Inyang writes in with a networking question
Q. What are the basic tools for PC networking? What are the steps to network 30 PCs?
A. If you want to network 30 computers the methods will vary depending on if you are going to put them in a domain or just a workgroup. For hardware you will need network cards in all of the computers and a switch to connect them all together. You can chain multiple switches if the computers are going to be spread apart where your cable runs will be longer than 300 feet to the main switch. I would use Cat5e or Cat6 cable since they are compatible with gigabit Ethernet. 10/100 is still the most common speed in use today with 1000 Mbps (gigabit) Ethernet gaining popularity.
If you are using Windows and want to use a Windows Server operating system check out this article.
If you just want to connect Windows XP computer together for example just make sure they are all part of the same workgroup and have the same IP address scheme on the same subnet otherwise you will need to use a router to access different subnets. Then you can share folders and printers and be on your way.
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