when you network 2 computers

[gtp1976]

exactly what files are shared? If you have software installed on one computer but not the other, can you access these programs from either computer? What are the pros/cons of a home network?

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

1. It's more for sharing files and Internet link than for sharing programs

Although you can, with some kung fu, run programs in one machine when sitting at the other (e.g. with Windows terminal services, or remote X or ssh under Linux)

[sendero]

2. Some info..

... first, no files are shared unless you either (I assume you are running XP, its a bit different with other variants) :

1) put them in the c:/shared folder

2) proactively share other folders (i.e. right click on the folder in Windows Explorer and use the Sharing and Security... menu item to shared the folder.

Programs are not shared. You can only run a program on the machine on which it is installed (there may be a few exceptions to this, but they are very few).

[frylock]

9. c$..

there are administrative shares that most people aren't aware of. It's always best to run a network behind a hardware firewall, such as a gateway router used for multiple internet connections.

[Ladyhawk]

3. You only need a crossover CAT5 cable for networking 2 computers.

And, of course, a NIC (Networking Interface Card) in each computer

On a WinD'OH!s system, you can specify which files are shared by right-clicking on the folder, choosing properties, then going to the "Sharing" tab. I would recommend that you not allow your computers to alter each other's files.

Good luck.

[gtp1976]

4. How does the other computer appear

Is it sort of like another drive? H: drive or something?

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

6. Yes. You see the other computer's hard drive as if it were yours.

You save a file from, say, Word into drive H:, and it is actually being saved in the other computer's hard drive.

[Ladyhawk]

7. It will show up under Networking / My Network Places. n/t

[mermaid]

5. My Understanding Is....

You can share FILES, but not programs.

Example, I worked in a law office, and we built our network. I had to install the bankruptcy program on both computers....but then we could share the FILES. and we could work on them from both computers...but not at the same time, either.

I might be wrong, because I'm not a software or networking sort of computer tech, I'm more schooled in the hardware aspect of computers than the software aspect.

[Ladyhawk]

8. If the folder of the program is shared, you can sometimes share programs.

It depends on whether or not Windows must access information from places other than the folder. DOS programs worked over network. Windows programs sometimes require information from the registry or a "Common Shared Files" folder. Sometimes they don't and you can start the program simply by clicking on the executable in a shared folder. As long as the program doesn't have to look anywhere besides the folder for information on how to proceed, it should start up.

You'll just have to see if you can share certain programs or not.

[Thor_MN]

10. The program is made up of files just like the "data" files.

The reason that you usually don't run a program from a differnt networked computer is that the programs often need other files that are installed locally. That's not to say that it can't be done (we do it all the time at work with our home grown stuff) but it is less common with commercial software.

The strategy that often works best is to have the programs stored locally and tha data files on the network where thay can be easily backed up. If your copy of Excel is trashed, no big deal, just reinstall. If however the mega spreadsheet that has 2000 person-hours of data in it get roasted by not shutting down properly - well that can be expensive...