Hello,
How do I network my laptop and my sisters desktop to use
the same internet connection and scanners and printer?
All you need for a basic and cheap network for just 2 pcs is the following.
If you will be linking more than 2 you will need a different setup. Each pc
needs an ethernet card. Then you will need a crossover cable to connect the
two pcs. Make sure it's a crossover cable as a normal patch cable will not
work in this case. Then just run the XP network setup wizard.
This setup will alow you to share internet connections and printers,
however XP does not support sharing scanners. Some scaners do come with
software to allow network sharing, but these are few and far between.
There is a third party software called Perfect Scan that will allow network
users to share scanners.
http://www.recogniform.com/scanning.htm
And once they are connected does my laptop have to be on
the network all the time for her to connect to any of the
above? Or can I disconnect it and she will be fine?
I don't understand what your asking here. If you are sharing items on a
network and then you remove the network, then no they are not available
anymore.
Printers and files on her system can be shared over the network with your
machine. But only if your connected to her system. Networks aren't magic.
Further for you to access a printer or a file on her computer from your
computer, both computers must be turned on. If the printer is connected to
her system and you want to print you will have to turn her system on first.
How do I get round it if that will affect it?
In order to share files and folders on seperate pcs, you MUST be networked
together at the time of sharing.
However you can get additional equipment (router & print server) if you
want to setup a printer that anyone on the network can use independant of
any given computer.
How expensive and hard will it be to set up?
The crossover method is the cheapest. Each pc needs a network card. $5 to
$10 for a PCI card and $20+ for a laptop card. That's if you need to buy
one, most newer systems come equiped with these items. The crossover cable
is $10+ it really depends on where you get it and the lenght of cable you
need. Computer stores will charge a small fortune for these types of cables
compared to the rock bottom proces on eBay.
If you want to go the router method it varies. Wired routers start around
$30 and wireless routers start around $60. Wireless LAN cards start around
$50. Print servers start around $60. However if you go the way of the
router you can network more than 2 systems and you can use cheaper patch
cables.
If you are planning on connecting additional systems in the future or want
to share printers independant of any given system, then a router setup is
the better way to go.
Im running a Tiny Notebook, Win XP Home, Running on a
1200Mhz Intel, and Network card info. says WAN (PPP/SLIP)
Interface (if this is any help to anyone)
Cheers in advance
Here is a site that has more information about networks:
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/
To learn more you can you can look at your XP help & support information.
MS aslo has information on their website that you might find helpful. If
you need more help just ask.
