Is networking reliable these days?

Question

Hi,
We have a old iMac and someone suggested using it as a server and networking our computers (another iMac and an eMac) using OS X Server. I know this will be great efficiency-wise but I'm a little concerned. Are we likely to suffer network crashes etc or are they much more stable these days?
I would be grateful for any feedback.
Many thanks!
PowerPC G3   Mac OS X (10.3.9)  

Answer 1

One hardly needs to use OS X Server if all you want to do is share files. Here is some reading material that may be helpful:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106658
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106796
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107369
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106461
If you want to be able to share files and share an internet connection from a cable or DSL modem:
Setting up a local Ethernet network
Equipment needed:
Cable/DSL modem: usually supplied by the ISP
Gateway/Router: at least a 4-port router, but you can get them with more ports if you need them. (Alternatively, you can get a switching hub to provide additional ports.)
CAT 5 Ethernet cables: one cable is needed for each device connected to the router plus one to connect the router to the cable/DSL modem.
1. Connect the Cable/DSL modem to the router's WAN port using an Ethernet cable (CAT 5 for 10/100.)
2. Connect each computer to the router's LAN ports using Ethernet cables. If you have network printers, etc. connect them to a LAN port on the router. If the router doesn't have enough ports, then you will need to purchase one with more ports or connect a switching hub to the router.
3. Now, for each Mac open its Network preference pane. Select the Built-in Ethernet port for configuration. In the TCP/IP configuration window set the connection/configuration to DHCP from the dropdown menu. Set your Location dropdown menu to Automatic and the Show dropdown menu to Built-in Ethernet.
4. Shut everything off. First, turn on the Cable/DSL modem and wait for the connect lights to indicate it has connected to the ISP. Next, turn on the router and wait to see if the Cable/DSL modem's communication status light starts to flicker. Also, if there is a status light on the router it should show a connection. Last, power up the computer. If all is well the TCP/IP control panel or Network pref pane should indicate an IP has been obtained from the router, usually in the 192.168.nnn.nnn range. If it's 169.xxx.xxx.xxx then you don't really have a connection.
5. If you have network printers connected each printer will have to be assigned its own unique IP address in the router's address range (usually 192.168.nnn.nnn.) Assign the printer(s) IP addresses above the number of computers that will be connected but within the router's DHCP address assignment range. Consult the router's documentation for that information. Consult the printer manual for how to assign an IP address to the printer. When you install the printer driver and/or Add the printer you will add it as an IP printer or LPR printer and use the IP address you assigned to the printer.