I have two PC's---one is XP and the other Windows 95 2nd edition
--both are eMachines.  I want to set up a peer-to-peer home network
with the XP being the lead and the 95 a client.  I want to have shared
files and use of one printer and have connection to the internet thru
the lead computer.  The Wizard in XP is great but I do not know how to
attack the 98.  I do know that the 98 has the follwing components
installed --Microsoft Family Logon, Dial Adapter and  TCP/IP---that is
about all!!  I know both computers must be able to talk to each other,
what ever that means---guess to have data flow over the cable between
the two.  I don't know what I have to buy ---- I have heard that some
connections can be made via the USB ports but others call for a bus or
router which I thind is more for large networks and not for just two
computer hone networks.  I got a floppy disc from the XP wizard but
couls not get it acepted in the 98----So I'm stuck/   what I need is a
network whiz to walk thru the steps until I get it going.

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Request for Question Clarification by joseleon-ga on 08 Jan 2004 05:54 PST

Hello, superroy:
 First, in a peer-to-peer network there is no "lead" machine, both
machines are at the same level and can access any resources on the
network. I suggest you to buy a "hub", which is a device that allows
you to connect machines on a network, a simple 4 port hub would be
enough in your configuration and are really cheap. Then, you need to
setup your TCP/IP configuration so the machines belong to the same
network and after that, you need to start sharing resources (files,
printers). Finally, you need to share the internet connection, I don't
know which internet access do you have, it seems you have a modem
attached to the Windows XP machine.
 
 This can be a thorought question because I don't have physical access
to your network and we will need a lot of clarifications, so just tell
me if you are interested in a full answer.
 
Regards.

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Clarification of Question by superroy-ga on 08 Jan 2004 10:44 PST

Hi joseleon
As you can see I am not versed in networking---so I guess I don't want
a peer/peer situation afterall.  I want to maintain files only on one
computer and allow the other to access files  as needed---no changes
allowed---and to use one printer ---so maybe I am looking at some
other setup ??  I can get the hub but you lost me with "you need to
setup your TCP/IP configuration so the machines belong to the same
network"  Help me over that hurdle then go on to "sharing recources"

I have access to a local ISP with a dial up modem on a dedicated 
phone line.  The phone company cannot offer DSL at theis stage---maybe
later.  I had a cable connection but did not like it and, anyway, the
dial up phone is sufficient considering the speed I need at this
point.  Do I need a full answer ----not in one gulp but maybe a step
by step if you are ready to put up with me.

Thanks so far

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Request for Question Clarification by joseleon-ga on 11 Jan 2004 06:51 PST

Hello, superroy:
 Well, in that case I think you should split this question in several
ones, that is:

 -How can I connect two computers in my home network (forget the
direct connect using a cross cable, this is not functional, use a hub
instead)?
 -How to setup a TCP/IP home network?
 -How to share resources, including internet access in my home network?

This is my suggestion, because the reseacher (me or another one) will
need to do a lot of work to explain what you need to do on each step,
so it's easier to get a response if you do it that way. It's just my
suggestion, you can wait until another researcher comes up with an
answer to this question.

Regards.

I work in networking and I also have a network set up at home. If you
want to share an internet connection over a dial-up connection then I
suggest (if both machines are of good enough spec) that you run Win XP
on both and use a UTP crossover cable to connect the two (if at some
time you want to network more than two computers you will need to
ditch the UTP crossover cable and opt for the hub or switch a five
port switch should cost you no more than £30).

Internet connection sharing with a dial-up modem is a pain in the neck
with the Windows XP wizard, but if you browse google groups you should
be able to find a freeware proxy server utility that will do the job
better (I have a link to a website if you're interested). If you have
some form of internet connection that's "always on" i.e. ADSL then it
doesn't really matter how you share the connection (in other words
forget about the proxy server utility).

To start sharing files and other resources you need only to set up a
workgroup and assign some IP Addresses and a subnet mask (which is
actually a lot easier than it might sound). Let me know if this was
any use to you.

Hi ash1106
Appreciate your quick reply.  The second computer is an 98 version and
is not worth converting to XP---don't know if it has the resoerces to
handle XP.  Our use is just in a home and a dial up modem with a
dedicated phone line seems to be satisfactory up to this point---maybe
later on we can get DSL but the phone lines cas not handle it as of
now.  With the dedicated phone line I can be on line "always' if
needed.  I can buy the "HUB" but from there on I don't know what to do
next----not very well versed as you can tell.

Regards

I networked my Windows XP Professional with my sisters Windows ME
machine.  What I did was setup the XP machine with dial-up so it can
dial out normally.  Next, I purchased an Ethernet switch (a hub would
work too) and connected, both machines via ethernet to the switch. 
Next, I went onto the XP machine, ran the  "Network Setup Wizard".
1.  First select the internal network connection, the ethernet.
2.  Then I told it that this computer connects directly to the
internet, not through another computer
3.  Then I told it what connection to share, the dial-up
4.  I gave this computer a name and description so it can be
identified on the network to share files with.
5.  I gave this computer a workgroun to start.  The other machine will
join this workgroup too.
6.  I clicked next to apply and told it to make a network disk on a blank floppy.

Now, your Windows XP machine is setup.  Take the disk to the Windows
98 machine and run it.  It will automatically setup your ethernet card
(given it's in working condition) and all the settings for you.  It'll
also install an icon so that this Windows 98 machine can control the
dial-up connection.

Hope this helps out, good luck.