Several years ago, the idea of owning multiple shop computers seemed unlikely. Most shops hadn't yet considered their first PC purchase. These days computers provide technicians with needed information retrieval, allow the office manager to keep an eye on cash flow, and let service advisors write and schedule work orders. Suddenly multiple shop computers are a necessity. Mitchell customers have found that a network solution increases shop efficiency and profit in every phase of the business.

What Exactly Is a Network and How Does it Work?

A network is a connected group of computers, printers, and other devices that communicate with one another. Networks allow for sharing of printers, files, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, Internet connections and many other valuable resources.

Networked computers communicate in the same digital language that allows one computer to communicate to another. For this reason, having a shop network installed is simpler than you might initially expect. The communication typically takes place over networking cable lines. The cables connect to each networked computer through an internal Ethernet network card (similar in design to a video, sound card, or internal modem).

What Are the Basic Components of a Network?

There are four basic hardware components needed to install and get a network operational and productive.

Computers: The most important component of any network is, of course, a computer -- or two, or five or twenty computers. Since networks are expandable, you can add or remove computers from your network at any time.

Network Cards or Adapters: Each computer needs one network card or adapter to communicate with the other PCs on the network. A Network card slides into the inside of your computer just like an internal modem or sound card.

A Hub: A hub is a central device where all the network communication happens. It is often compared to a network traffic cop. Use a 3Com or Intel Hub.

Cabling: Cabling, of course, connects everything together. Use Unshielded Twisted Pair Category 5 Cable (UTP Cat-5).

Diagram of a Network:

To the left is a basic diagram that shows the structure of a shop network. Notice that the hub is the central point on the network. The hub connects all of the computers together, permitting access to a central file server. It allows all of the users to access the information stored on the Server. The information on the server might include Mitchell's Series I or II management databases, ON-DEMAND DVD, Parts and Labor Guide, and NAPA parts information. Mitchellsupports Windows 9x and NT 4.0 SP4.

Typically, each computer runs Windows 98. The server also running Windows 98, should be in a protected area. In this configuration, it should not be used as a workstation. Using a dedicated Server adds a great deal of overall system stability; something might happen to computer 1, 2, or 3, but the network would not go down.

Installation and Maintenance

A network should be installed and maintained only by a qualified network professional, preferably certified by Microsoft. Configuration and installation details are published in Mitchell's Network Administrators Guide. (.pdf 627k)

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About the Author

John Dwulet manages the training department at Mitchell. Since joining the company in 1992, John has held a number of positions in Technical Engineering and Customer Support. A leading authority on Shop Management software, John has 20+ years experience working with computers and over 17-years experience in the automotive industry. John is a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer and a Certified Novell Administrator.