Here's the config:

System #1: My computer. Running a dual-boot (via GRUB) with Redhat 9 (2.4.20-20.9) and WIN98 SE. Also have a slave drive (DOS formatted) for backup etc.

System #2: Workstation. Running WIN98 SE

* Both computers access the internet via a HUB going to a cable modem using DHCP
* System #2 has a printer that System #1 needs to access
* System #1 needs to access the backup drive (mainly to play Mp3's from)
* Both need to access files from each other.

I have a good understanding of basic networking with Windows OS. I have read many docs explaining how to setup a LAN if the RedHat box is the server, but none that clearly explain how to access a printer on a WIN box. I understand that I should use SAMBA, but I have yet to find documentation that explains how to set this all up in plain-newbie-language. Do I have to use IP Masquerading and use IP's and all that? I hope this is enough info.

Can anyone point me in the right direction?

well u need not use ip masq at all for ur setup.
u just have to use samba for sharing linux resources(files/printer) from win, and installation of samba is extremely simple. there r so many How-to pages r available for samba and swat.

ok, well that's good about not needing to use IP masq. But all the HOW-TO's I read, make the linux box the server/gateway and have two NIC cards. I guess my question is: Can I still use the same setup (two computers, each with one NIC card and connecting to the hub...which connects to the main cable input and use DHCP) without setting IP's and Gateways?

I have been trying to follow the setup instructions for Samba from:
http://www.justlinux.com/nhf/Networks/Samba.html

Thanks for you input.

unless you have two IP's available to you from the DHCP server then you will need to assign one of the machines a static private IP. Otherwise when the DHCP offer is put out they might conflict. I ran into this problem and just gave it a 192.168.x.x IP and it worked fine.

OK. Thanks. I will go ahead and try assigning IP's and a gateway. I get a little confused though when the HOW-TO's and FAQ's keep referring to the computer that will be the "server" (usually the Linux box). In my setup there really isn't a "server"

In this case, I guess the DHCP server is my ISP cable provider?

Your talk about System 1 needing to access your FAT/FAT32 partitions that're on the same box.... You don't need Samba for that, I don't think...., all it requires is mounting those partitions. To do that, you edit them into your /etc/fstab and create a mountpoint in your /mnt/ directory. I don't think you have to do anything else for that task....

Just for clarity, I have two HDD's on my Linux/WIN98 dual boot system. I want to be able to access my slave drive when running Redhat as I can when running WIN98.

I also want to share files and printer between myself (comp #1) and computer #2 (WIN98).

so for the fstab file, you have as the device /dev/hdb1 fat /mnt/Backup, as well as the various arguments you want....

Sorry, I don't understand. My main question is: Do I need to use IP's and gateways, etc with my current configuration? Since I have no "real" server...just two comps hooked together through a hub.

>I hate being a newbie :-(

I think RJensen is right. I have a similar setup minus the second windows computer. I may not be able to answer your LAN question, but as far as your SMB deal, here's what I know.

I have a second physical (slaved) drive with XP, and RH9 on primary. The xp drive was NTFS, so mounting it took some configuring, but it is mounted. I can read, play mp3's, and all pics from the xp drive from RH9 no problem.

To do that, which was one of your questions above, do what r_jensen said. Add a directory in your /mnt directory, then mount the partitions that you want to access from RH, and when you boot up, all of your "local" drives and partitions will be accessable from within RH, as mine is set up.

I am still working on the networking thing, as I have a laptop that I would like to use also. So for your samba printer sharing question, I have looked, but I can't find the answer to your question.

I did find the smb: networking very easy when my laptop was using windows. Maybe when you run the printer set up on RH, search for printers, and look in the smb: directory... ?

I don't know much about it, but so far smb: has been easier for me than networking two RH computers!

If you figure it out, let me know!

phil

well i dont know how to share printer, when DHCP is used.
i m using similar conf but with one static ip from ISP. i configured my linux as gateway which has 2 nic. again i used static ips for my local net.

if u have static ips for the two machines
then u can share printer using foll method-
on ur linux machine run setup command and goto printer configuration
now to configure win printer select JETDIRECT option and add the ip of ur win machine
default port no will be 9100