Networking question/sharing of printers set-up help

You'll need a network card for both. Do you?

Microsoft has a great tutorial with step by step instructions for XP Home but it should be translatable to whichever OS you have   http://support.microsoft.com/kb/813936

 

If you don't want to go through the hassle of setting up a network, you can buy a USB switch like http://www.iogear.com/product/GUB211/ which will let you share the printer between two PCs automatically

 

 

Thanks for the help...I think I will go with your second suggestion and buy the USB switch makes my life alot easier :emotion-4:. Thanks again for all of your help.  I do still have one question...I know my laptop has a network card I believe the PC (Dimension 2400) has one also but how can I check if it has one and if its up and running or active?  I read somewhere that I may have to go into the BIOS to get it running.  Thanks again for your help.

TechyMomof5

 TechyMomof5,

 

Without knowing the operating systems, it can make it a little difficult. Also virus programs on each computer and firewalls can also hinder communications.

 

Articles to read...

 

Share Files and Printers between Windows 7 and XP

 

Sharing a printer through a wireless network

 

File and Print Sharing in Vista (Thanks to mombodog)

 

 

Rick

I know my laptop has a network card I believe the PC (Dimension 2400) has one also but how can I check if it has one and if its up and running or active?  I read somewhere that I may have to go into the BIOS to get it running.  Thanks again for your help.

Look in Control Panel --> System --> Device Manager  for evidence of a network card

 

 

TechyMomof5, Without knowing the operating systems, it can make it a little difficult. Also virus programs on each computer and firewalls can also hinder communications. Articles to read... Share Files and Printers between Windows 7 and XP Sharing a printer through a wireless network File and Print Sharing in Vista (Thanks to mombodog) Rick

Many thanks to your description! It is just the solution for my problem, Now I understand more about it.