having trouble

Hi, we just got a new computer and ive had trouble settting them up as a network.

i raan the wizards on both computers first and they wouldnt connect. So then i tried a direct cable connection but it still wont connect. I have a switch that i bought...but since im only using two computers...i figured i didnt need it...is this an accurate assumption?

anyways, my setup right now is ISP cable > Cable modem > PC #1 > (Belkin switch) > PC #2

like i said i tried bypassing the switch and connecting directly but it still wont work.

its getting pretty frustrating...someone please help me with this...

best regards

 

sorry i forgot to add that im trying to connect from a windows XP OS to a windows ME OS.


and when i try direct cable connection it says "the network is busy.

thabks for all previous help and to anyone that responds,

 

If you connect directly you need a crossover cable.

To use a switch you will need to set static IP address's for both computers that are in the same subnet range.

As in PC 1 is
192.168.0.100
255.255.255.0

PC 2 is
192.168.0.101
255.255.255.0


Then your computers should be able to see each other.

 

Using this type of connection you need to switch on and configure Windows XP ICS.

Log to this page it has a lot of links to instructions to Windows Network Settings, and Sharing.

Link to: Windows Network - Installing & Sharing.

However you are much better off looking around and getting a Cable/DSL Router on sale.

Link to: Cable/DSL Routers - NAT & Ports.

 

thank you guys.


Wookie...(or anybody else willing), how would I go about setting static IP addresses? can you give me the basic intructions?


@cat5 what is windows XP ICS?...how do i find it?


also why do you say that using a router is better?...security reasons?


enlighten me please...


By the way...when i use the switch this computer shows that it has made a connection.

but I still cant see it....so should I or shouldnt I use the switch? is either one better?


thanks again.

 

i figured it out...the IP address thing...


but I was also told on another site to get a router because it is much more secure then a software firewall.


thanks all for your help.


peace

 

Link to all that ever wanted to know about ICS: http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/

Or Cable/DSL Router provides:

Easy configuration.

Hardware NAT.

Hardware Firewall with filters.

DHCP Server.

MAC Cloning.

PPPOE in Hardware.

DMZ.

Speed.

Stability.

 

yup im set up with a router now

SOOOOO much easier to set up.


thanks to all who helped.