How can I setup a home network. All I need is setup a laptop as the master and let it share with 2 other pc's?

Question

How can I setup a home network. All I need is setup a laptop as the master and let it share with 2 other pc's?

Answer 1

Rather than using your laptop as the "master" for the network, use  a router. Here's why

1. If you set up your laptop as the network controller, the network is useless without the laptop.

2. You will have to add an Ethernet port and purchase a switch to connect the system. A wired router will cost less

3. Your laptop will be busy enough doing what you want to do. Off load the routing duties to a piece of hardware

4. Setting up routing software and IP tables are a pain. The router is ready to go out of the box.

5. Any software package can be and has been hacked. The router, being hardware, is a tougher nut.

6. A router will be fastrer

So set up your network this way

Internet > Modem >> Router Wan Port

Router Lan Port #1 >> Computer #1

Router Lan Port #2 >> Computer #2

Router Lan Port #3 (or Wireless) >>> Laptop

All 3 machines can share files and resources. Any machine can be added or removed and the network will still run. Plus it's cheaper

Sweet!

Answer 2

really starting to wonder why i even waste my time here on yahoo answers . here is a prime prime example of people answering questions that are FREAKING CLUELESS , yes a router is the way to go , but not one person made a mention to the fact that a work group needs created

and folders shared . or better yet map the share ..

Answer 3

You need to purchase and install a router. Then run the Network Setup Wizard in Accessories on all the machines.