Basic LAN setup

[Eiredrake]

My situation is what would appear to be a simple one. I need to link 3 PC's together in order to share files. Specifically an Access Dbase so a custom program I designed will have access to the same data across all three PC's.

Two of the PC's run Windows 98, a third runs Windows ME (yeah I know.. but it ain't my computer).

It is not an option to be able to change operation systems at this point. I can't buy Windows 2000, and I'm not familiar enough with Linux to make an attempt at that. I'm taking a networking course next semester, but I kinda need this to work right now so It can't wait until I read 15 networking books or anything like that.

Each of the computers has it's own ethernet 10/100 NIC, I've got a NetGear 4 slot Hub.

ANyone have any advise as to how to link these suckers together? Anything would be appreciated.

If needed you can email me at [email protected].

Thanks muchly,
Eiredrake

[rudgej]

Open Control Panel and double-click Network.
Add IPX/SPX-compatible protocol (from Add.. protocol), and file and printer sharing for Microsoft Networks (click the File and Print Sharing button).

If you don't want password logins, then choose Windows Logon as the primary network logon, and don't enter a password - you won't be asked again.

Once the above has been done, then right-click on a drive (or folder) in Windows Explorer, and enable the drive/folder for sharing. You will need to assign more than read only access to the Access database to allow sharing/database updates etc.

[blindlizard]

I disagree with the use of IPX/SPX. I suggest either TCP/IP or NetBEUI

Check out this site:
http://firingsquad.gamers.com/guides/windowsnet/

[rudgej]

The reason I recommended IPX is for general support and for game play (although more games now also support IP). I've nothing against TCP/IP, and indeed have got this bound to my network card as well as IPX - so perhaps EireDrake could hedge his bets and run both protocols.

If you do choose IP only, then you will still need to add the protocol and make sure that it is bound to your network card, as well as the one that will be there and bound to your modem. In this sense, this is why IPX would be a simpler install.

[blindlizard]

I agree with the game play, I love StarCraft so Lord knows I have IPX bound, but as far as technical support about networking, he is more likely to find it for TCP/IP.

[dbs26]

i guess IPX will not be a good solution for File and Data sharing...and when access db file sharing is required ..it is always advisable to use a Persistent connection which has less chances of data loss..



dev

[rudgej]

IPX is perfectly ok as a network protocol - Novell's NetWare used it as the standard protocol until version 5.

[blindlizard]

I am not saying that IPX is not a good protocol. It is argueably better than TCP/IP, but for someone setting up thier first network I think TCP/IP will have more support like the link I gave Eiredrake

[rudgej]

My post was actually aimed at dbs26's:

i guess IPX will not be a good solution for File and Data sharing...

[blindlizard]

Ah, I see. We use IPX with Novel at work because it is good for file and app sharing(If you have trainned people to support it).