How to Configure a Peer Network (250927)

MORE INFORMATION

A peer network is a network of computers that allows each user to control his or her own desktop settings, resource sharing, and security. There is no centralized control of security, no single logon environment, and no ability to maintain a roaming desktop environment (this requires a client/server network environment).

To create a peer network, you must have the following components:

• A network interface or Local Area Network (LAN) adapter for each computer. The same manufacturer and model of network card is preferred.
• Cabling that is supported by the network cards.
• Windows 98 drivers for the network cards.
• A common network protocol.
• A unique computer name for each computer.

To create a peer network, follow these steps for each computer connected to the network:

1. Shut down the computer and install the network card and appropriate cabling for each computer.
   
   NOTE: For information about how to configure your network adapters and physically connect your computers, consult the documentation included with your network adapters or contact the manufacturer(s) of your network adapters.
2. Start Windows and install the network drivers. Windows may detect your network card and install the drivers when you start the computer. If the network card drivers are not included with Windows, follow the manufacturer's instructions about how to install the network drivers.
3. Choose a client and a common protocol for each computer. To do this, follow these steps:
   1. Click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click Network.
   2. Click Add, click Client, and then click Add.
   3. In the Manufacturers box, click the appropriate manufacturer, click the appropriate client in the Network Clients box, and then click OK.
   4. Click Add, click Protocol, and then click Add.
   5. In the Manufacturers box, click the appropriate manufacturer, click the appropriate protocol in the Network Protocol box, and then click OK.
   6. Follow the instructions to finish installing the network client and protocol.
4. Configure a peer server. Each computer that is configured for File and Printer Sharing can act as a server. To configure a computer for File and Printer Sharing, use the following steps:
   1. Click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click Network.
   2. Click File and Print Sharing, click one or both options to share files and printers, click OK, and then click OK again.
   3. Click Yes when you are prompted to restart your computer.
5. Give each computer a unique computer name. To do this, use the following steps:
   1. Click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click Network.
   2. On the Identification tab, type a unique name in the Computer name box.
   3. Click OK, and then click Yes when you are prompted to restart your computer.
      
      NOTE: The computer name must be unique for each computer on the network and should be no more than 15 characters in length. In small networks, the workgroup name should be the same for each computer so that all computers are visible in the same workgroup when browsing. You should not use spaces or the following characters in computer and workgroup names:

      / \ * , . " @