How do I set up a hme network between my laptop and desktop/tower?

Question

I would like to set up a home network between my laptop and my desktop computer. I want my laptop to be a stort of work station that runs windows and microsoft applications, dvds, music. But I want my desktop/tower to be a workhorse constantly running harder applications and keeping on the web at all times. I want the laptop to access these harder programs (Adobe, Micromedia, games, etc) but not run them. I want to also have my laptop automatically sync it's data (word files, excell spredsheets, etc) into the tower. Also would like this to be wireless (except for the internet connection which would be only connected to tower, but through the network the laptop could also access it.)

Answer 1

Just use a cross over cable or wireless and use the network wizard in control panel it tells you how to do all of it pritty simple really.

Answer 2

The easiest way to do this is purchase a wireless router. But your set up will change a little. plug the internet into the wan or internetport and the desktop into a normal port. you would then connect your laptop wirelesslyl. when your internet works you then have to create a folder on your desktop and share it out. you can find instructions for sharing in the help file of your desktop. Make sure you have a login and password that is the same on both computers.. The files that you save in this folder will have access by both computers. If you have trouble connecting the main cause may be your firewall. Ask another question here if it does. After everything is hooked up and working. Set your security on your wireless router. Use the WEP setting to do it. The internet should have information on setting your router security.

Answer 3

Purchase a router.
Connect your machines.
Under Control Panel, configure both machines to work in the same HomeGroup. This will allow you to share files between the two machines quite readily.