Networking home computers

[MareQ]

OK - I just ordered a laptop for myself here at home. (I work 4 out of 5 days at my home only 1 day at the office)

I have a regular desktop here - cable modem internet connection, multipurpose printer with a phone line I have for voice and fax.

I want to network the laptop with this setup when I am home - I have NO CLUE how to do that though. I don't want to have to plug anything in except for my AC cord - but I still want to be able to get on the net, access my work server, print to my printer - without cables.

What do I need to buy to do that - if I cannot do wireless - do I have to just get a docking station??

I know nothing about home networking so I need help!!

 

[lovemygoofy]

I paid the Geek Squad to come do that for me. I'm married to someone who networks the whole bleeping army but can't figure out the stuff at home, go figure.

Anyways, I bought a wireless modem and had to buy some kind of specific wireless card for my printer so I could print without being hooked up. The Geek guy came over with a scheduled appt and installed everything on my laptop and then got the printer up and going and even got the other laptop ready. I think I paid $200 or so for the equipment and about $150 maybe less for the service. Best money I've spent in a while.

 

[rgf207]

You need to get a wireless router. This will allow any computer in your house to use the same internet connection. If you have VPN software which connects you to your work server, you will need that same software.

I recommend a linksys router. The ones I use are the WRT54G (model number). They have wired and wireless access. They are very user friendly now adays and can pretty much set themselves up.

Also, windows has a simple printer sharing utility which will share your printer and allow any computer on your network to print to it.

I am a networking guy (that's what I do for living so forgive me if i'm speaking greek to you)

 

[MareQ]

You need to get a wireless router. This will allow any computer in your house to use the same internet connection. If you have VPN software which connects you to your work server, you will need that same software.

I recommend a linksys router. The ones I use are the WRT54G (model number). They have wired and wireless access. They are very user friendly now adays and can pretty much set themselves up.

Also, windows has a simple printer sharing utility which will share your printer and allow any computer on your network to print to it.

I am a networking guy (that's what I do for living so forgive me if i'm speaking greek to you)

No - you're doing fine. So how does a wireless router work? Do I plug my cable modem into it - plug my main computer into it? Do I have to make my desktop a "server"?

 

[MareQ]

Also do I need anything other than the router???

Yes - use VPN to get to my work server - I can d/l that from their website - but I am going to have to buy another terminal emulation program - can't find my disc for the one I have now on my desktop

 

[rgf207]

No - you're doing fine. So how does a wireless router work? Do I plug my cable modem into it - plug my main computer into it? Do I have to make my desktop a "server"?

a router works by taking your internet connection and "splitting" it so multiple computers can use the same connection. It routes traffic comming in and out. You should only need to buy the router and a couple CAT-5E ethernet cables (local bestbuy will have these). If your laptop does not have the capability of using wireless than you will need to buy a wireless card for your laptop. If it is a new laptop than you should have that capability built in already.

a router will create an internal network that is only accessable behind the router. These are called private networks. Most routers use the IP addresses 192.168.x.x. these are private addresses and cannot be accessed from the outside. if you set up file and print sharing from windows, you will be able to access your other computer from your laptop while behind your router.

Basically there are usually 5 ports on the back of a router. You will notice 4 that are close by and 1 (WAN connection) that is offset. You will plug your cable modem into that offset port using an ethernet cable and then the other 4 plugs are to hook computers up that you do not want wireless (i.e desktop computers). You do not need to make your desktop a server. The router will do all the work for you.

There is a program called putty. It is a terminal services program and I believe it is free. Microsoft also has a terminal services program built into windows but it isn't that great.

I hope this helps out.

 

[MareQ]

a router works by taking your internet connection and "splitting" it so multiple computers can use the same connection. It routes traffic comming in and out. You should only need to buy the router and a couple CAT-5E ethernet cables (local bestbuy will have these). If your laptop does not have the capability of using wireless than you will need to buy a wireless card for your laptop. If it is a new laptop than you should have that capability built in already.

a router will create an internal network that is only accessable behind the router. These are called private networks. Most routers use the IP addresses 192.168.x.x. these are private addresses and cannot be accessed from the outside. if you set up file and print sharing from windows, you will be able to access your other computer from your laptop while behind your router.

Basically there are usually 5 ports on the back of a router. You will notice 4 that are close by and 1 (WAN connection) that is offset. You will plug your cable modem into that offset port using an ethernet cable and then the other 4 plugs are to hook computers up that you do not want wireless (i.e desktop computers). You do not need to make your desktop a server. The router will do all the work for you.

There is a program called putty. It is a terminal services program and I believe it is free. Microsoft also has a terminal services program built into windows but it isn't that great.

I hope this helps out.

Thanks for all your help.

Yes - Hyper Terminal STINKS! I use Accuterm now - I'll look for the free one