I need help from you experts on setting up my home network

[orbital517]

I know this is off topic, but I just purchased a linksys wireless router and pc card for my laptop. But I have questions about how do I share files between my computer and my laptop? How can I set up printer sharing for both computers? Also, what security options do I have to protect my computer from unwanted hackers getting into my network? Do all routers have a built in firewall, and if so, do I need to configure it somehow or does it automatically do it for me?

I am running Windows XP Pro is that makes a difference.

[orbital517]

Come on guys, help a fellow forum member here. I know some of you guys have networking knowledge.

[tgm4883]

you should have tried posting this in the computer forum

[keithsebastian]

You could either ask the moderators to officially rename this site to www.dvdrhelpisnowhomenetworkinghelp.com

OR

try these forums to get answers to ur queries

http://forum.homenethelp.com

www.dslreports.com/faq/networking

-Keith

[hootie29]

Do you have both computers setup with the same workgroup name? To find out right click on my computer,select properties, select Computer Name. If you are going to share C drive then you will need to right click on the drive and select sharing and security, then click on the Sharing tab and check the box that indicates "Share this folder on the network".

My linksys had Zone Alarm Pro installed in the firmware. If you own a version of Zone Alarm Pro you could go into the setup of the router and enter your serial number to activate it. If you want your wireless network secure then you will need to enable WEP 128 encryption will be the best. It is not 100% secure but it is better than not running WEP.

To do print sharing, if your printer is connected to your Desktop computer.You will need to do this to the computer your printer is not connected to. Click start then click Printers & Faxes. When the window opens look to the left and you will see Add a Printer click that . The select A network printer or a printer connected to another computer. Then click browse for computer, then browse your network for the printer. It may ask you to install the printer driver on that computer to make it work. To use the printer this way the computer it is connected to will have to be on when you want to print from your laptop.


hootie29

[orbital517]

Thanks a bunch for your help hootie. I have a couple of more questions. How do I enable WEP security feature or is it automatically enabled? Also, is my desktop and laptop supposed to have the same workgroup name, and how do I change it if they don't?

[stiltman]

http://www.linksys.com/edu/

Googeled for your question

[hootie29]

Orbital517,

With your linksys router connected to your computer open Internet explorer, and in the address window type 192.168.1.1 a screen will popup and ask for username & password by default it is admin for both. It will then open to the main setup window of your router that is where you will enable WEP and setup your 128 encryption.

To change a workgroup name , right click on My Computer, select properties, click on the computer name tab. At the bottom of that page you will see " To rename this computer or join a domain, click Change" click the Change button. At the bottom you will see Workgroup, select that and give your workgroup a name, like Orbital517, do this on all of your computers. You may have to restart your computer when you change this.

hootie29