PC Networking

[Cheeky Monkey]

I recently bought a new (used) PC (Windows XP) that I want to dedicate to recording -- no internet connectivity. I know many use their recording PC also for the internet, but I've decided I just don't want to do it that way. For the internet, I'll continue to use my older P2 (64mb ram, 400 mhz, 10gb HD, Windows 98). I'd like to network the two together, share one monitor, and use the P2 to download plug-ins, etc. that I could easily transfer to the recording PC.

I'd appreciate any advice, including recommendations regarding cabling or whatever that I'll need. One thing I'm wondering -- can I even do this where one PC is running Windows XP and the other, 98? I could be wrong, but I suspect I can't upgrade the P2 to XP (???). If I can't network, I s'pose another option is to buy an external CD burner for the P2 and copy the plugins over to the XP machine.

All advice most welcome and appreciated. TIA.

[BentRabbit]

Reader's Digest version:

Yes you can network them together... But without knowing how you're currently getting on the Internet, whether you have Ethernet cards in your computers etc, I can't give you a step by step...

If you have DSL or Cable for Internet, get a broadband router and connect both computers to it... Even tho this will allow both computers to have Internet access, you don't have to excercise the option on the XP box... That also provides you with low level firewall protection.

If the PII is dialup only, you will need to make sure it has an Ethernet card installed ($20 - $30)... I'm assuming the XP box came standard with one, but if not, you will need one in each...

Then you get to decide about direct connect or hub, (different cables for each) and also TCP/IP configuration on them... Again, the XP will be simpler to config if you have never been introduced to networking protocols...

If you use any of the above terms in the store where you are getting your components, they will point you in the right direction, but they will also ask you various other questions about your wants and needs...

I would do some Google searches for simple home network setups so you can familiarize yourself with the architecture...

Hope this helps somewhat...

[JMarcomb]

there are a fews ways... you could use a crossover cable to connect them.. or a hub if you have one sitting around... you could also use usb/firewire if you know what your doing
i use a wireless linksys router.. but your network is less complex that mine

yes ..you can network xp and 98 os's

you'll want to increase your memory in the PII computer if you want to upgrade to xp and also limit the # of processes/services that are running

viruses/spyware can crawl across the network into your recording computer.. so you want to be sure your internet computer is "clean" before you connect...

[BentRabbit]

Originally Posted by JMarcomb

viruses/spyware can crawl across the network into your recording computer.. so you want to be sure your internet computer is "clean" before you connect...

The only way a virus can infect a network resource is if it is designed to seek out network shares...
Since you are wanting to transfer files between the two systems (plug-ins, etc.) only create the share on the PII and it will be 'visible' to the XP box to download the files from...
If the XP box is not offering any resources out to the network, it will essentially be invisible to any malignant files that might end up on your 'public' box...
Security through obscurity you might say...

And what JMarcomb says is true... Make absolutely sure the files you bring in from the PII to the XP are clean when you transfer them...

I recommend keeping up to date viral protection on both systems... Since the XP box won't be going online, you will have to update the antivirus program manually... can be done, just not as automated...

Good luck!

[seryozha]

Originally Posted by Cheeky Monkey

share one monitor.

You'll need a KVM switch for that, about $75.00 and the computers need to be close together.

You can, if you cant have them close together, buy a KVM switch that runs over CAT5 cable, so you can extend the distance up to 300ft. those are more expensive though.

If you have USB ports on both and they are close together, you can get a USB networking package that will basically connect the two computers via USB.

[fldrummer]

If you don't need the internet on one why can't you just get a usb thumb drive then their's no hassle?

[AGCurry]

And, no you can't upgrade the PII to XP but you can upgrade it Win 2000 - just barely. Windows 2000 is a pretty robust OS (for Windows).

[fraserhutch]

Originally Posted by seryozha

You'll need a KVM switch for that, about $75.00 and the computers need to be close together.

You can, if you cant have them close together, buy a KVM switch that runs over CAT5 cable, so you can extend the distance up to 300ft. those are more expensive though.

If you have USB ports on both and they are close together, you can get a USB networking package that will basically connect the two computers via USB.

Or, if networked, you can run Remote Desktop or VNC to export your display to another box.

[fldrummer]

Dont both computers need xp pro to remote desktop?

[fraserhutch]

IIRC, you can get Remote Desktop for XP Home. I was not sure you can get it for Win 2k, which is why I recommended VNC
http://www.realvnc.com/
http://www.tightvnc.com/

However, a quick search (Google is your friend) indicates that Remote Desktop is freely available for any MS-supported Windows platform:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/d...dclientdl.mspx

[EmmSee]

Yup, Remote Desktop works on Win98, you just have to download the client. It doesn't come automatically installed like 2000/XP.

For a 2 PC setup, I'd just recommend a crossover cable for networking. Less wires, less money.