I need some help... setting up my first network at home...

[NANO]

I think this question is very usefull for us...
Could you please help me seting my network at home...
I need some advices.....
my network consist of :
A. 3 PC Computers 450MHz, 1.6GHz, and 1.8 GHZ.
B. PC Labtop.
C. Old Mac computer( not very old .. but kind of... ).
D. Scanner and printer and

1. Is it better to have a server?
2. Should this server be the local server and the webserver at the same time...?
3. What is the best system that I should have on this server...?
4. What is the problem that I would have because of the Apple-Mac and Windows and Lunix Systems on these different computers.
5. How about a router? Why or Why not?

Thanx

[RoD]

1. Is it better to have a server?

-If you plan on having a webserver running, yes. It will also make your prints faster from computers not connected to it.

2. Should this server be the local server and the webserver at the same time...?

-Sure. You make it you server of ip 192.168.0.1 and have it manage all your shares, prints, scanner, webserver, anything that the other computers will use gets done through this machine.

3. What is the best system that I should have on this server...?

-The 450mhz. It doesn't take much just increase the ram if you feel wary.

4. What is the problem that I would have because of the Apple-Mac and Windows and Lunix Systems on these different computers.

-Others may disagree i say make them all the same o/s. But scince u have a mac as one of em...i dunno i've never done mac/linux networking, only windows to windows.

5. How about a router? Why or Why not?

-Yes. It offers easy internet sharing and most have a nice basic firewall with them.

As far as your ip set i reccomend 192.168.0.0

Server(windows): 192.168.0.1
Windows 2: 192.168.0.2
Linux: 192.168.0.3
Laptop: 192.168.0.4
Mac: 192.168.0.5


Subnet of all of these use 255.255.255.0

You'll want to make sure your laptop has a NIC (Network interface card) in it.


Also remember the speed of your network will depends alot on the type of hub, cable, and speed of the network card u use. Also make sure your network cables don't cross or come to close to power cables, heat, and things that may cause interference as this may cause your network to not work.

I've done many LAN's for both schools and myself and buddies, if you need help step by step feel more then free to contact me @ [email protected] (make sure you have the underscore).

-Steve

[NANO]

Thanx a mill. for your informaiton that you gave me....

the only thing that I will need now is to write down the notes that I am taking to make it avalable for everybody....

I choose to have RedHate linux 7.3 server as I increase the RAM to ( 256 MB) I think that is good.

I still need a URL more about networking ... Do you have one.. Please write it to me.

Thanx again.

[RoD]

just go to google.com and type in "Setting up a network" and u should get alot.