Homegroup or workgroup, Win7

How can I run basically 2 networks/workgroups on the same computer? Do I use Workgroup or homegroup?

Scenario: When I visit friends down the coast (or they visit us) they have their computers networked, but we occassionally need to transfer file between my computer & theirs, we use different network names
I have just upgraded a laptop to Win 7 for them, but their desktop is XP, I know that XP shows in workgroup (home/small business networking) but not in Win 7 Homegroup

Is it possible to run 2 networks on the 1 computer? or how do I get xp to recognise in homegroup?

regards Jac

 

Hi Pete,
reading through that link, 1: is it possible to set their network on my laptop as a work network so they link when I am there & 2: my network on their laptop as work network when they are here? the 2nd is not really required, as we now run Vista & 7 here at home and the homegroup should do that
Our laptops have both modem/routers in the wireless network settings (SSID & Password) the main requirement is so I/we can access the printer, file share as required and do software upgrades/updates.
I would suppose that using the same workgroup name would overcome the problem, but it defeats the purpose of home networking.
I have not used or delved into VPN as yet, as I think that is more for connecting away from base?

Jac

 

Pete,
Thanks for the input, every bit is worth the read as we all hope!

Flicking through a few other links on that page I found some interesting reading on the different types of networking, some are a bit antique, but the transfer speeds are great!
I do have another ? in this regard but I will post it separately!

Jac