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Frequently Asked Questions

How do you network two Windows95 computers

Should we set up a server or a  peer-to-peer network

Have purchased Microsoft SBS and want to know how to setup up a VPN and use NetMeeting

How do you network four Windows95 computers

A:Microsoft Windows 95 has all of the necessary networking components you will need beyond the network card and cabling. All of your configuration work will be done using the Network icon and the Passwords icon in Control Panel. Essentially, you will have to ensure that the software drivers for the network card are installed (and the network card is recognized by Windows 95), you have added the Client for Microsoft Networks, a network protocol like NetBEUI, and File and Print Sharing for Microsoft Networks is running.

The step by step information on how to properly configure these components is best described in the Introducing Windows 95 Manual (networking section; chapter 3, page 43). It keeps it very simple. Insert the Windows 95 CD into your PC. From the Startup menu, click Run or click Windows Explorer from the Program menu. Browse the CD drive for the folder titled "Admin." Open the folder and then click "Reskit." Alternatively, you can download the Resource Kit from http://www.microsoft.com/windows95/info/w95reskit.htm. If you have a hard copy of the Resource Kit you can start at Chapter 7.

I'm setting up a small totally independent business unit. It will consist of:

1. 1 PC acting as server and workstation for sales administration and accounting system
2. 2 other standard workstations
3. 1 dot matrix printer for invoice printing
4. 1 laser printer

We want to be able to use the laser printer on all stations, the dot matrix only on the big PC. Can this be done in a workgroup configuration? If so, how?

A: There are a few factors one should consider when deciding between a peer to peer network and a server based network. The primary issues you should focus on are the necessary levels of security between users, management of all of the devices or resources involved (PC's, printers, data), and future growth.

You've described a situation that has little plans for growth in the next year or so and you only have a few resources to manage. I imagine that you would not have too many problems getting access to any one of the PC's or printers. Up to this point you are easily leaning towards a peer-to-peer network. The remaining issue is something that you will still need to address. Do you want to manage who has access to what PC's, printers, and data on a very strict level or are you in a work environment in which everyone is trusted to access the resources? This political issue may help you decide which technology to choose.

A peer-to-peer network allows each user to act as an administrator over his/her own PC and the other resources related to that PC. Each user can set passwords in order to protect and to share his/her PC and its resources.

A server based network that incorporates a Windows NT server allows an administrator of the network to set permissions for access to PC's, printers, data, etc. The server does all of the authenticating of users. The server verifies what levels of access each user can have to resources and each users can use those settings as they need to share other resources from his/her own PC.

I think that you may be leaning towards a peer-to-peer network to start. If you want to move to a server based network in the future you can do that with little difficulty. All of your stated requirements are met in a peer to peer network. I suggest using either the Windows 95 Resource Kit or the Windows NT workstation Resource Kit for the ultimate set of instructions if you plan on doing all of the work on your own. Either should give you all you need to be successful.

1. Allow employees to access the office network remotely via an Internet connection.
   
2. Make use of Microsoft NetMeeting®.

A: Microsoft's BackOffice Small Business Server (SBS) is a great solution for companies looking to network to each other and connect to the Internet. There are some configuration issues to research when planning Virtual Private Networks and SBS. You will need to configure Point to Point Tunneling Protocol, PPTP, which is included with Microsoft Windows NT Server®, Windows NT Workstation® and downloadable from the Microsoft Web site, http://www.microsoft.com, for Microsoft Windows 95®. You will also have to update the proxy server component.

SBS has been designed to install fairly simply however I suggest that you read more about it on the Microsoft Web site, http://backoffice.microsoft.com, to determine whether or not you should install it by yourself. I'd highly suggest that you consider working with a consultant and doing some comprehensive pre-installation planning with them.