Setting up a home network with Vista, XP and Netgear

[stevenrw]

OK, I Know, but indulge a dummy please...

I'm currently running wireless broadband with IDNet via Netgear DG834 modem/router (not pre-configured for IDnet), OS, XP Home to my desktop pc.
I'm looking to buy a second laptop, which will likely have Vista loaded. I also assume they are all wireless enabled to whatever standard is current. (The router is about 1 year old). I want to have access to the peripherals and storage on the main desktop machine, so how do I go about setting up the network - is there an automatic wizard in Vista or is it within the Netgear software.
This'll be a breeze for you guys I'm sure, and I could probably figure it myself, but I just don't want to spend half of Boxing day with my (probably sore) head under a computer bonnet.

[Rik]

First things first, do you have an 834 or an 834G (or GT). The former is wires only, the latter two are wireless.

On the XP machine, you need to go to each printer and share it, by right-clicking Properties, then selecting the share tab. Elect to share the printer and give it a name. I don't know what other peripherals you were thinking of sharing?

For files/folders, visit each one you want to share, right click and select Sharing and security, the slect the Networking option, "Share this folder on the network" and choose whether to allow it to be altered from other machines.

At this point, you need someone to confirm the 'how' for Vista, but in XP, from the other machines, choose My Network Places, Entire Network, Microsoft Windows Network, <workgroup name>. Within that, navigate to the files/folder you want. For printers, Open printer & faxes, Add, then choose 'a networked printer or printer attached to another machine'. Windows will pull across the necessary driver files.

There's one exception I know of, which is with the Dymo Labelwriters, where you install from their CD at each machine, starting with the one it's attached to, then choosing the network option at other machines.

Note that it's not a good idea to ever share a root folder, and certainly not your system drive.

[Simon]

At this point, you need someone to confirm the 'how' for Vista, but in XP, from the other machines, choose My Network Places, Entire Network, Microsoft Windows Network, <workgroup name>. Within that, navigate to the files/folder you want. For printers, Open printer & faxes, Add, then choose 'a networked printer or printer attached to another machine'. Windows will pull across the necessary driver files.

In Vista, it's Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > View computers and devices (Tasks list on left hand side of screen) > Add Printer and follow the walkthrough.

[Rik]

Thanks, Simon.

[Lance]

To actually set up the network, when you first boot up the new laptop, it will come up with a alert in the bottom right corner saying "wireless networks are available". If you click on this, it will give the option of which network to connect to. Select your network, enter the required security settings and job done!

[Rik]

Even easier, thanks Lance.

[stevenrw]

Thanks guys, now I'm all set.
Now I just gotta get the laptop

[Lance]

Let us know how you get on once you have it!

[stevenrw]

.....just one final point, by way of confirmation, 'cos this is key issue in all this.
Once the network is established, assuming the main (desktop) machine is running, I will be able to see, work on and save to files stored on the desktop machine drives (including a Buffalo Drivestation caddy I have connected to it via USB) will I not?
How does the laptop see the other "C" drive? Just with another drive letter perhaps?
Richard

[Rik]

You will only see the drives and folders which you have shared. It's not generally a good idea to share your entire C drive. You allocate names to the shared drives (identifying which machine they are on) and access these, or you can map the drives, but that is potentially dangerous as you have to remember which drive letter is on which machine.

[Odos]

Sorry wrong thread

[Rik]

Now you have piqued my curiosity, Tony.