I have a desktop computer a laptop, a printer and possible another desktop compter that I want to network. I also have a wireless internet connection. Can anyone direct me to a site with a step by step way to set up a network? Or please explain for me. Also what type of network should I use if there are different options.

do you have a router or a hub? because you will likely need one unless your wireless internet connection has one built in.

if you do have a router or a hub, it should come with instructions on how to properly set it up.

I have a Lynksys wireless router but I don't know where the directions are.

from the info you have given.


first you have to share the printer on the PC and let everyone have access to it.

then set up your linksys router and make sure your pc and laptop both have the correct key to access the network. if you dont put a key in, then anyone will be able to access your network.

once you have that done you should be set.

you may have to make sure the pc and laptop are all in the same workgroup make it compatible. and if youre using win XP, you may have to manually install NETBeui to enable the sharing

both computer I have, have Windows 2000, and my laptop has Windows XP. I really don't know the first thing about networking so if you could give me a step by step guide or a place that does. Like do I need to set up the router in anyway? If so how? I just reset the router so I'm guesing the password is admin

Also I don't know if this changes anything but I am already sharing my internet connection with my neighbor. He has all the hardware and I am just picking up his singal.

so when you say you have a router, is he the person that actually has the router, or are you trying to use your router to pick up his signal and make your own network from it?

because i'm not exactly sure you can do that.

Yeah I have the router, I'm just sharing his internet wirelessly.

Here is the equipment that I have I think I have everything needed:
1. Lynksys wireless router
2. My lap top has a built ins wireless card
3. My one computer has a USB wireless card.

Now I just want to set up my network (Which I don't know the first thing about doing)

What I wanted to do was make the desktop computer the server and have my laptop just share all of the resources off the desktop

so is the internet connection coming into your apartment via a phone/cable line, or does your neighbor have a wireless router that you're accessing with your computers?

just pay for your own connection

I am paying for it it's just that we are going half on it. He has a router to and it is his wireless router that I'm picking the internet signal up off of. To simply network your computers wirelessly you don't need an internet connection do you?

You may need to configure the router. Go find a manual for the router on linksys's site. It will very well have explicit instructions on what to do.

Most likely, if it's an unprotected router, no security encryption or access authorizations in place, you should be able to use it right away so long as you set the SSID on the wireless cards the same as the SSID of the router.

Again, I reiterate, go find the instructions for the router and cards. Set up for wireless networks has been made less painful due to user guides being more user friendly.

Ok which router his or mine? I have a n internet connection right now on both of my computers, now I just want to network the computers that I have.

my bad pjchrisrvm was me Jimjamin I was under my roommates handle by accident

I just want to know the best way to network my computers and printer. I'm willing to spend money, I just want to know how to do it. I've read some info on powerline networking but I figured wireless would be better but I'm not sure someone please just stear me in the right direction,

Windpws XP has an excellent network setup tool. It will tell you what you need to do. Basically, if you've configured file and print sharing, with all computers in the same workgroup/network name... you should be good to go. Make some share folders in Windows Explorer (right click > sharing...), and to see if you have access to your printer, try to print something by selecting the printer in the print dialog box. You may need to install the printer driver first on the networked computers. XP and 2K have good networking help files. I've trouble shooted many a home lans and set them up via those help files, utilities anf google.

I will say, it sounds like you're almost there.

I am starting from ground zero I haven't done anything yet and I don't know where to begin.