Tutorial Synchronize 2 PC on a Network

Networking, as we all know, is the linking of two or more computers so that resources such as the printer and
the Internet connection can be utilised by more than one user at a time. In order to connect the computers,
hardware such as router and server may be required. However, if your intention is to connect only two
computers,there are two extremely cost-saving ways to do so, as described below.

(Instructions on how to
share the printer and the Internet connection are given at the end of this blog entry)

The wired way involves utilising the RJ-45 port on
the two desired computers. Also known as a LAN port, it looks similar to the phone jack (RJ-11 port) on your
modem. You would need to obtain a crossover LAN cable (not conventional LAN cable) and plug the ends
into each of the two computers. The subsequent lines explain how the networking is done (assuming the
computers are running Windows 98 and above):

For the sake of simplicity, the two computers will be called DAD and MOM respectively.

ON "DAD"

1. Right-click "My Computer", click "Properties"


2. Click "Computer Name" Tab


3. Click "Change"


4. A window should pop-up. Specify a name for the computer.



5. Click "Workgroup" and specify a name. (We will call the computer DAD and the workgroup HOME)


6. Click OK


7. Click OK in the computer properties windows. Restart the computer if prompted.
   
   
   

Configuring IP


1. Go to Start > Control Panel > Network Connections > Network Connections


2. Right-click on your LAN connection and click "Properties"


3. Under the heading "This connection uses the following items", click "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)


4. Click "Properties"


5. A new window should pop up, click "Alternate Configuration"


6. Click "User configured" radio button



7. Here, you can specify the address. For computer DAD
   , specify the IP as 192.168.0.2, subnet mask as
   255.255.255.0, Default gateway as 192.168.0.1. Under Preferred / Alternate DNS server, the values for Xtra
   are 202.27.158.40 and 202.27.156.72 respectively (the address may vary between ISPs). If you are unable
   to determine your ISP's Preferred / Alternate DNS server addresses, just surf on to OpenDNS for options available.


8. Click "OK"


9. Click "OK" under the LAN connection properties.

You are done for computer DAD

ON "MOM"

1. Right-click "My Computer", click "Properties"


2. Click "Computer Name" Tab


3. Click "Change"



4. A window should pop-up. Specify a name for the computer.


5. Click "Workgroup" and specify a name. (We will call the computer MOM and the workgroup HOME)


6. Click OK


7. Click OK in the computer properties windows.

(You may have to restart the computer. If you are prompted to, do so)

Configuring IP

1. Go to Start > Control Panel > Network Connections > Network Connections


2. Right-click on your LAN connection and click "Properties"


3. Under the heading "This connection uses the following items", click "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)


4. Click "Properties"



5. A new window should pop up, click "Alternate Configuration"


6. Click "User configured" radio button


7. Here, you can specify the address. For computer MOM
   , specify the IP as 192.168.0.1, subnet mask as
   255.255.255.0, Default gateway as 192.168.0.2. Under Preferred / Alternate DNS server, the values for Xtra
   are 202.27.158.40 and 202.27.156.72 respectively (the address may vary between ISPs). If you are unable
   unable
   to determine your ISP's Preferred / Alternate DNS server addresses, just surf on to OpenDNS for options available.


8. Click "OK"



9. Click "OK" under the LAN connection properties.

You are done for computer MOM

When the steps above are done correctly, the computers will automatically discover and connect to each other.

Sharing the Internet Connection (URL to
this section)



Assuming the Internet is connected via broadband (ADSL) connection on DAD

1. Go to Start > Control Panel > Network Connections > Network Connections


2. Left-click on wireless adaptor once


3. Hold down the Ctrl key and left-click on broadband connection once


4. Right-click on either of the connections, and click "Bridge
   Connections"



5. When correctly done, both the wireless adaptor and broadband connection icons should appear under a new
   heading called "Network Bridge"

Assuming the Internet is connected via dial-up connection on
DAD

1. Right-click on your dial-up connection, click "Properties".


2. In the new window, click "Advanced" and place a tick for "Allow other network users to connect through
   this computer's Internet connection".



3. Click "OK" to save


4. Important Step: Check your IP configuration
   
   
   

   
   

   
   
   1. Go to Start > Control Panel > Network Connections > Network Connections
   
   
   2. Right-click on your wireless adaptor and click "Properties"
   
   
   
   3. Under the heading "This connection uses the following items", click "Internet Protocol
      (TCP/IP)
   
   
   4. Click "Properties"
   
   
   5. A new window should pop up, click the radio button "
      Obtain an IP address automatically"
   
   
   6. Click "OK" to save
   
   

   
   

   
   
   
   
   


5. You are done!

Sharing the Printer (URL to
this section)




Assuming the printer is connected to DAD

1. Go to Start > Printers and Faxes


2. Right-click on the desired printer, click "Sharing..."


3. Click the radio button "Share this printer" and specify
   a name in the textbox



4. Click "OK" to save