Network newbie needs help

[DoctorReno]

I am a total newbie at networking and would like to take on my first attempt and am asking for assistance and suggestions.

The arrangement I would like to setup is in a friends business. At this time there will be two, possibly 3 systems and printer(s). systems, one has XP home and is connected to the internet via DSL and a wireless modem. The second system will have either XP Pro or 2K installed and is the workhorse system for the digital photography part of the business. They would like to be able to share files etc. between the 2 systems but only have internet on the one. (this may change).
They have a huge 48" printer that they would like to be included in the network if possible. The have a 3rd computer that they would like to be a dedicated print spooler. I don't know if this is possible or how I would set it up for this purpose. Oh... they also have a less than 1 yr old router (brand and model I will get for you) if that can be used. I'll need help setting this up also.

Thats the basics of how it would be used so any advice, suggestions, options or references will be greatly appreciated. Please suggest hardware and software etc. Remember I am a network newbie so make your replies in very basic terms until I get more knowledgable.

Thanks

what is the wireless modem? what is the make and model of the router?

all you really have to do is

go

internet---modem---router----comp 1-comp2---comp3 (comp 2 and 3 will be plugged directly into the router)

now to block internet to two machines some routers have the ability to disable the internet to certain ip address behind the router. which is why telling us the make and model of the router is important. if your router doesnt have that ability you can set i.e to use a proxy and block the abilites to change the internet settings (when you add it too connect to a proxy it will never connect to the internet because you dont have a proxy on your network)

to set up printer sharing is simple

enable file and print sharing, then right click on the printer when you install it and click sharing. name the printer what ever you want.

then to map the printer on the computers

go to run type \\printer server name\printer name

i.e
\\printerserver\groundzero3

to have no issues make sure all the computers are in the same workgroup

[PresterJohn]

the third machine doesn't have to be a 'dedicated' printer server. just set it up as a shared device and you can send print jobs to it from any of the machines.

file sharing between #1 and #2 is fairly straight-forward. set up the shares on each machine, you could either use a 'common' designated account on both machines (using a fixed password) or separate user accounts.

[DoctorReno]

Thanks for the quick response GroundZero3.

As I stated... I don't recall the make model of the router but will get it on Monday.

As far as the wireless modem... Our phone company is Quest. I talked to the installer from Quest when he was putting it in last week and he said that they exclusively use the wireless modem. I stayed out of his way so I didn't see everthing he did. Again I will need to go back and look at it further and will get back to you with the details ie. make/model.

[squeech]

If Qwest did your DSL the modem is very probably the Actiontec 1520/1524 Wireless Gateway. This is pretty much the only one that Qwest uses for their setups.

Is the modem a white box with 4-5 ports on it? If so, that's it.

These devices are nice as you will not need a router. The modem acts as a DSL modem, wireless access point, and a 4-port router all in one.

Qwest Spec Sheet

Actiontec Support Site

Hope this helps!!

[DoctorReno]

squeech: I didn't get a good look at it but that sounds like the modem. Can you tell me if this modem has the built in hardware firewall like routers do?

Any suggestions on setting this modem up for best performance and features ie. firewall etc? I will go to your links to view info

Much thanks so far. Anticipate me continuing this thread next week when I actually attempt this and possibly will be PMing any or all of you for clarification/assistance.

ask away