for sure.
A router and a bit of configuring, thats it, there are 2 ways to share the printer, one is to share it from one of the pc's, the downside to this is, the pc with the printer physically attatched must be switched on for the other to be able to print (not LOGGED on, just turned on). Another option is a router with a print server built in, or a seperate print server (black box...;) ) the downside to such devices is that if you have a fancy printer, not all features may be available through a print server.

CALV

PS,

be SURE you get someone who knows what they are doing, its so easy for the guy next door who knows a bit about pc's to get it working, but it does need to be done correctly or you will have security issues and possibly performance issues.

CALV

[confused]

In addition, a wireless router might be a better choice - would save you plugging the laptop in and out all the time!
With regards to security in my comments above, when I said there was a security risk if not set up correctly, for some reason I had wireless on the brain, a small cabled network with only your 2 pc's will have very little in the way of local security issues.

CALv

[annethedonn]

Yes there's always that I use a wireless router myself. I'm not a tekkie, but when we used to link the PCs together for training purposes we used a hub but that was on a LAN not on broadband.

However I have a Cisco expert who would be able to sort this out in minutes!

[confused]

Indeed, it is a quick job, for someone who can do it ! It wouldnt take me long either Im a network admin. A hub would have been fine for a couple of pc's only, mind you, a switch is preferable and these days and for a small SOHO item the price is hardly noticable, and in fact small 4/8 port hubs are now pretty rare.
Anyway, alison needs a router, not a Cisco router though ;)


CALV

[weddingcrafter]

Thanks everyone.

I think the most important advice is the Indeed, it is a quick job, for someone who can do it !

My OH has been saying he is sure he can sort it, but then again our home office is littered with wireless devices and goodness knows what that he has tried to install.

Can anyone put me in touch with someone round North Yorkshire who knows what they are doing?

Alison

[bg]

Hi Alison,

Buy your second computer. You will also need.

1. wireless Router

2. 2 wireless USB Adapter. That is one for your Laptop and the second adapter for your desktop.


You can check out prices here
http://www.laptopshop.co.uk/wireless-networking.htm


Ones you have the hardware in place. I will do the setup and configuration remotely.
I offer remote Desktop assistance, if you want to find out how it works please visit our website.
http://www.bgcomputers.net/Support.aspx

Kind Regards

Godey

[annethedonn]

Try this link for free help:

http://wireless.ecademy.com/

[confused]

Before purchasing wireless devices, be sure your laptop isnt already wireless enabled!
Also I'd reccomend a wireless PCI card over a usb device, although it is more difficult to fit.

I sometimes do some work in Sheffield, is this anywhere near you? that said, I was there today so it probably wont be for a few weeks till I'm there agian.

CALV

[Enigma121]

If you are stuck with the setup of your router, or would like advice on choosing a suitable one to match your chosen ISP give me a PM.

We have experience with network setup of most major ISPs in wired and wireless networks.

I'd offer to send someone over, but the distance means the job will be a little expensive by the time we take travelling into account (we're on the west coast).

[confused]

but the distance means the job will be a little expensive by the time we take travelling into account (we're on the west coast).
Same here, unless of course it can be tied in to my next trip to sheffield.
I'd say the WAN side of things is the easiest to setup, and in fact once that is established, a trusted person could config your router remotely, and possibly talk you through the setup of your client machines, however I would personally be concerned about this should it be done by PM or instant messaging as theres so much room for error, I am very security conscious even on a small home network.
I'm sure though that you will get there, please dont let my comments be offputting (I've been "accused" of that in the past!)

CALV

CALV

[dagr]

Assuming you are using a broadband modem that connects to a USB port, the easiest solution is simply to buy a "reversed" ethernet cable (i.e. a cable that is specifically made for linking one PC directly to another, NOT for connecting a PC to a router), and link the two PCs directly together.

On the PC with the USB modem, you have to activate the "share internet connection" option, and on the other PC ensure that the TCP/IP type is "dynamic".

The disadvantage to the above method is that you are definitely restricted to just TWO PCs, and the PC with the USB modem connected to it must always be on if you want to access the internet, and so is only suitable if one PC is fixed.

If you have a broadband modem with just a single ethernet connection to the PC, then you'll need a router or switch, wireless or otherwise.

If you don't know how to set a network connection's options, then I'd recommend you get someone in to do it.

David.

[bg]

Hi Alison,

Buy your second computer. You will also need.

1. wireless Router

2. 2 wireless USB Adapter. That is one for your Laptop and the second adapter for your desktop.


You can check out prices here
http://www.laptopshop.co.uk/wireless-networking.htm


Ones you have the hardware in place. I would be happy to help you setup and configure the network remotely.
I offer remote Desktop assistance, if you want to find out how it works please visit our website.
http://www.bgcomputers.net/Support.aspx

Kind Regards

Godey

[weddingcrafter]

Hmm, this is all getting a bit techie for me...... :shock:

I've decided to try to find someone local to come in and sort it out, with security and so on I'd prefer to meet face to face first. I'm sure you are all extremely competent and trustworthy but I just feel more comfortable if I've met someone - and know I can camp on their doorstep if it goes pear-shaped!

I'm in Malton, which is nowhere near Sheffield........ :lol:

Have spoken to someone today and will be using all your advice to make sure I sound reasonably informed.

Thanks everyone!

Alison

[confused]

Hope you get it sorted :)

CALV