Home Networking

[Salador]

Hello

I have had my PC and laptop for a couple of years now, and would now like to share files/printer between them.

My PC is running windows 7 proffessional 32 and is connected to the router via a cable. My laptop is running vista home premium 32 and is connected wirelessly to the router. Both can connect to the internet fine but when I try to share the printer(which is connected to my PC) or a file I become stuck. I have been messing around in the Network and sharing center. The network is classed as a home network on both computers and network discovery is on with my laptop, but niether can find each other when you click on the 'view full map'.

I guees I need to get that sorted before I can go any further but I dont have a clue what im supposed to do.

Any help would be great.

Thank you.

[Digerati]

Hello

I have had my PC and laptop for a couple of years now, and would now like to share files/printer between them.

My PC is running windows 7 proffessional 32 and is connected to the router via a cable. My laptop is running vista home premium 32 and is connected wirelessly to the router. Both can connect to the internet fine but when I try to share the printer(which is connected to my PC) or a file I become stuck. I have been messing around in the Network and sharing center. The network is classed as a home network on both computers and network discovery is on with my laptop, but niether can find each other when you click on the 'view full map'.

I guees I need to get that sorted before I can go any further but I dont have a clue what im supposed to do.

Any help would be great.

Thank you.

File sharing can be a real pain because you must configure each computer's firewall to let the other computer in. That is probably the problem you are having with access now. Once you have each firewall configured (you put the other computers' IP addresses into each computer's "trusted zone"), you then need to share the folders that contains the files you want to share. But note that sharing, if not done carefully, especially over wireless, can expose your computer and files to potential hackers and nosy neighbors. This is why I recommend avoiding wireless when possible, and if necessary, only use 802.11n for its greater security features.

For sharing a printer, I recommend using a print server. Many routers have one built in, or you can buy a separate one (or your printer may already be network capable). There are many advantages to a print server - starting with security. With a PS, you don't have to open up printer sharing on any computer, the printer simply attaches to your network, just as your computers do. The printer can sit anywhere it can connect to your network, meaning it can be centrally located and not tethered to any computer or taking up your desk space. And since it does not need to be attached to a "host" computer, no computer needs to be turned on and running for other computers to print to it. There are several Ethernet print servers for around $50US and wireless are about $15 - 20 more.