home networking confusion?

Question

Hi

I have 2 computers running Xp both have ethernet ports. i want to network both computers together so that they can share files and same internet connection and also a netowrk ready printer aswell. Please let me kno how to do this and which product, router or hub i would need, thanks

Answer 1

Connecting your computers together
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/hnw_connect_computers_together.mspx?mfr=true
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Answer 2

You can make or buy a crossover cable and connect directly from machine to machine without a hub.

If you might add another machine later, then just buy a cheap netgear 4-port hub and a couple of cables. Set the hub up next to one machine and run the cables to each machine from the hub. Follow the instructions that come with the hub for connecting the machines.

You can share internet over a network by plugging your cable/dsl modem into the hub (or buy a combo hub/modem).

Wireless hubs and network cards have gotten cheap enough that you usually can't justify buying all the cords, and taking the time to route them. Just hook one machine to the wireless hub, and plug a wireless card into the USB port on the other machine and 'Voila'.

Answer 3

First you need to purchase a small 5 port router. You'll also need DSL or Cable Internet.

Configure the computers to use DHCP and give the netwrok printer a static IP address.

You'll have to create user accounts with identical usernames and passwords on both computers and turn off the Windows firewall.

This will allow you to go across systems seamlessly.

Answer 4

First learn no count number if or no longer you have gotten a IP handle....If No assign one check out no count number if any firewall utility is set up..IF confident disable the firewall....try pinging the different computers...

Answer 5

this guy explains it very well, it helped me

http://www.computerhope.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?num=1147256597