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In order to setup a basic two computer network, you will need:
1) Category 5 (Cat 5) crossover cable (see fig#1). You can purchase these cables in different lengths. Be sure to buy the one that fits your needs.
Note: A Crossover cable is different from an Ethernet cable. If you're using a Hub, Switch or Router to connect the two computers, an Ethernet cable is the way to go.
2) Fully functional Ethernet Adapters (Network Cards) installed on both computers systems.
| 1. | Be sure that both computers are logged in to Windows. |
| 2. | Connect each end of the cat5 crossover cables in to the network cards of each computer. |
| 3. | Boot up both computers and sign them both on to Windows. |
| 4. | In order for both PC's to be able to communicate together, the Ethernet adapters will need to be configured with a static IP address and a common Subnet mask. As an example, assign one PC an IP address of 192.198.0.1 and assign the second PC an IP address of 192.198.0.2. Both machines should use the Subnet mask 255.255.255.0. Here's how to configure your Network Card: Go to Start>> Control Panel>> Network Connections>> Right click your Local Area Connection and select Properties. Scroll the list for the entry titled: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). Click the entry and select Properties. Under the General tab, tick the box titled: Use the following IP address. Enter the IP address and Subnet mask that you would like to use. Repeat the steps above for the second computer system. |
| 5. | Be sure that both PC's have a common workgroup name of 15 characters or less. Here's how: Go to Start>> Control Panel>>System. Select the Computer Name tab. Click the Change button. Change the Workgroup name. Repeat these instructions on the second computer ensuring that both computers are named exactly the same. |
| 6. | Reboot both computer systems. |
| 7. | Next, open a command prompt on one of the computers by going to Start>>Run. Type in: command [Enter] or click OK. |
| 8. | Type: ping 192.198.0.2 (if you are using the computer assigned with 192.198.0.01) press Enter. |
| 9. | Five replies to your ping should be indicated. |
Note: If you receive a "timed out" message when attempting to ping your selected IP address. It is possible that the Internet Connection Firewall is interfering. Try right clicking on "My Network Places", then select Properties. Right click your Local Area Connection and select Properties once again. Click the Advanced tab. Uncheck the box titled: "Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet". Click OK. Now, try pinging the selected IP address again.
| 10. | Once you get the two computers to communicate successfully together, you can now enjoy the benefits of file sharing, printer sharing and Internet connection sharing. Nice work! |
*Note:
While networking has been made simpler by some of the newer operating systems (i.e. XP & Vista), it should be completed by someone who is comfortable in assigning i.p. addresses, maintaining sharing permissions, and comfortable with the hardware (i.e. switches/ethernet cables/routers/etc...).
Auction Flex is not responsible for network maintenance. While we will from time to time suggest some helpful hints in setting up a network, we will NOT be able to support/troubleshoot network issues. Please hire a local IT/Network Specialist in your area if you would like your network maintained by a professional comfortable in this area. We at Auction Flex make this stipulation because it is too time costly and we must focus our support towards Auction Flex software issues. That being said, if you have a network specialist call us while he/she is setting up your network we will happily assist with instructing how to map network drives, share folders, etc.
If you are comfortable with setting up your own network, please resource many of the online articles and user-posts that will help assist you through specific trouble points you may be experiencing.
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