Please help with local network

Question

I have set up local networks but this one is not working. I am trying to network two computers at my house. One says the address is cindy@localhost but when I use this address it says "This file server is running on your machine. Please access the volumes and files locally."
I am networked through an airport express and two routers (linksys and dlink). What does "localhost" mean? Why don't I get IP addresses like on other networks I have established elsewhere? Thanks.

Answer 1

If the machines stay on your network, you can also assign static IP addresses to the computers. They need to be in the same subnet that the router is using, but not be in the range of addresses the router is assigning via DHCP.
E.G. If the router starts assigning addresses at 192.168.1.100 and is allowing up to 50 users, the last address is will hand out is 192.168.1.149, so you can use 192.168.1.149 - 192.168.1.255 for your computers. It may be possible to use more depending on your subnet mask, but that range will always work.
You assign the address is the Network system preference on the TCP/IP tab for the interface (Ethernet or Airport) you are using. Switch from DHCP to Manual and enter the same subnet mask and router IP that are being automatically provided right now and enter a manual IP address from the range for your router.
If your computers move to other networks, you can specify this network as a new Location and would only have to switch locations to switch between DHCP addresses and the manual addresses for this network.