Networking
 

Hello,
I have just bought a laptop pc and I would like to network it to my main pc.

My main pc is OS Windows 98SE and my laptop is XP Home.
I am on ntl Broadband 150k through a 100 mac cable modem.

I know that, normally, the main pc has to be switched on in order for the secondary pc to be able to access the internet.

Is there a way that it can be networked, so that if my main pc is out of action for any reason and cannot be turned on, that I can still connect to the internet with my laptop, in order to still access my e-mail and browse the web??
I would like to use my existing Outlook Express e-mail address on both computers.

The reason I would like to be able to do this is because my pc recently had to go into a repair shop for three days and I was unable to continue with some work that I was doing.

Thank you for any help

Church Mouse. :angel:

Re: Networking
 

to network them without them relying on each other then you will need a router.

sorry! :(

Re: Networking
 

Use a router and connect both pc's to it. The laptop will need a pcmcia card and you can connect the decktop to the router via a cable (or wirelessly)

Re: Networking
 

Thank you

Church Mouse

Re: Networking
 

There is nothing to stop you connecting the laptop direct to the cable modem if your desktop is out of action.

Re: Networking
 

Sharing Outlook Express over 2 PCs is not possible though.

Re: Networking
 

You just set up both machines so they access the same accounts.
I've got Outlook Express, Outlook 2002 and Outlook 2003 all accessing the same accounts on three machines. Obviously when one machine downloads an email, then the others don't get to see it but I don't think that would be a problem here.

Re: Networking
 

yep that is possible :tu: you can also set one pc to leave a copy of messages on the server, so then they can be read on both and only downloaded on one of the computers, just to keep them all in the same place.

MB

Re: Networking
 

With outlook express if you set all PCs to leave copy on server for 10 days and then cleanup, as long as all pcs collect mail every 10 days you are golden. Sent mail will only appear on the machine it was sent from though.

With outlook, you can put the outlook.pst file on a server or shared location, all machines can then access it, but only 1 at a time. Perfect syncronised mail.

Re: Networking
 

If you are going to set up a network anyway, you can let multiple PC's use the same outlook.pst file.
That way, all PC's will be using the same folder so you only have one 'central' store.

Obviously, this is only any good if you have one machine switched on all the time..... and I've just re-read your first post....

I'll get me coat :D

Re: Networking
 

But saying that, if you have reliability concerns you will want to backup your outlook.pst files regularly anyway (and should in any case).

Re: Networking
 

Thank you all.

I would only need to have my laptop connected to the internet for access and to download any e-mail to my Outlook Express, if my desktop pc was not working.

So, am I correct in assuming that if my desktop was 'in Hospital' then I could just connect my laptop to my cable modem, and make sure that my Outlook Express details were entered into my laptop, and everything would work?

Would I not need to install the ntl Broadband cd onto the laptop?

If that is correct it would solve all of my problems, I wouldn't need to network either.

Thanks

Church Mouse

Re: Networking
 

That's right Church Mouse. You do not need to use the NTL CD if you are connecting via Ethernet. The only thing on the CD that is worth having is the USB driver if you are connecting via USB but I would not recommend connecting that way.

Re: Networking
 

ianathuth,

Thank you so much for your information.Yes, I am connected by ethernet.
I haven't tried connecting my laptop yet, but will do soon.
I only need to be able to use this faclity if my desktop pc is unavailable as it has been recently.

Thanks also to everyone else who has replied, it is surprising just how much you can learn from a forum.

Regards

Church Mouse.

Re: Networking
 

Hello again,

I have connected my laptop to the internet via my ethernet connection, but I do not know how to set up Outlook Express so that my e-mail address on my laptop is the same as on my desk top pc,

I really would appreciate help if possible please.

Thank you

Church Mouse