Home Network

bigsaucybob

bigsaucybob

New Member
I want to set up a home network just between the 3 computers in my household. I want to be able to share video files mainly, and some songs that I have on CD's.

I have always been confused as to Windows XP's way of doing this, so I have come here for help.

I also want it so that nobody else can join it besides the computers I wish to join.


Thanks
 
Any preferences? Price? Wired or wireless? Do you already have a router?

EDIT: I think this is in the wrong section...
 
Last edited:
kobaj said:
Any preferences? Price? Wired or wireless? Do you already have a router?

EDIT: I think this is in the wrong section...
Click to expand...

I have a router, 2 actually. One is wireless and one is wired.

I guess it is, but I figured the Computer Networking was more physical networking while this could technically be considered more software networking. And this section gets a lot more attention than the Computer Networking section.
 
You could go with a number of options, either will suit you. If you are looking to be moving computers around your house a lot I suggest a wireless card to go with your router. Ive always had good luck with Belkin54g products.

Stationary (depending on location) go with wired, you can buy 10 feet of cat5/5e/6 for 1$. Some people will argue to go this route if you intend to do A LOT of gaming and sharing of files, but either will work.

Networking windows xp is as simple as plugging in the cable or card (and or installing drivers). Most likely your router is DHCP at the moment, making it even easier. However if you run into any problems just ask around. As for making sure people you dont want on your network, staying off your network. Using wired, its guaranteed unless they somehow got a cable in your house. For wireless you can enable WEP and that will keep off all the wireless people you dont want.
 
So by taking the stationary route, I would need to physically connect each computer to one another. Even if they connect through a router?
 
Huh? Oh, my bad, I didnt explain the actual file sharing bit (knew I forgot something).

No, as long as all 3 computers were connected to (not necessarily, but it helps) the same router, just go start>control panel>networking>setup file sharing network on each computer. Then go to folderA on computerA and right click "enable sharing" then on computerB go to start>my network places, there is folderA. To clarify the computers dont have to be connected to each other, just the router.
 
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kobaj said:
For wireless you can enable WEP and that will keep off all the wireless people you dont want.
Click to expand...
WEP can be easily cracked by anyone who knows how to read one of the many tutorials on the web. WPA is safer, but I still prefer wired for my network.

Other than that, kobaj's last post is exactly what you need to do.
 
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