Networking For Small Businesses
With the advent of
Windows 95, networking for five or fewer computers became
inexpensive and relatively simple. Sharing printers and files
without expensive network operating software or a dedicated server PC
became a favorite among many small businesses and home offices. With
the release of Windows 98, Second Edition. networked PCs may also
access the Internet through a single modem using a single ISP
log on.
What
is all this talk about networking? There are basically two types of
networks systems that allow computers to talk to each other. The
first is called a "Client/Server" system,
which is the evolution of mainframe, real-time communications. This
network requires a dedicated computer to be a "server,"
which can be a PC or a mainframe. The end users, usually desktop
PCs, are the "clients." The clients usually have minimal
software installed, as all the data collection and processing takes
place at the server level of the network. If the server is down, so
is the network.
Some
client/server networks are small, such as the Novell networks found
in most law offices. In the corporate world, the network is often
huge, requiring a full-time staff to implement and maintain.
The
other type of network is the one included in Windows 95 and 98. It
is called "Peer to Peer" networking, in which no dedicated
server is needed. Lantastic, created by Artisoft, pioneered the Peer
to Peer implementation of networking, but Windows 95/98 eliminated
the need for a separate network operating system. Each
computer can be authorized to "share" certain resources,
such as the hard drive or any attached printer. This is a
really efficient way for several PCs to access a color printer or a
data file.
Networking for small
businesses is flourishing as new technologies allow PCs to be
networked with a minimum of training and effort. New USB (Universal
Serial Bus) interfaces allow .you to attach a PC to an Ethernet
network without the hassle of removing the computer's plastic cover.
With just two PCs, a "crossover" cable
is used to connect the machines instead of a hub. The USB connectors
are found on most new PCs. but if you have older units with the USB
ports, networking is still fairly easy and inexpensive.
There
are "starter" kits available at most office supply and
computer stores that supply the traditional Network Interface Cards
(NICs) and a small Ethernet hub, along with attaching cables.
These kits usually are priced under $90.00 and include any software
drivers that may not be included in the Windows
operating system. The cards are available in both PCI (Peripheral
Component Interconnect) and ISA (Industry Standard Architecture)
format. Just make sure your PCs have the required open slots
to add the cards.
While
the equipment is locally available and reasonably priced. the set up
can be beyond the scope of the casual PC user. If you don't know how
to modify your Windows settings or how to download drivers,
you should leave the installation and setup to
someone who does.
If you
are comfortable with configuring and modifying your PCs, then happy
networking.
George Mindling ©
2000
