|
First it was a chicken in every pot, then two cars in every garage. Chances are you have at least two computers in your home or small office that could benefit from being able to share the same files, peripherals such as a printer, CD drive, ZIP drive or an Internet connection. Sharing files means that you don’t have to worry about keeping files synchronized - with one file the data is always current, and you always know where the copy resides. You will quickly learn how to organize things so that you have a place for everything, and everything in its place. Trying to pack files onto a small floppy to move information from one machine to another becomes a distant memory. With local networking, Junior can get at a scanned image for his scout website from Dad’s computer without bothering Sis who is surfing the Internet doing research for her term paper. Think about how great it would be to be able to play a virtual game versus the kids in the basement, while your spouse checks for bargains on the ‘net without bouncing Sis’s internet connection? No more waiting to get at the machine with the color printer, or having to move files just so that you can get at the laser printer - any machine can print to any printer - without bothering the user of the other machine. At the November meeting, Bruce Preston will demonstrate peer-to-peer networking from the ground up. He will go “under the hood” and open up a machine, install a network card, load the additional operating system software and establish the network settings. Bruce will explain in lay terms how easy and economical it can be to purchase networking components, either individually or in readily available starter kits, put them in the machines and get networking. He will show you how to let two or more computers share files, printers, and storage devices such as ZIP drives. He will set up and demonstrate simultaneous internet connections over a single dial-up line. Networking may be all you need to put that “retired” PC in the basement back into service as a great web terminal. If you have attended DACS meetings in the past, you will know Bruce as the moderator of the question and answer session at the general meetings. He is also a DACS director, board member and Access SIG leader. In his spare time, Bruce is principal of a local consulting company, West Mountain Systems, specializing in database technologies. |
