I am trying to network my pc and laptop together.?

Question

my computer is hooked up to my links router and my laptop is strictly wireless. what steps do i take in networking them together. in case i am not explaining this correctly; i want to be able to open files that i create on my pc with my laptop, and would like to be able to print from my laptop. my printer is connected to my pc. thanks a bunch

Answer 1

You don't actually need a router for only two computers > you can connect them with one “crossover” type Ethernet cable. In this set up Computer1 will need to be turned on for computer2 to access the internet.

A connection by means of a router is more secure but requires a “regular” type Ethernet cable… a router will block any would be hackers from crossing into your Network….because, they would only see the IP of the router.

You would only need a router or switch when you are connecting MORE THAN two computers.

In this set up any computer can connect to the internet independently of the other(s)

Or you will want a router if you want each computer to be able to access the internet independently, weather the first computer is on or not.

It will give you both set ups.  Follow NO router, or WITH router, as you desire.

NO ROUTER:

1. Connect the incoming ISP signal to the modem.

2. Use a short "regular" Ethernet cable to connect the modem to the first computer1.

3. Use a longer CROSSOVER cable to connect computer1 to computer2.

Using a “CROSSOVER” cable (no router):

Now, to connect computer1 to computer2

the back of computer1 will need to have another RJ 45 port (recommended)

OR at least a USB port.

with ROUTER

1. Use the appropriate cable to connect the incoming ISP signal to the modem. For dial-up you’ll need twisted pair. For cable you’ll need regular Ethernet cable.

2. Use a short regular Ethernet cable to connect the modem to the regular ROUTER. If you have computers that have “wireless” capability, then you do not need to go on to 3. and 4.  

You can also purchase a type of router that has BOTH wired and wireless capability, depending on the need of the kind of computers you have.

3. For NON-wireless Use a short regular Ethernet cable to connect the router to computer1.

4. For NON-wireless Use a bit longer additional Ethernet cable to connect the router to

computer 2.

Look on the back of computer1 to see what kind of ports you have available. Look for a port that looks the same as phone but is a bit LARGER in which you plug in your end RJ45 CONNECTOR.

It need to insert here:

If you run into the instance that computer1 does not have another port you can install one. The port is from a NIC

Network Interface Card. Actually, that's what is inside all the ports are connected to cards which are connected to the motherboard.

If you don't have a NIC, get one from Ebay, or other computer equipment resources.

When you install a NIC you'll just open your computer, knock out one of the blank slots on the back of the computer.

and plug the NIC into the motherboard and close the computer. Restart your pc for the OS to “see” the new hardware.

(remember to destatic yourself/ touch metal when touching things inside your computer).

If you need more specifics go to

R-click START > L-click Explore

at top tool bar click HELP >

INDEX > type in Networking

Also Right click this link > then click Open in New Window

http://support.microsoft.com/default.asp...

FOR BOTH COMPUTERS TO BE ABLE TO SHARE FILES:

To share files you will need to be using the SAME File System like FAT or NTFS all computers for your network.

To open your computer over the network for specific users to access.

1. Go to START > Control Panel > Windows Firewall >

Tab General select ON >

then on tab EXCEPTIONS > ALLOW file and print sharing on port 80.

2. All users should be Networked to join the same WORKGROUP with exact name spelling

Example: OURGROUPNAME

3. Then the computer(s) that want to share files

will map their drives for the other computers to access.

each computer will get a different mapped drive letter

like Z, Y, X etc.

(*)How to Map your drive is at link below.

4.  Also in MyNetwork Neighborhood you need to run the wizard, on each computer, and have each computer’s name available.  After running the wizard on computer 1, you will need a source to copy the information over

such as a floppy disk, or a removable flash drive, to transfer the information to the other computers.

5. Then on each computer, in Network Neighborhood

create a folder named SHARED DOCS

and then for every file you want to share

RIGHT-click/drag/copy the file into the Shared Docs folder

OR

IF you want to share the entire drive C on the PC (NOT recommended)

or other sub folder (recommended)

right click that folder > select Sharing and Security>

share this folder

6.  After file sharing is configured on both computers you should be able to access files easily.

The path I use to view files on my other computer is

Right Click START > left Click Explore >

scroll down to MyNetwork Neighborhood > and open the Workgroup folder >

find the mapped drive to the other computer and double click >

wait a few seconds and it will display all of the shared files on the other computer.

^j^

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Answer 2

Plz take a Network Cable with RJ45 Connector with both ends. Connect it with your PC and with Lap Top. Don't forget to install LAN Cards of Both Systems before. Now go to Control Panel of Your PC and Click on "Network Setup Wizard". Follow the instructions and insert windows XP CD pack in CD Rom. Give some name to your PC and give "MS Home" name to your "Work Group". Complete the Wizard. Now do the same with your Laptop. Don't forget to keep the same name for "Work Group Name" on the both systems. Now you can share data among both of Systems.