Need help for setting up a home wireless network..........

[orbital517]

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.

[rallynavvie]

First off: RTFM

There should be instructions on how to configure your router for wireless encryption to protect your wireless LAN from being leeched by those near you with wireless cards (more important in an apartment or the like). There should also be firewall settings built into the router. Most every router I've come in contact with you must have a computer attached to the first port to program it. Then you open up IE or something and enter the routers IP. Most routers have an website-looking interface to set it up. I have a D-Link and just went through a pretty simple set-up wizard to get everything up and running smooth. If for some reason you don't have the manual than visit the Linksys website and find a copy there.

Rergarding file sharing... that's about as easy as it gets when it's only between computers on your LAN. Just right click the folder of files you want shared and select Sharing and go through that. If settings are left default your network should show up in MS Windows network in WORKGROUP I believe. For printer sharing leave the computer on which the printer is connected to and right click the printer in the Printers control panel and share it. It's pretty much as simple as that. It's pretty difficult to "hack" into a home LAN as long as you set passwords for everything that needs them. WEP (wireless encryption) is important since someone with a laptop within so many hundred feet can just detect your network and use it for internet access of file sharing. Make sure to set a good encryption key which you'll then have to enter into other computers trying to connect to your network.

Whoa, there's like so many things to go through for this but it's so much easier if you just follow what it says in the manuals