Can I network different operating systems?

[flashish]

Hi folks.

I've enlisted myself to set up an internet sharing network in my girlfriends house for her and her flatmates.

2 of them are on xp (not sure if sp2 or not), 2 are on win98 (not sure if se or not)

They have blueyonder broadband coming and i've ordered a Linksys WRT54G wired/wireless broadband router.

3 of them want a wired connection, and one (on xp) wants a wireless one. I understand this should be no problem for the linksys, but will it be really tricky to set up given the old OS's mixing with the new- should they get "upgraded" if poss?

The Wireless girl has a wireless card and i dont think that will be the problem, i've got a home wiring kit with lots of cat5 cable etc for the others. Do the connections all run straight rather than crossover?

Are there any problems I should expect in setting this up, or is there any particular order that I should do things in?

Many thanks for reading guys, anything would be helpful.

All the best. Flashish.

[Elaine]

All the connections will be straight through and not crossover. Everything else really shouldn't be a problem, although you never can tell. From past experience, I'd say the only problem that I ever had was from XP(prior to SP1) and Win98SE not recognizing one another. However if you're not sharing files, this shouldn't be a problem.

Just take it step by step, and post back if you run into a snag. :)

[flashish]

ok will do, many thanks elaine :)