Questions about setting up a network

Question

Question from a networking newbie:

My components: I have a (new) Dell Vostro 200 running Windows XP and it has Dell Network Assistant Version 1.7.

Across my living room, my wife's computer is an HP pavillion 735n, also running Windows XP.

I have a Linksys router with ethernet cables connecting both of our computers to high speed internet.

I have never set up a network before. I have a very vague idea of what exactly a network is.

My goal is to connect the HP and the Vostro, so we can access each other's files (actually her computer used to be mine), and more importantly, I would like to enable her computer to use the printer (Canon MP530(. Currently the printer cable is connected directly to the Vostro.

So that's my vision of my ideal home network. Is this possible and if so, what do I need to make it happen? Does it need to be wireless? I would prefer to do it with wires, as we prefer to minimize the amount of wireless radiation zipping around the interior of our home.

Thanks for any insights into this techno-puzzle.

Jordan

PETER345 · Answer

If both computers can access the Internet, then all you have to do is enable sharing of the printer and folders. Just right click on them in explorer and select Sharing and check Share. Once you have some shared resources, you should be able to access them from the other machine. You can map the network drive via Tools/Map Network Drive in Explorer. You can setup the network printer by selecting a Network Printer in the Add Printer wizard.

Peter

Dharma Friend · Answer

It tooks some fussing around with your answer but I accomplished my goal.

My first problem....when you said "Explorer"....it took me a few moments to figure out you meant Windows Explorer, not Internet Explorer. Then, I was somewhat confused about setting up the network because it seems that both Dell and Windows have network wizards....but since you referenced Explorer and I deduced that meant Windows....I did not use the Dell Wizard...that must be specific to wireless??

After that, it was just a matter of clicking around, moving files into Shared Documents on each computer, and adding a printer to the network.

thanks,

Jordan

PETER345 · Answer

Good job.  Sorry I was a bit ambiguous.   You can also set up other folders to be shared if you like, so you don't have to copy to the shared folders.   Peter

Dharma Friend · Answer

A few more questions for your Peter (or anyone).

So it appears that I don't need to have the Dell Network Assistant running for this network since I am using the Windows Network. Correct? Is the Dell network just for wireless?

thanks,

Jordan

PETER345 · Answer

I don't use any of the Dell software and none is needed for networking.   Peter

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Questions about setting up a network

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