How do I set up a home network?

I am using a desktop with xp and a laptop with Vista. They are both connected to the internet through a D-link router and surf board modem. The desktop is linked directly to the router and the laptop is wireless. I need to be able to share the printer on the desktop and move files between the two computers. Please helpHow do I set up a home network?
RangeMax 240 Wireless Routers





Use that router, it supports print share and file sharing, it also has some of the new N networking power and has a manual on how to set up print share. (its a process thats not worth typing)How do I set up a home network?
hi frnd... try the following links to clarify ur doubts...


www.kelsoconsultinggroup.com





networking-guided.com





www.NetworkTutorials.Info
If you are on the routeer, then you are already on the same local private network (the router does that for you).





All you have to do is enable sharing on the printer - right-click on the printer and set it up under sharing.





*******IMPORTANT!!!!!*************





This next part can cause a LOT of headache if you dont set it up right.





You should really have the EXACT same usernames and passwords on both computers. Otherwise you could end up with Access Denied errors when trying to access the shared printer.





This is especially important if you are running XP and ';anything'; else - backward to WInXX or forwards to Vista.





There is a network service that runs in the background and will prompt you for that username/pass. Unless the accoutns are the saem on both, no matter what you type in it will not work.
The easiest way is to create a new folder. Name it. Right click on the folder and go to properties. Click on the sharing tab. Click on share this folder. By default everyone has read access (which means they can't alter the files). Click on permissions to change the access levels. Put files into that folder.





Go to your other PC and open My Network Places. You should see your folder in there shortly. If not, you should see the other PC. If not, click on Entire network, Microsoft Windows Network, and open up the workgroup (should be an icon with 3 PCs that are connected with lines). You should see your other PC in there. Double click the PC and you should see the folder.





To share a printer you setup your printer on the PC that it's connected to. Go to start---%26gt;Control Panel---%26gt; Printers and Faxes. Right click on the printer and go to properties (make sure it's the correct printer). Use the same process as you did when you shared a folder.


On your other PC, the printer should show up in the same area (My network places, etc). Right click it and click connect. This should install it onto your pc.





I suggest securing your wireless network first (if you have one). People can easily connect to it from outside of your house and view your files. So make sure you do that. I also suggest getting a software firewall. You can probably find a cheap or free one out there somewhere.





I'm not familiar with Vista yet, so hopefully this process is the same. This will work 100% on two XP machines though.
This page should explain it





http://www.geekgirls.com/windowsxp_home_鈥?/a>





Hope it helps and good luck