Buliding a home network

For home, I would use Windows XP Pro on all the computers.  Unless you are planning on leaving a server up and running all the time.   If the Domain Controller (server) is ever turned off, none of the other computers will have network access.  With windows XP and a cable\DSL router, you do not have to have a server up and running al the time.

How many computers will be on the network?  Windows server works great, might as well go with 2003 since it has more features, but it seems like overkill.  Setting up a domain is pretty easy with server 2003, and it will allow you to have more features as opposed to using a workgroup.   I know to good software packages that help you throttle bandwidth, SurfControl and Websense.  

Let me know some more details before I continue...

I would not use a server for a home network. You can just attach 3-4-5 XP machines on a Broadband Router/Firewall, and make them all part of the same workgroup. You can also enable file security on each machine to limit the access to ressources by username.

A cheap linksys Broadband router/firewall (60-80 US$?) would be more then enough for this purpose, and it can serve you as a switch, and will share your internet connection.

Here is the product I would install on your network to connect your computer to, and to share your internet connection:

http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?grid=34&scid=29&prid=561

Ok guys , I want something easy actually , is setting up a domain name a hard thing? i want something easy and can help me to manage this network , the network will have 5 pc's only .

I want something easy and don't make a headache for me everyday , i tried to setup a domain before but the internet was sometimes very slow and the other times not working.. that's why i'm afraid of it .

Thanks

I would not setup a domain, domain are mainly for corporate network, and require maintenance. Use a normal workgroup, and configure your TCP/IP protocol using DHCP, so the Linksys router will be able to provide all your PCs with their Internal Ip addresses. The speed of the internet will not be affected if you use this setup

The problem is that this product is not available in my country , i have a D-LINK hup , will this do it? i tried it and the speed was affected

regarding the dhcp , do you know any sites that have tutorials on how to set it up? also what OS do you recommend me to use?

thanks

use XP pro.  add all the computers to the same workgroup, then you will be able to 'network' between the compouters.  

Find a d-link device that acts as a router.  Most D-link devices that have router capabilities will also alloctae IP addresses (DHCP).

also, with the DLink router, there should be no setup involved when using DHCP.

Definetly go with a router for networking and sharing internet, very easy setup (basically just plug it in) and very little to no maintence.

yes , but is there any routers that accepts more than 5 ports? and i want it wire and not wireless

also guys is there any way to do it without a router?  i just bought a new pc to use it as a server and don't want to pay more :-(

I would not do it without a router.. Yes you can do it, but it's more work, and well, it's not as clean :)

You can get this product from D-Link

http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=64

It's a 7 Port broadband router.. it does the job.

IF you want to share it via an XP Computer, here is an How-To

http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp_ics/

and will it work fine with windows xp? i mean the speed and the other things

You can use a 4 port router in conjunction with your hub. You can add more switches and hubs to any router if you need to add more computers.

I would still stick with the router. They are cheap. It's a lot easier to set up and it doesn't stick you computer where everybody can see it.

how check? i asked about some routers and they are $200+ , expensive as you can see .

and for now.. as i don't have a router and until i buy one do you recommend me any software that is better than ICS? i saw terrapin multinet it's cheap i think , but do you recommend me something better for us? not like websense wich is for large networks .

Where are you at that these routers cost so much????

I'm in Qatar and the problem is that they are all wireless , no wire routers :-(  , it's a big problem actually , i'll have to use ICS

I would recommend visiting a retailer's website for the purchase.  The device that Yan_West linked to is the same device I use at home and it lists for $59.99 USD on www.bestbuy.com.  There are several others there in the same price range.

do you know any web site like bestbuy that can ship to countries outside usa?

thanks

ICS is just asking for more problems. If you have a spare PC you can use freesco (www.freesco.org), very easily set up. Otherwise, as has been mentioned several times, a simple router (or router + switch unit) is the best way to go.

Domain - No
A server - No

Network your computers through a switch/hub (which may be part of the router...) and share your internet connection as well.
/RID

I will buy a router but not now , maybe after 3 days , freesco is for linux only and i want something for windows .

Tariq,

Wow, I didn't think it would be this tough to find an outlet in the Middle East.  I'm looking though.

yeah , here it's hard to find networking equipments :-(

Okay, I'm not getting very far since I don't read or speak Arabic.  What might be useful to you though is to go to www.google.com and set your advanced search preferences to only search sites that are in Arabic and do a search.  Hopefully you will get more benefit from this than I am.

Good luck and if I find something I'll let you know.

look at the (development site

buy router on ebay.  Find out what your ISP uses as the modem/router.  Then buy it on ebay.

Hi,

Regarding e-smith i just found developers version , can you please tell me where can i find the normal version?

thanks