[Paul Heath]

Question for all you computer wizards please
We are about to buy another desktop computer for our office and need them to speak to one another. What is the best way to do this. Our box of tricks from BT does have 4 Ethernet holes, would i be able to go through this or would i need a server, what ever they do? Is it possible for both machines to work on the same program at the same time? Any help and advice most welcome thanks

[Andy Foster]

Hi Paul

I have been out of IT for a few years now but am not totally out of date with stuff.  So the info below is just my understanding of current IT architecture and it is worth getting a second opinion.

Unless they are located close to eachother, you would be best networking them wirelessly.  If they are close then an ethernet cable would be fine (you would need a crossover cable unless you run through a hub or switch).
A simple network would allow you to share files/printers/scanners etc.
Sharing programmes is a totally different ballgame as you need the 'master' machine to allow a 'dumb terminal' to use its programmes, this is where you may need to put a server in place.
This is a very complicated (and expensive) process and unless you really, really need them to share programmes then stick to the simple network route.

Just my humble opinion.

Andy

[Paul Heath]

Thanks for our reply very helpful. I wanted to run a scheduling program on both desktops if possible, so might have to invest a server as well. Cheers

[Andy Foster]

Hi Paul

If the programme information is stored in either a file or database, it may be possible to have the actual programme loaded on both machines and for the file or database to be accessed from either machine.  The only problem is if you try to access it from both at once... can cause problems.

Andy

[shelton]

Yup, Andy is spot on with his advice.

Sounds like you have a 4-port router/switch, so just plug your new desktop in there.  It's fairly easy to share things in Windows.  Just make sure you have File & Print Sharing installed (should be added as default) and you can share folders from each of your machines with the others (via Network Neighbourhood in Explorer).

As for scheduling software, it depends how you want to do it.  One quick and dirty method may be to build yourself something in Excel and then share it (Tools, Share Workbook).