I have two, soon to be three computers hooked up to a router/4 port switch. How do I use one computer to access files on the other ones?

 

Mike first you need to make sure the computers are seeing each other thru the network n'hood (if your running Windows). If you can see the other machines then you need to enable file sharing for each machine under network n'hood properties, then you'll need to set up sharing for the directories/folders you have files/info in on each computer.

John

 

If you're running Windows use the networking wizard. It will guide you through the setup process. Also, make sure every computer has the same workgroup name. In XP I believe that it gives you the option to copy the info to a floppy disk. You then take the floppy to each computer you want to network and run the wizard again. Sometimes there will be problems with an XP machine "seeing" a Win 98. Best bet is to search Microsoft Knowledge Base for solutions.

 

If you enable file sharing, would that not let someone else be able to see the files?

 

mike what OS are you running on all the pcs? i can answer the question in 2 seconds because i am a network engineer but i need you to answer a few questions

 

Win XP on two of them. Win 98 on the other. I want to keep the 98 machine off the internet. Thanks for the help.

 

Mike, since you have a router if you enable file sharing only the computers on your network will see them. What might make the most sense is to make one of the computers a "server". This computer will share the files that you want all three to have access to. The other two will be "clients". They will access the files on your "server". Since you have a simple network, just make sure they are all in the same workgroup. The settings to check your workgroup will vary from Operating System to Operating System.