NetWork dual PC's

[atc_traffic856]

Systems run xppro
The two have network cards installed
One is a P3 approx 512MB memory\
The other is a P4 512DDR
Internet is through DSL cable I have the two hook up to a Linksys 4 port router. Modem hook into Linksys all works well.
The question is can I access my p3 via from my p4 pc after I do the initial setup through the p4 xppro network to recognize my p3 pc>> and use the same monitor hook up to my p4 pc??
Or do I have to connect a KVM switch to share the monitor and keyboard etc.
I am a novice at networking two PC's>
Thank you

[classicsoftware]

Do you want to network or use both pc's with one Keyboard monitor and mouse?

[Variable]

Yes, you can do that. It will be easier if you use Remote desktop. The only problem you will have is if you have to reboot. The PC will error with no keyboard attached. Otherwise, you can boot the old pc up and get it running then disconnect the mouse,keyboard and monitor, having it only connected via a Network cable. The Newer PC will be able to access the OS of the older PC. If you have Remote Desktop you can log into the server to add software etc. Otherwise it can be just a file server and you won't need remote desktop. But heck, it's free and very usefull.

[atc_traffic856]

Thanks Classicsoftware and Variable
No Classicsoftware I really only want too beable use my older one mainly for my files and other storage items. The main bootable PC will be the p4 which has the exact same os sys.
I only want to use one monitor and beable to send or receive data from the p4 to the p3 and to extract data using my p4 from the p3. I guess the communication between the two PC's would be through the Linksys Router whereas they are both connected to the Router plus of crse my Modem is connected to the Linksys Router.
Variable the software for what you have mention is this available on the Internet for "Free"??
I already have a key board and a mouse connected to the p3. But I only have the one Monitor??

[Variable]

Remote desktop comes free with Windows XP.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/mobility/getstarted/remoteintro.mspx

You will have to set up the old pc first and get it up and running then you can disconnect the monitor, while it is still running, and plug it into the new pc.
V

[atc_traffic856]

Thank you very much for the info Variable.
I seen that they mention the VPN protocol throughout the stages of hooking up your pc's>> Of crse this would be wise, but would this disrupt any of my DSL internet connections? Or would this VPN just secure my data transfer between the two pc's?
Thank you

[Variable]

Remote Desktop is just a set of services that are available for use. They wouldn't stop much of anything, they would allow things to happen that wouldn't normally be possible.
MS has made it pretty fool proof. On an internal network, the turning on of Remote Desktop and adding the persons credentals, would allow encrypted traffic between to local PC's. If you wanted to use it past the router, using the internet, you would probably need to open the ports up in the routers Access Control List. Opening ports is pretty easy, just read your routers manual or view their web site.

It's a no brainer, it should be installed already on your computer with XP Pro. I found anouther set of instructions that may help you more. It takes about 2 minutes to set up per PC, remember to add the the users to each computer as shown. Then you will have authenticated and encrypted traffic between the PC's.

http://www.wown.com/j_helmig/wxprmdtp.htm

Variable

[classicsoftware]

You can use remote desktop, but why bother. With a KVM switch you san easliy go from machine to machine and re-booting is not a problem.

[Variable]

Well for one thing, RDP is free and comes built into the OS, unlike a KVM switch...
KVM switch's have gotten cheaper but after windows 2000 there is really no need for them for a file server. They only reason why you would have trouble rebooting is if there is no keyboard plugged in and the BIOS is set to error on keyboard missing. If the machine is just a file server use RDP. We use things called "cheaters" They are a little mouse and keyboard connector that fakes the pc into thinking a keyboard and mouse are attached. Serves two or three purposes, no problems rebooting and gives you extra 2.5 feet length so that you can easily connect your mouse and keyboard from your cart/home setup, you also don't have to reach back and find the slots. Sometimes there is a lot of wiring and the connectors are hard to get to because of the way the machine is placed -cheaters make life simpler with multiple server/computers.

You could have a row of old computers sitting anywhere you want and all you need to use them is a ethernet cable. Very usefull stuff...

V

[atc_traffic856]

Great Info Thank you for all your info I will begin// any problems I have I will relate>>
Thanks