File and Print Sharing (part 1)

The biggest reason for anyone to have a network, whether it is at home or at work is to share files and/or printers. This cannot be done unless when the computer are first setup as being on the same network. The default network name, in Windows XP and Vista, is MSHOME.

I would recommend that you change the network name. It could be something simple as JonesHome or even an encryptic name like N57A. The main point being that every computer you want on the network with the same name. If you don't have all the computers on the network they will not want to talk with each other and the process of sharing files will become a literal pain in the rear.

Oh yes, each computer must be connect either by wires or wireless through a router. I say this because I have gone out on a trouble call, where a client tried to set up their own network. After a few minutes I found only one computer was connected to the internet through a router. The other three were not connect by a network cable, or have a wireless card.