random network workgroup issues...simple problem i think...pls help !

[Altair]

Hi.

I am trying to network my macbook pro, G5 and Dell PC Laptop.

I have made each one part of my workgroup named "Altair". Now i would assume that when i go to the network bit on my sidebar in OSX i would see a folder called "Altair" which had the 2 other computers that are in that workgroup. However instead of seeing a folder called "altair" i instead see a folder called "my network" and inside i see a my G5 listed...i have no idea why. also when im trying to do the same thing but from my G5 i just get a direct link to the macbook as soon as i click on the "network" icon in the sidebar [there is no folder called altair or even "my network"]. Whatsmore my PC Laptop never apears on either my macbook or G5...its like its not recognised.

does anyone know what could be causing this. i just want all my computers listed under the workgroup they are set to [altair].

i also have an icon called "servers" which seems to just be a link to the computer im currentley using...whats the point in this exactly ?

sorry if iv explained this poorly im not very clued up when it comes to networking.

any help would really be appreciated.

cheers
carl

 

[bnewsted]

Hi.

I am trying to network my macbook pro, G5 and Dell PC Laptop.

I have made each one part of my workgroup named "Altair". Now i would assume that when i go to the network bit on my sidebar in OSX i would see a folder called "Altair" which had the 2 other computers that are in that workgroup. However instead of seeing a folder called "altair" i instead see a folder called "my network" and inside i see a my G5 listed...i have no idea why.

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My Network will show you what is available using Apple File Protocol (AFP). It shows the G5 because that's the only machine on your network that supports AFP (unless you have the other Mac set to share files.


also when im trying to do the same thing but from my G5 i just get a direct link to the macbook as soon as i click on the "network" icon in the sidebar [there is no folder called altair or even "my network"]. Whatsmore my PC Laptop never apears on either my macbook or G5...its like its not recognised.
+++++++++++++++++++++

Sounds like you have SMB/CIF turned off and or the workgroup name "Altair" not entered there. Open "Directory Access in the Mac's Utility folder (inside the applications folder) and check the checkbox next to SMB/CIF. You may have to unlock it first (click the lock and enter your username and password). Then, double-click on it and enter Altair in the workgroup. Click apply. Now, in your network your workgroup should appear. Of course you'll have to have the Windows machine set to allow it by installing and selecting "File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks" in the network connection you are using (where you go to set IP numbers and such.

Also, if you turn on "Windows Sharing" under "Sharing" in the Mac's System Preferences it will how you what Windows users need to enter to access your Mac (stuf like \\192.168.1.112\username)

i also have an icon called "servers" which seems to just be a link to the computer im currentley using...whats the point in this exactly ?
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Different protocol being used. The Mac is multilingual.

Good luck