Networking

I have a PC with Windows98, and recently bought a laptop with WindowsXP. I'd like to know the best way to network the two. We do not have Telco DSL or Cable DSL in our area, and are relegated to Dial-Up access to the WWW.
Should we invest in an inexpensive router, switch, and Proxy Server Software, or just connect the two computers via Cat5 crossover cable?
I know enough to be dangerous, working in telecom for 30 years, but know very little about networks. I like the idea of the router, etc, because I'd like to experience building this small network.
Since we only have the two computers, both may be on line at the same time. If our PC serves as the Proxy Server, can it still be used as an everyday, run of the mill PC, as well as Proxy Server?

1. RE: Networking
lbyard Nov-20-01 01:06 AM
In response to message 0

I'd use a crossover to start with. The problem then is that only the laptop has the software already to share the Internet connection. You could look over http://duxcw.com/faq/ics/waysshare.htm as an introduction. Larry

2. RE: Networking
tpeter Nov-20-01 10:15 AM
In response to message 1

add to Larry comment:
not forget that WinXP maybe using NTFS File System While Win98 use FAT32 therefore, if you connect two computers together via crossover cable or any other means, only WinXP can access Win98 and not other wise.
so make sure that both computer and laptop using the same File System, in this case, it is FAT32. All that with Larry comment, you should not have any problem connecting them.

4. RE: Networking
lbyard Nov-20-01 05:08 PM
In response to message 2

A Win XP computer with a NTFS formatted hard disk can access a FAT32 drive on a Win 98 computer and vice versa. Files can be moved back and forth. One can also access hard disk drives with various formats on computers all over the Internet. The principle is the same. In a network environment the drive format is of no consequence. Larry

5. RE: Networking
glim Nov-21-01 06:29 AM
In response to message 4

Thanks for the response. I'd really like to use my Win98 PC as the server, and have the laptop go through it. Is a router, switch, and server/proxy server software the only solution?

6. RE: Networking
lbyard Nov-21-01 07:37 PM
In response to message 5

Windows 98 does not have ICS; Windows 98 SE, and Me do. I would use SyGate (http://duxcw.com/digest/Reviews/Network/sygate/sygate.htm). Larry

7. RE: Networking
glim Nov-21-01 09:13 PM
In response to message 6

Sounds pretty easy. Will Sygate work with WinXP, and can the server be used as a PC as well?
No need for router or switch?

8. RE: Networking
lbyard Nov-22-01 05:01 PM
In response to message 7

>Will Sygate work with WinXP…?
Looks like it supports XP according to http://sybergen.com/products/gate_ov.htm.
>…can the server be used as a PC as well?
Yes.
>No need for router or switch?
You can connect the computers with a crossover cable (http://duxcw.com/digest/Howto/network/cable/cable1.htm). Larry