Actually Joseph, I'm not sure you even need a server unless you choose BJ's option 1 and use it as a proxy.
Otherwise using a router and either letting the computers connect directly using dial-up or using a router or using a router with the modem built-in would be your best option. If you do go with the broadband option all you really need is something like a Linksys, Netgear or other home firewall/router box. They can be had easily enough for $49-$99 depending on features. They maybe a bit more in your area but certainly less expensive than even a low powered computer. Unless you happen to have some lying around. Then use peer to peer built into XP and 98 to share files. Cheryl D. Wise Certified Professional Web Developer Microsoft FrontPage MVP http://wiserways.com Office: 713-353-0139 -----Original Message----- From: Joseph Harris As I read Bj's response (thanks Bj) this was exactly where my mind was going. (Must be careful not to let it out of sight and lose it) It seems that it might be a good place to put passwords and things, maybe do a temporary store of mail and have a facility to pass files back and forth (Only one computer will effectively have a scanner, and probably a printer. I don't think the other users will need the big one's processing power, so I wouldn't be thinking of Bj's worst option.) If it was a staging post for mails I suppose the accounts would be with the intranet server, and that server would have to have all the web passwords? That is a disadvantage with spam, and I use mailwasher and some web addresses to minimise effort with those at the moment. I take it all down/up loads would have a temporary home on that server as it went on its merry way. I was wondering how that might be used. Is it possible - like an outbox folder - to have matter queued on the server waiting for connection? Could it, perhaps through a USB HDD, become a back-up facility? Does trying to do so much risk overloading it with programs and processing activity, thus slowing the web connection? I take it controlling it is like running a website, and could even make it a most effective localhost. And could it become an smtp server, or is that an ambition beyond my sanity? (I suppose if it is not online all the time replies would be bounced which can't be good; but perhaps all replies can be to other boxes.) Since it would not be wanted online all the time is that control easy? Sorry, this is turning into a total study of doing intranets, but I really wanted to have advice before I even got near the practical starting block. And I already have phone extension wires to all but one likely location, whould these be useable or is it a whole new wire game. ____ � The WDVL Discussion List from WDVL.COM � ____ To Join wdvltalk, Send An Email To: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] or use the web interface http://e-newsletters.internet.com/discussionlists.html/ Send Your Posts To: [email protected] To change subscription settings, add a password or view the web interface: http://intm-dl.sparklist.com/read/?forum=wdvltalk ________________ http://www.wdvl.com _______________________ You are currently subscribed to wdvltalk as: [email protected] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe via postal mail, please contact us at: Jupitermedia Corp. Attn: Discussion List Management 475 Park Avenue South New York, NY 10016 Please include the email address which you have been contacted with.
