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Simple network of two PC with 1 printer

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by rgabel 1 view

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Using a switch, how to network the two computers together so each can print to one printer, access the Internet and move files between the two? Hooked up but now not sure what and how to tell the computers to network. I can print from the one hardwired, but how to print from the second computer. I'm learning. Thanks

5 replies

by briantruitt

I guess the easiest thing to do is make sure both computers are part of the same workgroup. Right click on My Computer, click Properties, and then Network Identification (that is if you have Windows 2000 or higher). If both pc's are in the same workgroup, try pinging the respective IP addresses or going into My Network Places and seeing if the two show up in workgroup that you named. If the printers and specified folders are shared out, they should show up if and when the computers show up in My Network Places. As far as sharing the internet connection, it depends on what type of connection you have whether it be dial-up or cable/dsl. I know I've been vague, but give these a shot and let us know how it goes.

by cg it

I'll add to the first answer. First if your directly connecting on computer to the other without a switch or router, you'll need a cross over cat 5 cable. If your using a switch/router, you use the standard cat 5 cable. To share the printer, you have to set the properties for sharing. On the computer that the printer is attached to, open up the control panel and click on the printers Icon. In the printers properties page you should see your printer. Right click on the printer and choose sharing. Check the box Share this Printer and then give the shared printer a name. Click ok. Next clikc on the security tab and ensure that the everyone group has print permission. click ok. On the computer you want to connect to the shared printer, open up the control panel, click on the printers Icon, then locate the add printer wizard icon [in XP its in the upper left corner] and use the wizard to add the shared out printer on the other computer. Make sure you have the printer installation CD handy in case the new hardware wizard starts up and wants to install the driver for the shared printer.

To share internet access, the quick and dirty way and one with security e.g. built in firewall is to use a consumer level router. The router will "share" the broadband connection between the 2 computer without you having to go through the motions of setting up ICS on one computer and doing the TCP/IP addressing /gateway/DNS dance.

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