I need a quick course in networking:?

Question

Need to hardwire 3 pcs together to be able to specifically access Fishbowl software which is an inventory software that coincides with Quickbooks. The jerk that did this before me "knew everything" yet ran the network through the internet apparently??? Can someone walk me through the steps if possible???? (Baby steps please - type slowly and use small words) 10 points for best answer, I won't forget ya. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Ok.

Let's leave the Internet completely out of the loop.

You need a Network card (NIC) of some type in each system.  Wireless adapters may work as a substitute but are much less secure.

You need a switch or router.  Gigabit better, 100Mb Ethernet ok, Wireless router bad idea, but if you only use the wired ports, works in a pinch.

You connect CAT6 patch cables from each of the computers to the switch or router.

You enable file and printer sharing on each of the computers.

If you use a router, enable the DHCP feature on the router and make sure that each computer has "automatically via DHCP" Enabled.  

If you use a switch you will have to manually enter IP addresses for each computer.  Be sure to use one of the reserved ranges.  192.168.0.0 - 192.168.255.255 for example.

Assign all 3 of the computers to the same WORK GROUP.

For this I would use the Work Group name FISHBOWL

Right click on "my computer" then click on "properties".

Next click on the "computer name" tab.  Click on the "Change" button.

Here's the place you change the work group name.  Once all that is done, reboot all of the systems.  

Next you may or may not need to create a share or shared folders on each system.

I'll surmise you need at least one network share.  To create a network share, RIGHT click on the Folder you want to share and then click on sharing and security.  Put the dot in Share this folder. Click the permissions button and add those who need, or enable full access to all if necessary.

Now, you should have a network shared folder that all 3 systems can view by opening the network neighborhood and then the machine that has the share.  If you need a share on each system, follow the above to get more shares, the same way you created the first share.

Now, print this and follow it step by step.  

If you happen to be in Southern California, visit my site.  I could set this up for you quickly and painlessly for less than your first born child.

http://www.evanscomputers.com

Edit in response to your edit:

You should have high quality anti-virus software with software Firewall application installed and updated on all of your network.   I typically recommend ESET Smart Security Suite.  There is a 30 day trial evaluation version you can download for free.  Visit www.eset.com