networking components

hi, i am setting up a LAN for around 5 computers, what would be the key hardware and software components required. I will want to share printers and files and also have internet access. can anyone help?

 

First, what kind of internet access? Broadband I would assume.

Second, are you going to setup a machine as the print server, have the printer hooked up directly to that machine and have it share the printer to the rest of machines, or do you want the printer hooked directly to the switch or router and have access that way? Either way gives you a few options.

Third, what OS is going to be running on each machine?

Basics, obviously you need network cards for each machine, If you want the printer hooked directly to a machine and share it out then most any printer can handle this function. If you want the printer hooked into the switch then you will need a network capable printer and something along the lines of jet direct software to install on the machines to make the connection.

As for internet, your best choice is to use broadband such as DSL. You would then need a cable/dsl router. You can get with with with out a built in switch. If you get one with out then you will also need a switch to connect to the computers and router into. Your broadband connection will then go to your router.

Depending on the type of network your are setting up and the OSs used you will want to make sure file and print sharing is enabled(for P2P type network). This is just one way to set it all up. Hope this helps some. Anything else just ask.