Now that the PCs and server were physically connected, I had to check to see they were really communicating. First I went to the PC's and gave them names ("bigcomputer" and "littlecomputer") and I named the server "Mikesserver." The first thing I tried was printer sharing; the two PC's have their own HP inkjet printers, one color and the other black. This was easy by going to Windows "add a printer" section. I tested my setups by printing to the printers from each PC.
Next I right-clicked on the "littlecomputer's" C: hard drive and selected "Properties." Under "sharing" options I requested that this drive be available to all users. I then went to the other PC and was able to see and run the files from the "littlecomputer." The network was working!
The next goal was strictly entertainment...setting up network games such as Quake. After trying to have the 3 computers "see" each other while running Quake, I figured out that I need to assign IP addresses to each PC first. I did this, arbitrarily picking an address from a book and adding "1" to it for the other 2 computers. Once IP addresses were assigned, we were able to play "Quake" and "Half-Life" against each other on the network with three players. My kids have been having a ball.
- Sharing one dialup internet connection on all 3 computers. I have read up on this (Windows "Internet Connection Sharing") but haven't tried it yet. It appears when I install this the assigned IP addresses will be done away with and our network gaming will be over...but we'll see. This is the major home network goal of mine, other than just learning about networks. We presently use NetZero for NET access, per their support site they don't support Windows "Dial Up Networking" (you MUST start NetZero software in order to connect) so I probably will switch to a provider that allows connection from Windows.
- Creating usernames, passwords, and levels of security for each user (family member). Right now everyone is logging in with Administrator status; I need to assign my three kids and my wife each a username and their own password, and implement security in the network. I probably will assign two as "power users" and two as a more restrictive level user. I will use "Active Directory" for the Win 2000 PC and other options for the Win 98 PC (I deliberately left the one with Win 98 so I could see the differences). Active Directory requires the NTFS file organization on the hard drive.
- Loading software to the server hard drives for all to use. The hard drives on both PCs are almost filled up; the server has two 4.5 gigabyte drives that can be used.
- Buying a network card for my Compaq Presario laptop. With this addition we'd have 3 stations on our network and I could share internet access. I will get a PCMIA network card, or a USB, whichever is cheaper.
- Taking MCSE tests. I will take my first MCSE test on Friday, August 24th, on the Windows 2000 operating system.
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