Simple network

Hello

You may have addressed this already but searching back, I couldn't find it.

I have a desktop and a lappy, both running XP, both have USB and ethernet for DSL and there is one DSL modem. I need to transfer some programs, files and photos from the desktop to the lappy with minimal expense. Hope I already have what I need to do this or can do it at minimal expense. I'd also like to be able to share the DSL without having to do the wire swapping. The DSL modem has only one port for connectivity.
I'm totally green at networking so I need clear directions. confused

Thanks

 

Oh..and I'd like to be able to share the printer also, again, without doing the wire swap.

 

If the modem has a USB connection, you could connect the computers with a crossover cable, and setup ICS.

But more likely, you'll need a router, and a couple straight-through cables to connect everything. I bought a Linksys BEFSR41 from ITXchange for $15 CDN, so you might try looking there. The easiest way to ensure everything is working on a network level is to enable DHCP on the router, and both computers. This will ensure that they get IP addresses correctly, and know that the router is their gateway to the internet. They should both be able to access at this point.

On an application level, we'll need to put each computer in the same workgroup to facilitate sharing printers and files. Once that is done, you should be able to browse through 'My Network Places' to access shared files, folders and printers on the network.