Networking & wireless: windows/linux network
windows/linux network
by SK Keeper - 5/22/06 9:12 PMI am trying to setup a wired/wireless network in my home. In the family room I have a Dell with WindowsXP Home (we'll call this Computer A). I have a wireless router connected to that computer. My cable modem is connected to the router. In my office, I have a computer with XP Pro (Computer B) connected to the network by a wireless USB adapter. I'd like to add a Linux computer (Computer C) to my network to act as a server. Computer B and Computer C will be a wired connection.
How do I get Computer C to be able to connect to the internet?
If you need more info on the computers, i'll add it. If you know of a site that would be informative, I would appreciate any help.
"How do I get Computer C to be able to connect to "?
by R. Proffitt
- 5/23/06 8:12 AM
In reply to: windows/linux network by SK Keeper
"How do I get Computer C to be able to connect to the internet?"
Computer C is...
"a Linux computer"
"a wired connection."
In this case it's this simple. You'll have to install Linux with it's networking proper and when the Linux box DHCPs the connection, you should be able to use the distro's web browser without any ado.
You mention it being a server, but that's not the question so I won't address it.
For example, if I boot my Knoppix CD, this would "just work."
Bob
A little bit of explanation ...
by Kees Bakker - 5/23/06 8:15 AM
In reply to: windows/linux network by SK Keeper
might be useful. After all, 'connect to the Internet' isn't the same as 'acting as a server'. If you tell what you want and why you want it, there might be ways to do it.
Moreover, I see a contradiction in what you say about computer B. It's wireless but suddenly it should become wired.
It's a good question, in principle, about mixed networks, but it lacks the necessary clarity.
Kees
Some more details
by SK Keeper - 5/23/06 11:39 AM In reply to: A little bit of explanation ... by Kees Bakker
I've made a webpage with a graphic that should help describe the situation a little better. http://www.bcfantasy.com/nethelp.html
I'm learning PHP now, and its frustrating to upload a page any time I make a change just to see if it worked. I'm using Computer C as a replica of my webhost's server (Apache, PHP, MySQL, etc.). I'd like to have Computer C access the internet for things like security updates. As you can see, Computer C won't connect directly through the router, but will pass through Computer B. I know I could just get another wireless adapter for Comp C, but it is so old it doesn't even have USB ports. I'm guessing that would just bring up a different set of problems. Plus, I'd like to learn how the network works, rather than running a network setup wizard.
Also, I'm unable to move the router into the office since there is no cable connection in here, and the landlord won't allow me to drill holes to put one in.
Too advanced for most and in fact...
by R. Proffitt - 5/23/06 1:40 PM
In reply to: Some more details by SK Keeper
I decline helping people create such a nightmare.
If you want this to work proper, connect "C" to the router and it will work without learning routing, limitations of XP and more.
I don't see any advantage to this setup, but it's your choice. My choice to know better than help another into a finicky setup as well as the tarpit of issues you'll be asking about.
Bob
One last question
by SK Keeper - 5/23/06 3:46 PM In reply to: Too advanced for most and in fact... by R. Proffitt
If I replaced the wireless USB adapter with a wireless router, and connected Computer B and C to that, would that work?
Not unless said box could be a "bridge."
by R. Proffitt - 5/23/06 4:29 PM
In reply to: One last question by SK Keeper
There are such devices made by the usual players. But since you already have the one WIFI client device, the cheap seats would be to add another to the linux box. The pitfall or timesink here is making sure your version of linux supports it.
Bob
Thanks for your help
by SK Keeper - 5/23/06 7:59 PM In reply to: Not unless said box could be a "bridge." by R. Proffitt
I guess I'm gonna have to break down and get the router. I was trying to get this done without buying any hardware, but the router does seem like the most sensible option.
Thanks for your input.
It does get a little complicated ........
by rengel - 5/23/06 2:11 PM In reply to: windows/linux network by SK KeeperPerhaps I can give you a little explanation of what you're facing.
Your very diagram would not be the way I would approach your situation. In my opinion, you should let the router do it's job which is to provide network or internet access to all of the computers on your network. Connecting the Linux box to the network through a windows machine is looking for trouble. Again IMHO, the Linux box should be connected directly to the router. If that is done, you should have immediate access to the internet with any kind of distribution I have tried.
However to access it as a file server or any other type of direct access from the windows machines, you will have to embark on a quest, I'm afraid. The only proper way to interface Windows and Linux on a network is through Samba. Samba is a software program that functions as a server and interface to allow the two very different operating systems to communicate.
No matter what some might tell you, it is not impossible to make use of but there is definately a learning curve and some ''book larnin'' to do.
The network here in my house is 3 XP machines, one Linux box functioning as a file server and backup and another Linux box just to play with, functioning as a desktop machine. They all ''talk'' to one another in varying degrees.
You could do it, but it will take some time on the learning curve and some reading. If it looks a little intimidating to you and believe me, Linux is intimidating, you may want to try a little different solution. The easiest would be to put PHP on one of the windows machines.
All of the above is personal opinion, nothing more.
Richard
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