`Networking (Peer to Peer):
Advantages:
Sharing resources as follows:
1. Internet Access
2. Printer
3. Files
Use existing Operating System i.e. Win 95/98
Requirements:
PCs with adequate and safe electrical outlets
In order to network the room the following steps need to be taken:
1. Check existing infrastructure:
a. Electrical sockets, some more may or may not be required. Ensure no
overloading of circuits and if possible have a main switch
b. Is existing furniture suitable?
2. Installation of network cabling:
Category 5 E cable running from each PC to a central Hub.
Each Cat 5 cable should be terminated at both ends with RJ 45 connectors.
One end of the cable is plugged into the network card in the PC and the other
end of the cable is plugged into the network hub.
3. Network Hardware
network cards one per PC and a hub.
Network cards should be 10/100 i.e. high speed and the hub should be
suitable for these network cards
Ensure extra ports in the hub ie 10 pcs than a 16-port hub to allow for
expansion
4. Network Installation
Cards need to installed in the machines and each machine needs to be
connected to the central hub.
Windows 98/95 can be used to set up a peer-to-peer network.
Existing printer and Internet connection can be shared out to all workstations.
Hard disk space can be shared (suggest read only) so that certain files can be
accessed and opened by all PCs.
Users can then save the modified file on their own PC. If you are buying a
new PC then try and get a high spec and this could be used for Internet access
and file sharing and also the printer could be attached to this PC. This PC
would then act as a server.
5. CD Writer
Option to choose internal or external CD Writer. Internal is cheaper and is
fixed. An external drive is portable (good and bad) and is twice the price
(£300 for external) but will not work on any Win 95 machine.
6. Issues
If you are setting up a network Eircom schools information age may upgrade
your existing information age line to an ISDN faster connection which would
be important for Internet sharing.
This would necessitate the purchase of an ISDN modem for in the region of
approx £90. Buy a modem with a telephone socket so that you can use a phone
for any tech support that may be needed.
You may need proxy server software or an equivalent hardware option to
speed up Internet access and to provide a firewall (network protection)
Regularly updated antivirus software will be needed e.g. Norton AV (free
programs can be downloaded from the web).
Some type of blocking software is advisable to prevent access to unsuitable
material on the web e.g. Cyberpatrol.
Code of practice should be drawn up for users of the room and a logbook
should be kept for TECH support.
Ensure Health and Safety issues are addressed ie Fire, (monitors are the
biggest fire hazard), Glare, seating, no loose cables etc
Willie McTiernan
ICT Advisor Kilkenny Education Centre
Tel: 086 6065455
Email: ictkilkenny@ncte.ie
Kilkenny Education Centre
