Hi,

Not sure whether this is the best place to post but i think we have a fair share of networking experts so am looking for some ideas.


I have two PC's

PC1 is my mains PC and plugged into the cable modem via an ethernet card. PC2 is plugged into PC1 via crossover cable

PC1 runs Windows2000
PC2 runs Windows98

I have been sharing internet connections using
"Proksi" and also tried "Proxy+"

They both work fine.

Now here is my problem.

if PC1 is turned on and then i turn PC2 on. PC2 will not work on the network. i.e can't access internet/and can't VNC into it from PC1.


BUT if i have PC2 turned on first. Then turn PC1 on the network is fine.

So with the first scenario if i restart the PC the network works fine.

Any ideas how to cure this? It's annoying having to restart PC stopping what im doing when the other one isn't connecting?

Thanks for the help in advance

I had the same problem when I first set up my LAN. I think it has something to do with the IPs (someone correct me if I'm wrong). So I decided to fork out $180 for a router and 2 hubs (upgrading to switches soon). Now I can surf the net without having to start up the PCs in a certian order and am *somewhat* secure from hackers.

I would suggest getting a router and a hub or switch and do your network that way. Its a lot easier to add computers to later, plus they can all access the internet using the same ISP account. If you do this, I would also recommend getting a cheap computer and turning it into a basic network server for backups.

Just my 2 cents...

Well that was another thing i was thinking.

I have another PC which is a P200 with 32mb Ram and a 3gb hard disk.

I was thinking that I could use that PC as my routing pc. so that either PC could connect the the net at any time.

Now this is all fine but the issue is what OS to install on the P200?

Windows 2000 Server required 256mb ram min. 2000 pro requires 64 i think.

A lot of people have recommended Linux of a flavour but to be blunt I can't tell my ass from my elbow with linux. (atm i have RH7.1 installed on the P200)

The other question is would PC1 and PC2 be able to do everything on the net? With the proxy servers i have been running they only work on some protocols. If I was to be going through another PC would it be identicle to if PC1 and PC2 were connected to the Cable Modem?

Thanks for the help.

Use Linux, it's quite easy to setup a router/firewall package on it. It took me no more then 15 minutes.

Just get PMFirewall (pointman.org/pmfirewall I think, if not..google it)

I wouldnt really be sure i could do it in linux so i think if i put win95 and winroute or sommink?

PMFirewall is so easy - it's a guided setup. It simply asks you questions on what you want to do - It's EASIER and MORE RELIABLE then any Windows program

Originally posted by The Laughing Cow


Now this is all fine but the issue is what OS to install on the P200?

Windows 2000 Server required 256mb ram min. 2000 pro requires 64 i think.



Win2K server does not need 256K ram if you are using it as a router. When you lock it down - you get rid of most of the useless Window rubbish and run only minimal services. I have a Win2K box acting as a router and it contains a Tiny firewall. All using 53Mb.

I use Windows NT4 with WinRoute as a gateway on a P60 with 32MB of RAM and 1GB hd. Runs fine.

Lowest spec PC I have running with Windows 2000 Pro on is P166 with 96MB RAM and a 2GB HD. Runs fine also.

HTH

I use Linux Mandrake and PMfirewall and they have been up and running for months now with no problems.

You can get Mandrake for free here (http://www.mandrake.com).

You can get PMfirewall for free here (http://www.pmfirewall.com).