How to stream audio file to another PC within local network

[LanguidLegend]

So I've been at this a while and I'm feeling more & more lost as I go.. Essentially, what I want is to stream one audio file from my desktop PC (Windows 7 x86) to my one wireless laptop (Windows 7 x64) in another room of my house. In doing research (forums, tutorials, documentations, etc.), VLC seemed to be one of the more popular go-to program for audio/video streaming, and since I already had it installed on both computers, I went with it.
However, that's pretty much where I started to get lost. I am just confused on several issues:

1. Streaming methods
- What is the difference between the different streaming methods - UDP, RTP, RTSP, HTTP? (haven't found a concise answer yet..)
- Which would work best for my needs?

2. URL / IP addresses
- When I create a stream from the server PC (my desktop), must I provide an IP &/or port address (where it can be accessed by the client PC)?
- Do I need a unicast or multicast address?
- Often in tutorials, I see examples of streaming via RTP containing this code:

sdp=rtsp://server.example.org:8080/test.sdp

- Is the server.example.org:8080 a link to the home network IP (192.168.1.2) or some other IP?

- What does test.sdp actually do?

- Do I need to forward a port address?

3. Transcoding
- Is it necessary for audio files (like WAV or MP3)?
- Does it affect the connection lag or quality of the stream?

Note: I am using VLC through command-line. I tried going the GUI route, but it just made things more complicated, not less..

As you can see, I'm somewhat confused on the subject,
but I've tried to keep this as direct and concise as possible, and I'm glad to go into more detail if required.

Any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[jagabo]

Why don't you just enable network sharing? It's much simpler. Right click on a folder/tree you want to share and select Share or Share With. On the computer that needs to access the video navigate to \\ComputerName\ShareName\Filename.ext

[LanguidLegend]

Why don't you just enable network sharing? It's much simpler. Right click on a folder/tree you want to share and select Share or Share With. On the computer that needs to access the video navigate to \\ComputerName\ShareName\Filename.ext

Oh wow, you're totally right. Just like me to find the most complicated answer! lol

OK, but how about if I have my laptop in a different wireless network than my desktop (while still able to access my desktop via GoToMyPC or TeamViewer)?

[Baldrick]

OK, but how about if I have my laptop in a different wireless network than my desktop (while still able to access my desktop via GoToMyPC or TeamViewer)?

Then can you use a virtual vpn like Hamachi, https://secure.logmein.com/products/hamachi/ .

[LanguidLegend]

After a bit of configuring, I got both methods to work!

Thanks very much!!