10.09.00
Have you ever noticed that when you start to get toward the end of
something everything seems to get a little lighter. Case-in-
point, in my network engineer class this weekend we spent a lot of
time just cutting up. I think our instructor should get an award for
putting up with all of us this long. We're at the point now that all
we are doing is designing networks, which is the reason I took this
class in the first place. With only three more months to go I am
getting ready to start taking my Microsoft Certification Exams and
am extremely nervous, who wouldn't be? Well, anyway, I would like to
show you how you can set up your own peer-to-peer network.
Patrick Stoddard
NetworkNewz Editor
In last week's issue we discussed the different topologies available
for a network. Today we are going to describe how to tell your
computers how to communicate with each other in a peer-to-peer
network.
In a peer-to-peer network, each computer is considered a server, and
holds its own user accounts and resources database. Each computer can
share the resources that it owns, like its files, CD-ROM drives,
printers, modems and fax machines.
The advantages of using a peer to peer network are:
- workstations make their resources available to each other
- no centralized server required
- security is the responsibility of each workstation
- each station runs the same software
- each computer has its own accounts database
- cheap and easy to set up for small groups
However, when the number of workstations in your network increases,
problems will arise due to the cost of administration and security.
A workgroup is a collection of computers which are logically grouped
together for a common purpose. By allowing like people to share their
files and resources, it assists the way in which people work and can
lead to increased productivity.
A workgroup is a peer to peer network.
Resources in a workgroup
Typically, computers in a workgroup make available resources for
other members of the workgroup to use. Features of resources are,
- A typical resource is a file, directory or printer
- Resources are given names (share names)
- Resources are assigned permissions (like a password)
- Permissions can be read-only or full
- Any user knowing the password can access the resource
Both Windows 95 and Windows NT Workstation can support workgroups.
Each user in a workgroup can decide which resources on their computer
they will share. Ideally, in a workgroup, each person has their own
computer which is normally identified on the network by their first
name.
Belonging to a workgroup
In most Windows operating systems, a computer is set up to be part
of a workgroup via the Control Panel => Networks.
The primary network logon is set to Client for Microsoft Networks.
Selecting the Identification tab enables the user to specify which
workgroup that computer will belong to.
