Network Setup Help Please....

[xirokx]

Hi,

I am a total networking n00b so have some questions I hope you guys can help:

Equipment: 2 desktops and 1 laptop, 1 wireless router, 2 pcimia cards, 1 printer server

What I would like to acheive:

I would like to setup a network so all three pooters can use the net and print.

Questions:

A) Whats the easiest way to do this?
B) Do I have all the equipment to acheive this?
C) How do I do this?
D) Do I use 1 pc as the host and connect it up to the router via ethernet?
E) Do you know of any guides etc?

I would really appreciate your help and advice...

Thanks in advance...

Cheers!!!

 

[xirokx]

2 desktops are really close to the router so I guess I will be better off using ethernet cables...

With regards to the printer server....so if I plug the printer server into the router and then plug the printer cable into the printer it will all be OK?

As for the laptop I will have to use wi fi etc....

Thanks for that site....which section do I go to?

Are there many settings I need to tweak? I thought it would literally be plug and play and opening up ports? Do I have to get involved with TCP/IP??

Please clarify

Thanks in advance...

 

[xirokx]

cheers mate....

re: WEP will I need software to set that up or is it a case of checking some boxes?

thanks

There are loads of links on that website...I dont want to choose the wrong one, am I right in going to the "sharing your internet connection ICS" with Win Xp section?

 

[xirokx]

well its a friends and I dont know....apparently I volunteered unintentionally to set it up....

So follow the manual if you dont have one download it erm and look in the manual re: WEP.....

Do I have to open ports or anything? Especially for the laptop?

 

[xirokx]

with regards to the laptop i dont think it has wifi.....so if i purchase a network card will this then enable me to connect up to the wireless router and get online?

Again do i just follow the network wizard when setting it up on the laptop?