I would like to netowrk 3 different CPUS (files, drives, etc.) is it possible to do this with one CPU running ME and the other two running XP home....If so where should I start....I apologize for my ignorance....Thanks

You mean three different computers. The CPU is the small chip inside with a big fan on it that makes it all work.

Yes it is possible. All you need is a four port switch or a hub and three legths of Cat5 cable of appropriate lengths. A switch is preferable but a hub will do. You will need three Network Interface Cards, one for each computer.

Install the NICs. XP should detect then automatically and install the necessary drivers. Me probably the same. Connect the three computers to the switch with the cable via the NICs

Run the Netwrk Setup Wizard from one of the XP Machines and follow the prompts. Save the settings to a floppy disk and use that to set up the other two computers.

Re-boot. You will need to designate any disks and folders as shared to be able to see them an another computer. You will also need to make sure that each computer has a log-on with the same name and password as all the others.

All you need now to share a broadband internet connect is a modem/router that will plug into the switch.

I dont think I have missed anything, but if I have, get back if you have any problems.

Stuart

Another option is to get a Router which supports Wireless and get 3 Wireless LAN USB Adapters. This way you'll save up on the NIC's but you'll have to pay a little more for the wireless router.

>> 3 Wireless LAN USB Adapters. This way you'll save up on the NIC's <<

How come when a Wireless LAN USB adaptor is likely to cost 3+ times more than a NIC?

And why USB? If you are going to go wireless, what wrong with a PCI Wireless adaptor?

Why a wireless router? Wireless only serves any useful purpose when there is portability to consider. These are three desktops.

Why a router anyway? The original poster made no mention of the Internet but that option is left open with a switch for a fraction of cost a wireless router and Wireless NICs would entail.

Stuart

>>How come when a Wireless LAN USB adaptor is likely to cost 3+ times more than a NIC?

I don't own one. But a friend of mine who does, bought one of these for 9.99 US$ - and it works perfectly with a 11Mbps wireless router.

>>How come when a Wireless LAN USB adaptor is likely to cost 3+ times more than a NIC?

Theres nothing wrong with a PCI Network Adapter. Just that most people find USB very convenient to work with (and its cheap these days). There's no need to dismantle the chassis incase of troubleshooting.

>>Why a wireless router? Wireless only serves any useful purpose when there is portability to consider. These are three desktops.

Simple. Incase you want to get rid of all wires and have a nice wire-congestion-free environment (the same reason why people opt for a wireless keyboard/mouse over a regular one). Also, incase someone gets a portable, he/she is rendered immobile because of not using a wireless router. Furthermore, if more users join, you'll have to buy another switch/hub and uplink one to the other. Most new routers support hundreds of wireless users.

>>Why a router anyway?

Because its more versatile than a switch for an additional small cost. Better long term investment, imo.

I'm not denying the fact that the user can use a switch - they're efficient too. It was just my point of view. For the bare bones approach, what you suggested is a price-efficient and fairly straightforward to install.

>> what you suggested is a price-efficient and fairly straightforward to install. <<

Glad you noticed as that was what I intended. The original poster, by his own admission, is a novice with not the first idea of computer networks. So why complicate the issue any more than it needs to be.

Learn the basics first and then concentrate on the techincalities of wireless, routers and all that entails.

Stuart