Winblows Networking Annoyance

imagine this:

my dads offce has 300 computers connected in a LAN, and they wanted a VB app to transfer files and msgs without using the crappy N/W neighbourhood.

i have made the program to do it, but my question is this?
is it possible to have some code that retrieves the 300 computers on the network (which i have already), but much faster than network neighbourhood does? right now it takes about 100 years, give or take a few decades.:rolleyes:

can it be done?

Why bother with ALL computers listed. Like any chat program, just use a central DB and when someone signs on, pop them and their IP in. Then broadcast their presence to all others. Eliminates peope who go home but leave their systems on, systems that MUST stay on, etc.

Check this link out for possible ideas.

http://www.vbworld.com/internet/winsock/