10 computer iMAC network help

[ah6tyfour]

Hi! I do a lot of networking, but have never done it for a MAC network. my yearbook advisor knew i was a networking doode, so she volunteered me for the task of creating a network out of our 10 iMACs and 1 HP laser printer.

The goal is to get all 11 computers onto the network so they can share files, share printer, and share a T1 connection. I also do not want to do a server-client network as depending on an iMAC server does not comfort me much....hopefully i can do a peer-to-peer network so each computer is independent.

how would i go about doing this? i need instructions since i have never done much with MACs and have never tried to network a T1 before. i'm looking at using a Linksys 16-port switch with each computer and printer hooked up to the switch. is it that easy in terms of hardware? a switch and enough CAT5 cable....

then the configuration....do MACs still use appletalk? hehe....thanks!

 

[n0cmonkey]

Mac OS 9 or X? I know 10 can use tcp/ip for just about everything, but Im not sure if 9 can.

 

[ah6tyfour]

hmm...good question....i shall hafta find out tomorrow....

they are iMACs.....about 2-3 years old....*shrug*....i hate'm....they never work...which is why i do not want an iMAC based server-client network....hehe

 

[n0cmonkey]

Sounds like bad administration

I hate to throw you to another forum site, but go do a search on arstechnica.infopop.net for information on networking Macs. They have a Mac forum thats pretty good. Ive searched for plenty of information there and found more than enough

 

[ah6tyfour]

cool! thanks for all your help. i went to the site and found a few helpful hints. i'll take a closer look tomorrow.

 

[bubba]

It is easy. Use AppleTalk (either direct, or AppleTalk over IP)

- plug them into the network
- Apple -> Control Panels -> TCP/IP = set up IP/DNS/Gateway, or use DHCP if you have it
- Apple -> Control Panels -> AppleTalk = Turn it on
- Apple - Control Panels -> File Sharing = Name the machine and turn on file sharing for the ones you want to share data from
- Apple -> Chooser = click AppleTalk and you should be able to find and share with the rest of the machines

- Plug printer into the network (it does have a jet direct card, right?)
- turn on "Etalk" in the HP menu on the printer
- go to the iMacs, open the Chooser, click the LaserWriter icon, and you should be able to find the printer

That should be about it.