Shop Computer Networking

[2006]

Looking for some advice on networking with windows xp.

 

We have 1 shop desktop pc that is loaded with all the ford service manual dvd's from 1992 to 2011.

 

Theres a few guys that have their own laptops. I'm trying to let the laptops connect to the shop pc over the wireless network to view the service manual dvd's.

 

If anyone has this type of setup, can you please tell me the best way to do it.

 

Thanks

[Keith Browning]

First I have to ask why you would even want to do this? Unless you do not have Internet access all the service information you could possibly need is on-line at FMC Dealer. Also in order to use IDS you really should have an Internet connection to access calibration files and software updates.

 

Second, to answer your question, the PC you want other PC's to access will need to have file sharing enabled. This is considered a dangerous practice as it leaves your computer open to malicious activity.

[Jeff_E]

+1 for shop Wifi

 

I'm responding to this on my personal IDS laptop in my toolbox side locker over the shops wifi connection. I have FMC Dealer up all day. This site and the SLTS shortcut are high on my favorites list. Also my dual wireless IDS, which automatically prompts for updates, can be wirelessly connected to the vcm while simultaneously downloading a calibration file from Ford or having a FMC wiring diagram or pin point test up without disconnecting from the VCM.

 

And unlike the shop owned computers which have a websense filter, I can keep myself entertained by playing Mafia Wars, looking at porn, shopping on Ebay, and Hassling Rex.

 

I wouldn't have it any other way.

[Jim Warman]

Just to add more fuel to the fire.... the online manuals are the ones that you will always be referred to... by hot line, by SSMs, by broadcast messages. These are the first manuals to get changed when a new spec or technique or diagnostic process is announced. Lately, several TSBs have "died" and the info has transferred into the online WSMs.

 

It's one thing to allow internet connections through a common wireless router... but to start assigning permissions for sharing files or other access? A recipe for disaster, IMHO.

 

If you are truly set on everyone having access to DVDs, save your old DVDs and hand them out - all you have to do is backdate the computers clock to access "expired" DVDs (personally, I like them as drink coasters or shiny frisbees).

 

Having a ready connection to the internet opens up other avenues, as well. Online catalogues (especially handy for when you need a camber kit or such) - government regs covering everything from vehicle inspections to child seat requirements/installation - manuals for troubleshooting aftermarket accessories such as stereos, wheelchair lifts, winches, power take offs, ad infinitum - manuals that assist in the repair of holiday trailers and utility/horse trailers - tool shopping - the list for wanting an internet connection go on and on and on.

 

On edit..... the internet connection we share in the shop isn't the same internet connection used by "mission critical" computers. Still, adequate security is still a must. Soon, we will be adopting a paperless RO system... I wonder if private browsing will be allowed on those stations.

[Keith Browning]

Just to add more fuel to the fire.... the online manuals are the ones that you will always be referred to... by hot line, by SSMs, by broadcast messages. These are the first manuals to get changed when a new spec or technique or diagnostic process is announced. Lately, several TSBs have "died" and the info has transferred into the online WSMs.

Why just today Mr Warman I was using a 2006 Econoline EVTM to diagnose a 6.0L VREF circuit. The MAF sensor and related circuits were completely missing from the diagram and some of the PCM numbers were incorrect. I went on-line and the corrected and accurate diagram was there.

[2006]

Just to add a few points on what I was after with the dvd networking.

 

First, we do have a wireless system which works well with our 3 ids's and use the wireless for updates, etc..

 

We do realize the online manuals have the latest info available and should be used first.

 

But, there are certain times when access to the Ford website is slow. And when you need to view several pages of the online manual, it can take a while flipping back and forth through the pages.

 

I just want to use the dvd networking as a backup system to those slow online manuals. Loading dvd's on the hard drive using virtual cd drives allows for extremely fast loading service manuals.

 

We also realize that allowing file sharing can cause a host of problems. The file sharing will be within our group and our network is firewalled.

 

So, the original question was, if you have a networking system in your shop, how did you set it up? The closest way I could get it to work was through using remote desktop. I just want to know if there are any other ways...

[Keith Browning]

Direct access to files on a shared folder on the host PC. I would say is the easiest way AND the shared folder can be given access permissions with a firewall running on the host PC. All a user on the "network" or "workgroup" would need to do is click on my computer - network - select the computer and look in the accessible folder.