Computer networking Genius required

[wasp]

I need a little advice, there are three computers in the house, all running off a Nokia DSL modem, via network cards. There are two computers I want to network with each other through the modem, one is a Win 98 1st edition, the other a Win XP. The Win 98 has to stay a Win 98 because of some software I use that will not run on XP.
So far, I've got the Win XP computer to detect the 98 computer and show it on the network, but if I try to open it, it says access not permitted.
I'm not very clever at this type of thing, Ive been fiddling around trying to permit file sharing, etc, but no joy at getting actual access between them yet. Anyone can help?
I'm also a little concerned at opening up the computers and making them more vulnerable to attack, any advice here will be appreciated also.

[keigo]

Hi wasp,

1st we can dont need to bother about what type of modem since i assume all the 3 pc are within your house right.. so you will only need a router/hub/wireless (if non-wireless) then all 3 pc are cable connected to the hub/router right.

So for LAN system each pc will have their own NAT address (internal address e.g. 192.168.0.1) so normally the router address is 192.168.0.1 and the 3 pc address will be 192.168.0.xx

you can try ping each other to be sure they are all on the LAN. after that be it they r in which windows version. make sure all 3 pc are log into the same work group. Then the share folder will be able to work.

But there is another easy way out which is i always use since I'm on apple and windows, I will always put a freeware ftp server on each pc that i need to access and use ftp to get or put whatever file i need.

let me know do i ans your question and see how i can help

Lastly your worry about each pc been open up to the public WAN(internet) is not what you have been thinking.. so long each pc of yours are able to access internET, they are already been open to attack, be it they are have share folder or not.

What you should do is setup security access in your router to block all port expect those that you need.

But the best option is still to have a firewall hub connect to your modem and then the router after your firewall hub. (but this kind of setup i can say it's too adv, more for office usage)

[wasp]

Thanks Keigo.
I'm just heading off to work but later tonight I'll run through what you said & see if we can get this show on the road!
Cheers.

[keigo]

Thanks Keigo.
I'm just heading off to work but later tonight I'll run through what you said & see if we can get this show on the road!
Cheers.

sure no problem.. but if you still have problem.. best is you draw out a network diagram for me to look at so that I can straight away point out the problem.

[wasp]

Hi wasp,

1st we can dont need to bother about what type of modem since i assume all the 3 pc are within your house right.. so you will only need a router/hub/wireless (if non-wireless) then all 3 pc are cable connected to the hub/router right.

So for LAN system each pc will have their own NAT address (internal address e.g. 192.168.0.1) so normally the router address is 192.168.0.1 and the 3 pc address will be 192.168.0.xx

you can try ping each other to be sure they are all on the LAN. after that be it they r in which windows version. make sure all 3 pc are log into the same work group. Then the share folder will be able to work.

Keigo I'm with you up to here, you figured everything right, that is exactly how it is set up. Just the share folder does not work. In theory it should, I can't figure it out.

Network diagram, I'm not sure how to do one of those. However, there is the modem, connected to a hub, and each computer is cabled to the hub, and they are all pinged on to the modem.

If need be I may get that ftp sharing program you mentioned, however my first preference would be to get the network set up right. Also, after finding a few nasties hidden away in several freeware programs I've had, i'm now a little suspicious of freeware.