I am running two computers as a peer to peer network. Both computers are running Windows XP Pro. The computers are Are hard wired via CAT 5 cable.

We are upgrading to high speed DSL.The modem will share a Fax/data phone line. Each computer must must be able to access the net at the same time. I uinderstand that I need to add a router.. I am not sure if the router will interfere with our peer to peer network abilities.

One computer acts as a Workstation/ Server.Our main software application is Quickbooks Pro (Multi user)

The second computer is a workstation that accesses data files on the the sever. By installing the router will that interrupt the network?

The router will just take your internet connection, and split it up to send it off to both computers so they can be online at the same time.

Once you do this, it's pretty easy to use Windows Networking to network the two computers so they can share files.

I have a similar setup at my apartment. My internet connection goes to a router, which sends the internet connection off to my laptop and my desktop. If you are only sharing Quickbooks on two computers, you shouldn't need to be running a full fledged server. You could just as easily place the Quickbooks files in a shared folder on one of the computers, so the other computer can access it as well when needed.

Within Quickbooks, it should allow you to set up multiple users, so more than one person can access it at one time.

Tom said:

Thanks, for the info.

We are running Quick books in a muti user mode now without problems. File sharing is easy.

Since we are sharing a fax line, how do I connect the Fax machine in relationship to the DSL modem? I need to send/recieve paper fax and be online without interuption.
[Edited 10/13/05 8:16am]

I believe with DSL, they place a little splitter box right where your phone jack is on the wall. It splits your phone connection, one part going to the modem/router and the other part going to your regular phone.

Tom said:

Simple solution, thanks.