This is the configuration that works in our shop with Lifesaver software. This is only one example of how you can network computers to share a common internet feed. It is also possible to eliminate the router and set up the network with one of the machines acting as a router to share your internet feed, but we will not cover that scenario in this guide. Since Windows is so susceptible to attacks, I prefer the traditional hardwired router approach. The router assigns "internal only" internet addresses to your computers (NAT - Network Address Translation), so they are not directly addressable from the outside world. This serves as a "firewall" of sorts. You should also purchase antivirus protection, and enable the Windows XP firewall.
Please check with your POS software vendor first to see what their networking requirements are.
Requirements:
Multiple PCs with Windows (XP or newer is suggested, although 95/98/ME/2000/NT will work fine) and Ethernet cards. (10/100 or faster recommended)
Cablemodem or DSL connection (optional - for shared internet connection) (~$30-$70/month)
Router/switch (Linksys WRT54G recommended ~$50) If you have no plans for DSL or Cable, a cheaper switch or hub can be used instead. Although this router has wired and wireless capability, I do not suggest using wireless due to range, speed, reliability and security concerns. I suggest logging into the router once the installation is complete and disabling wireless. By default, anyone will be able to access your files, so this is important.
Network Cables for each machine. (~$8 each for up to 8', ~$17 for 25', ~$25 for 50 feet @ Staples)
The setup is fairly easy. Windows XP and the router will usually "auto detect" many of the appropriate settings to communicate with the internet.
a) Back up all existing data with a full system backup. Better safe than sorry!
b) Turn off the power to the cable/dsl and router. Connect the dsl or cable modem ethernet cable to back of the router, in the port marked INTERNET/WAN. Power on the cablemodem, and then the router. Connect each computer to the router in the ports marked 1-4, as the above picture illustrates. Turn on each computer.
c) Establish internet connectivity and add networking client driver(s) for sharing. (incomplete!)
| If
you have Windows XP: XP Pro:
sign on as 'administrator' XP should automatically configure itself to communicate with the router & internet. If not: Click on START Right click on MY NETWORK PLACES and select PROPERTIES Remove any old connections from other ISPs Right click on LOCAL AREA CONNECTION 1 and select PROPERTIES Double click on TCP/IP Make sure "OBTAIN an IP Address Automatically" and "Obtain DNS Server Automatically" are selected. Click OK |
| If
you have Windows 2000: Right-click on My Network Places. Click on Properties. Double-click on the Local Area Connection icon that connects to the Router. Click on the Properties button. Highlight TCP/IP, then select "Obtain an IP address automatically." Click OK. |
| If
you have Windows NT: Right-click on Network Neighborhood and select Properties. Click the Protocols tab, highlight TCP/IP, then click on Properties. Click the IP Address tab and select "Obtain an IP address automatically." Remove any gateway settings you see. Click OK. |
If
you have Windows 98se, 98, ME, or 95: For server only: Right-click on Network Neighborhood and
select Properties. |
| If
you are running an Apple Mac: (note:
instructions for internet access only, not POS) Click on Control and select Control Panels. Click on TCP/IP options. Select the DHCP/automatic configuration setting. Close the window and select SAVE Reboot the computer. |
It is important that each computer has a unique name assigned to it (ie: server, client1, client2, etc) and is assigned to a common workgroup (ie: MSHOME).
d) Load Internet Explorer and attempt to access the web from each machine. If you can see the internet, this portion of the install is complete. If you have cable with DHCP, the router should automatically detect your settings and configure itself. If you have DSL, you will have to log in to the router by going to http://192.168.1.1 (Username and Password are both "admin") and enter the DSL user name and password on the first screen. Your ISP will provide this information.
e) Install all service patches on each machine, including the server. http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com You may have to run this as many as three times to get all available updates. All versions of Windows have bugs and security flaws. This will bring you up to date. If you run MS Office, you should also install updates from http://office.microsoft.com/officeupdate/
f) Install virus protection on each machine, if you have not already done so. Update online to get the newest virus definition files.
g) Share the server's POS system folder.
If
your server has Windows XP:
|
| If
your server has an older version of Windows:
(results may vary) Click on MY COMPUTER at the server machine Double click on C: Right click on the POS SYSTEM FOLDER. ex: lifesaver or specialtysoft Select "sharing" (if you dont see this option, you missed a step above) Give it a name such as "C" Click OK |
h) Share the system printer(s) on the server: (optional. each computer can have its own local printer if desired)
(start -> printers folder -> right click on the printer -> sharing -> enable -> name it -> ok).
i) Configure the workstation(s) to use the items you just shared above.
FOR XP: Click on "my network places". Click on "view workgroup computers". You should see a list containing the POS System folder shared above. (ex: Lifesaver or Specialtysoft) Right click on this entry and select "map network drive". Select a drive letter such as F:, make sure "reconnect at logon" is ON, and hit FINISH. The workstation's F: will now point to your POS System's program folder on the server.
j) Follow the POS vendor's instructions for installing the POS software on the additional client workstations, using the above drive mapping when prompted (F:).
If you are not computer inclined, I suggest hiring the services of a local computer consultant. Consultants often charge about $90-$250 per hour for this type of service, which should take less than 3 hours.
This page will be updated soon and is still under construction. If you find problems or mistakes, please let me know.
Last Revised 11/17/2003 by Mike@GTP
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