Network Setup

massahwahl

massahwahl

VIP Member
I have a few questions surrounding setting up a network in my home. Heres what equipment I have if someone can explain how to make all of this play together and do what I want I would be much appreciative:

Computer 1: Office Computer
OS: Windows XP Home SP2
Usually On or Off?: Off
Peripherals: HDD, Printer (want to enable as a network printer for other computers)
Connection: Wireless

Computer 2: Main Desktop
OS: Vista Ultimate
Usually On or Off?: On
Peripherals: External HDD, Internal HDD
Connection: Modem with wireless router attached

Computer 3: Laptop
OS: XP Home SP2
Usually On or Off?: Off
Peripherals: Internal HDD
Connection Wireless

Basically I want to network al of these together and the main thing is access to the printer in the office. Concern is that the office computer is off when not in use, so is there a way to share this printer when computer is off? Maybe thats a dumb question but I assume theres a way. Also want to be able to swap files between all of these systems hard drive especially the external on Computer 2 which has all of my music on it. Any help is greatly appreciated, never done this before so I could use a sort of walkthru for it.
 
You can get a print server, it is like a router and you connect your printer to it.

Also i think you have your network wired this way, but making sure.

Modem--->Router---->Computer

NOT

Modem---->MainPC---->Router---->Other Computers
 
lol yes sorry to tell you wrong. The other computers connect via wireless. I know I can buy a print server, but thats extra money I dont really need to spend because I know there is a way to do it with my current setup.
 
You can do it, but there needs to be a computer on when you need to print. So connect the printer up to that computer which is always one, and share it across the network.
 
However, as mentioned you don't need a print server but the computer attached to the shared printer WILL need to be on when you want to print to it.

To share a printer you will need to hook up the pinter to each of the computers that will print to it, and install the printer software. The computers will all need to be a member of the same workgroup.

You will then need to goto the printer properties on the computer that it is connected to the printer and share it under the sharing tab.

Then goto "add a printer" on the other computers and follow the setup wizard. Select "add a network printer or a printer connected to another pc". Browse to find the printer. Make that printer the default printer.

Hope this helps.

-Rob
 
Last edited:
axgrinder73 said:
I have a linksys wireless print server 4 sale if you are interested $50.

However, as mentioned you don't need a print server but the computer attached to the shared printer WILL need to be on when you want to print to it.

To share a printer you will need to hook up the pinter to each of the computers that will print to it, and install the printer software. The computers will all need to be a member of the same workgroup.

You will then need to goto the printer properties on the computer that it is connected to the printer and share it under the sharing tab.

Then goto "add a printer" on the other computers and follow the setup wizard. Select "add a network printer or a printer connected to another pc". Browse to find the printer. Make that printer the default printer.

Hope this helps.

-Rob
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