i have two computers
1.windows xp with 2 nic cards card #1. intel pro/100 card #2.sis 900 pci card [ the intel card is connected to the net
2.linux 4.0 [etch] set up as a server with 1 nic card
i made a crossover cable but i think that because my [etch computer is set up as a server] that is why i can't connect the two computers?
i woundering of the [etch machine must be a workstation in order for the two computers to connect?

What kind of server is it?

Being a server has nothing to do with the two talking to each other thats what a server is for.

If you want the two to share files the Linux server should be running Samba server.

Post the network settings for both computers that would help.

Microsoft(R) Windows DOS



Windows IP Configuration

Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . :
Primary Dns Suffix . . . . . . . :
Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Unknown
IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No

Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:

Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : SiS 900 PCI Fast Ethernet Adapter
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . :
Dhcp Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : Yes
Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes
IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . :
Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . :
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . :
DHCP Server . . . . . . . . . . . :
DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . :
Lease Obtained. . . . . . . . . . : Sunday, November 18, 2007
intel [R]pro/100+ internal nic card
---------------------------------------------------------------------

8:30:17 PM
linux computer ip




gateway

i installed etch 4.0 into a old compaq p.ll computer i wanted to make a network of a few old computers and use my xp computer for regular use plus i need to add my kids computer to my network that i would like to set up

Barkly,

you are making this way too complicated. Here is what you your network should look like:

DSL modem--->(WAN)DSL Router(192.168.1.1)---Switch(Optional)|-----Linux server(192.168.1.2)
(DHCP Server) |-----Windows XP (DHCP IP)
|-----Kid machine (DHCP IP)
|-----Additional PC (DHCP IP)


Of course, you will need to setup Samba on the Linux box to do file sharing for your network.

Why even use a crossover cable?
What kind of crossover cable? serial, parallel, network?

If you want your XP and Linux pcs to talk to each other, just installl Samba on the Linux box.
It will allow the Linux box to share files with XP.
Just plug both into the same router!
In fact, you can share files, printers and ISP connection, and it will be faster than any crossover serial/parallel cable.
You can also add additional pc's easily.

If you are going to have several computers on this network you are going to need a router or a switch or hub. I would pick the router over switch or hub, because you can limit access to the internet on the kids pc.

Plus you can let the router handle DHCP or you can have static IP addresses.

If you plan on sharing files from the windows pc to the linux pc then like I said you will need to set up Samba on the linux system. You can admin the linux system from windows with a program called Putty.

Is the kids pc going to be running windows also?

If so this is what I would do.

modem > router > my windows pc workgroup=/whatever.you.want
..............router > kids windows pc workgroup=/same.as.yours
..............router > Linux with Samba and static IP on workgroup=/same.as.yours

The two windows pc's will get there IP address from the router via DHCP
and the Linux box will be a static IP.

Let us know just what you plan for the Linux pc, it would help.


Edit: cojo posted while I was typing, with the same ideas.

just install a samba server and get it connected that way its piss easy

i open up the samba im kind of new to this linux. i can't aford a nother 50 foot rj45 cord that is how far my computer's are from the router three rooms away. that is why im trying to use a crossover cable. but thank you for your help

i dont have a great amount of money to work with.
the router i saved up for 4 months to get it. i pick up the kids computer out of the trash and fix it. the router is about 50 feet from two rooms away from the other computers located next to the cable modem. that is why i wanted to use a crossover cable to connect the two computers that i have working. but i dont think i splice the wire the correct way not working. i tested the linux computer with the one rj45 cable i have and it connects. o hope by x-mass i will be able to get a spool of rj45 wire or cheap switch box or hub. i dont care if its use as long as it works. thanks for your help

yes its hard trying to do this with out money my router is 50 feet from the computers im using and i only have one rj45 50 feet cord no switch box or hub but thank you