The same workgroup is not required, but it makes browsing the network somewhat easier.  An easy solution to this is to set the workgroup name on your home network to be the same as on your work network.   The only restriction on the computer name is that it be different from any other computer on the same network. 

Steve

In many cases the settings are the same (i.e. setting the TCP/IP properties to obtain an IP address automatically).  If so, then you won't need to change anything.  If the settings are not the same, then you can get a program called netswicher that you can run to change the network settings with a mouse click. 

http://www.netswitcher.com/

Steve

Do nI set up both networks with the same workgroup name? Or different names?   Do I need to set up a different computer name for my laptop on the home network?

Have you disalbled all firewalls or configured all firewalls to allow local network traffic?

Steve

Thanks for your help.  When I took my laptop home and tried to set up the network there, I get a "you do not have permission" type message.  Thi happens whether I'm searching the network from laptop or desktop.  Is there something I must do to set permissions.  Can't find anything in the help dialogs.