Networking with out the internet?

is it possible to make a network with out the internet on both computers if so how? I have to help with the firedepartment computers so we can use the same printer in the office with out having to switch the cables around every time and also would be nice to share pictures and other files. I have little networking experence. we do not and will never have access to internet

If both computers are wireless capable you can create an "ad-hoc" network and you don't need to buy any hardware. If that is not an option and the computers are close a crossover cable between the NIC cards is not very difficult. You can also get a usb network cable that will join the computers if the NIC cards are in use. If you decide you want the ability to someday add another computer to the group then a "hub" is the cheapest hardware solution. Your network will be more stable if you use "static IP addresses". It is a little more work to set up (about 3 min per computer) but for a business application it is worth googling "Static IP" for the instructions. Nothing is worse than having an erratic connection when your trying to use a remote printer at work.

No just connect the two computer together with an ethernet cable, connect the printer to one computer and then add the printer as a network printer on the second pc and they can both print.

Easy way out ?
Buy a cheap router, plug both computers in using CAT5e cables, and they should start to see each other providing :
Firewall is not blocking if installed
They should use same workgroup name

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To previous poster, you cant just use a network cable, if no router, you need to use a crossover cable.
But to do this, you need to set your IP address etc manually, which is a bit more work and confusing for some, just quicker to buy a router.

yes, you can use a couple options.

if you are only going to connect TWO (and only TWO) computers together to share files & printers... then you can use a "crossover cable" between both of them using the network cards. You will have to set Static IP Addresses, in the TCP/IP properties of each network card as well.

to connect 3 or more, you will need a network hub or switch, NO crossover cables will be needed, but a normal ethernet cable for all three to connect to the switch is required to connect to the network cards. (and again, set the Static IP Address)

A router would handle the task of configuring the IP Addresses for you in most cases.. and are only a couple bucks more than the cost of a good network switch anyways... so it would be the quicker and easier option.. but might cost slightly more... up to you.

From there, just ensure each computer is on the same network (right click "My Computer" check the computer name tab), and as long as File and Printer Sharing is enabled on them.. everything else is as easy as right clicking on printers, and shares.. and enabling them accessible over the network.

Internet access is not required at all. To create a network for the office you will need some hardware, consisting of some network cables (enough for all the PCs, and long enough for all the cables to reach from the PC to the router), and a switch or router with enough ports to connect them all (the router or switch will require a powerpoint). Once you have those things it's a simple matter of setting all the computers to the same workgroup. You can do that by right clicking on My Computer, selecting Properties, then clicking on the Computer Name tab.

If your printer is network-capable it can be plugged directly into the router as well. Otherwise all you have to do is share the printer from the machine it's connected to, and the other machines will be able to print to it.

right click "my computer" and chose properties. chose computer name and change the workgourp name to the same workgroup as the other computer on the network. you will need a switch or a hub connecting the computers together with cat 5e cable then use widows sharing wizard and your are off and running