I have never networked two computers together. So I do not even know where to start, not even sure what to google. Here is what I would like to do. I want to set up one computer that contains all of my media files, maybe with freevo connected directly to my tv. I would also like to view those videos that are stored on my freevo computer over an ethernet connection to my other linux box. What method(something vague I could google) would I use to network them. I am not sure if it is as simple as connectimg both computers through a router with minor configuration, or if I have to set up a server of some sort. Just point me in the right direction.

well, you could use nfs or smb in order to serve them over the network. I prefer smb just because on my network I tend to have a few windows boxes. Samba is pretty easy to get up and running

yeah go for samba, it is very easy to setup ! all you need is to fit each machine with a network card and then you can link them directly together but i would link them using a router. do u have broadband ? if so then definatly use a router to share the connection between them. also another advantage to using a router is that you can connect many more things in future without haveing to by the router then.

I will be building my second computer soon, even possibly a cheep third one just for the tv box. I will eventually have one windows system and two linux boxes. I will be using a router. Samba seems like the logical choice, espessialy since I will be using windows on one of the computers. I am assuming with sambla my windows computer will also have full access to my media files on the linux box. Thanks you guys got my started in the right direction.

yup samba is accessable my windows machines thats why its the best choice, nfs is only accessable by linux machines. what do you mean by t.v box ? just a comp with a t.v card in it ?

computers are getting so cheap. I saw a barebones kit that contained a duron 2200 for $70 after rebates. I figure I could have a full working system with memory and a big harddrive for $200. I wanted to connect that computer to my tv(with a tv out video card) and use it as a dedicated media box. I was going to run freevo or mythtv, they both offer cool interfaces to select movies or audio files, plus many other features. It integrates with mplayer, so i can also play mpeg4 movies.

Since all of my movies would be stored on that computer, I needed a way to access them with my other linux and windows computer. I think samba is definaely the way to go.