new to networking

I have recently bought laptop computer and decided that I wanted to access files and downloads from my main computer, which is upstairs. Wireless I was told is the way to go (PcWorld). On advice from said shop I purchased a Belkin Wireless Router 2.4GHz 802.11b. I was also told that I needed a Wireless Desktop Netork Card (same spec as router, same make). Basically two questions. Did I really have to purchase the Card and why? Secondly, after much faffing about I managed to get internet connection at a good speed (don't ask me what it is as I don't have a clue). How do I go about getting both computers to share files etc? BTW my main PC runs XP Pro and the laptop XP Home. Hope someone can point me in the right direction, thanks for your time.

 

The wireless router sends out what is essentially a radio signal. The computer has to have some way to pick up that signal. That's what the wireless card does...receive the signal from the router for the computer to use.

So, you need to get one computer connected to the router wirelessly...which requires the installation of the wireless card into that computer...before you can set up your home network and start sharing files.

Windows XP Help and Support has quite a bit of good information and understandable instructions on setting up a home network. Read through that and it's likely you'll be able to get your network up and running.

If you run into problems, there's always help to be had here.

 

Miz, thanks for your reply, I will check it out now.

 

I use Belkin wireless networking, Computer A. has Belkin access point plug into a network card. Laptop B. has Belkin PCMA wireless card.

Both PC have Windows XP used Network wizard to share files and Internet connection.

The big plus is Belkin gives Free support

 

Thanks for all your help. I now have managed to get both computers talking to each other, with one exception. My PC wont let my laptop access my C: drive on the PC, is there a way round this. It keeps saying that I dont have authority and to contact the administrator? Help please.

 

Strictly it is not good practice to share your C drive, although it is also fairly common practice.

Advantage -

1. It is easy (a lazy option?)

Disadvantage -

1. Once connected you have to navigate through all the folders on the C drive to get to the files you want.

2. Others get full access to all the system files on your PC. Were your system to become compromised (or another computer on your network), by sharing your C drive, you've made it much easier for any malicious code to access your PC.

I would recommend that rather than sharing your C drive, you select or create a folder where shared documents can be stored and accessed on your computer, and share that folder.

 

Thanks Reggie, makes sense I hadnt thought of that until you pointed it out.