home network , i am a little confused

myself321

hi there
i have 3 xp machines connected to the Internet via a 4 port adsl router via Ethernet.

do i need any more hardware to setup a home network so these computers can share files, or is it a case of just running the network setup wizard on all the machines, also how do a share a printer?

i would be most great full if someone can walk me through this, i have already had help but i am still confused , many thanks

C_Ronaldo

Are there going to be files on the 3 pcs which you want to share with the other pcs, under my computer theres a folder called shared docs then 3 other folders but beofre you do that id give each pc a name so right click my computer and enter a name for each pc but the names must be different, i only know how to make a few files avauilble but not how to make say all the files on 1 pc available to others

rdpro

Each pc must be in the same 'Workgroup' to be able to see each other on a home network.

Rightclick My Computer on the desktop on each pc, and make sure the workgroup name (can be anything, even 'WORKGROUP') is the same for all three, but the computer name of each is unique.

To share files/folders between these pcs, select the folder (or entire hard drive) for sharing in Windows Explorer, rightclick and select 'Sharing and Security..'

Under the 'sharing' tab, you will see 2 buttons for sharing or not sharing. If it's already set to shared, but has a '$' in front of the name, this means it's a 'hidden' share and won't be able to be browsed unless the browsee knows the exact name of the folder in advance (i.e., they can 'map' to the folder from within My Network Places by typing something like '\\THEIRPC\C\hiddensharedfolder' but not see it just by browsing the network).

To set it to 'open share' that anyone inside your network can view, click the 'do not share' button, apply, then click the 'share' button again - this will remove the $ (hidden) attribute.

Printers can be shared by selecting the printer to be shared, rightclicking to view 'Properties' then the 'Sharing' tab, just click 'Share this printer'

myself321

hi rdpro

is it best to set the network up through the network wizard , if so when it says select the statement that fits your computer? there does not seem to be a box for computer is directly connected to an adsl modem, which mine are , what should i select ? thank you

C_Ronaldo

rdpro explained it better, cheers rdpro

rdpro

myself321 wrote: »

hi rdpro

is it best to set the network up through the network wizard , if so when it says select the statement that fits your computer? there does not seem to be a box for computer is directly connected to an adsl modem, which mine are , what should i select ? thank you

Not to a router then, just a standalone adsl modem?

For the network, all pcs will need to connect through a hub (usually built in to a router along with the modem). As far as the network is concerned, that's all the setup needs to know. Internet connection sharing through 1 pc linked directly to the modem will be a seperate issue.

myself321

sorry i meant adsl modem router, so is it easier to set it up manually like you have described rdpro, will i need to obtain all the computers ip addresses to enter them into the trusted zone of the firewalls.

how do i obtain them , i thought your ip address changed every time you log into the internet, or does each pc have its own as well ? many thanks for all your help!!

rdpro

myself321 wrote: »

sorry i meant adsl modem router, so is it easier to set it up manually like you have described rdpro, will i need to obtain all the computers ip addresses to enter them into the trusted zone of the firewalls.

how do i obtain them , i thought your ip address changed every time you log into the internet, or does each pc have its own as well ? many thanks for all your help!!

the only IP that changes each time your router is reconnected to the internet is the router's own IP. The router than assigns each pc attached to it a basic local IP address that will usually stay the same.

There's no need to run firewalls on all the seperate pcs as far as internet threats go, because the router acts as a hard firewall between all your pcs and the net. Some free software firewalls (ZoneAlarm) are only licenced for single use and will actually block networks by default.

Personally, I'm happy with my router doing the firewalling, and turn off windows firewall on all my pcs.

pickles110564

rdpro wrote: »

Some free software firewalls (ZoneAlarm) are only licenced for single use and will actually block networks by default.

You are brilliant
Thank you

myself321

so rdpro , i will not need to find the computers ip address and configure the firewalls, in order for them share files

thank you very much for your help