Networking with Windows XP

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I have two Dell laptops sharing a DSL connection. I am using a Westell
Modem and a Linksys wired router. Both laptops are running Windows XP Home.
How do I network them so I can share files and Printers? Please make the
explanation simple as I am a novice at networking.
 
Have you run the Network setup wizard? If not, run it on both computers.
It's important that the name of the 'workgoup' be the same for both. The
name given to each computer is not, just as long as they aren't the same.
There will be an option to enable printer and file sharing. Having a good
software firewall is important in addition to the protection provided by
your hardware firewall (the router). I use ZoneAlarm basic as it does the
job and it's free (www.zonelabs.com). Once it's installed, however, you
will need to configure the network adapters on each pc so they are in the
'trusted' group and not the 'internet' group. Any problems let me know.

Bill
 
Huck said:
Have you run the Network setup wizard? If not, run it on both computers.
It's important that the name of the 'workgoup' be the same for both. The
name given to each computer is not, just as long as they aren't the same.
There will be an option to enable printer and file sharing.
Click to expand...

Good advice.... Should work.
Having a good
software firewall is important in addition to the protection provided by
your hardware firewall (the router). I use ZoneAlarm basic as it does the
job and it's free (www.zonelabs.com). Once it's installed, however, you
will need to configure the network adapters on each pc so they are in the
'trusted' group and not the 'internet' group. Any problems let me know.
Click to expand...

It's great that you use ZA and feel safe about it but not everyone feels a
software firewall is important. I for one, don't consider it necessary with
a good NAT router. A good AV program and running Ad-Aware routinely keeps my
system in shape.
 
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