To set up a small network, you are going to need a router and a modem and a way to connect them. Each computer will also need an adapter. The adapter is a device that allows the computer to communicate with the router. Almost all computers sold today have an Ethernet wired adapter built right into them. Ethernet cables look like oversized old-fashioned phone jacks. Most laptops built today have wireless adapters built into them. Don't worry though, because you don't have to pick one type of network over the other, wireless or wired.
Most networks use a mixture of the two. In fact, most wireless routers also have places you can plug Ethernet cables into and it's not at all unusual to have the main computer in a household connected directly to the router with wires, and all the rest of the computers connected via Wi-Fi. So an ordinary network may look like this: The modem is plugged into the phone line or cable to allow access to the internet.
It is then connected directly to a router with an Ethernet cable. The router is then plugged directly into one computer, and simultaneously transmitting a radio signal that all the other computers in the house with Wi-Fi adapters can communicate with. Now that all the computers are connected, you'll have to configure them with Windows to get them to communicate with each other.
But don't worry. Like I said at the beginning of this article, Windows 7 makes this process incredibly easy. So the next step is to select which computers you want to communicate with. You do this by creating what's called a Homegroup.
You can think of this like giving each member of your family a key to your house. This is important because I'm sure you don't want any stranger to be able to gain access to your personal files. So let's launch the Control Panel and see how to do this. Click Network and Internet and then Homegroup. Windows will automatically check to see if another Homegroup is already available on this network.
If it is, you can choose to join it, or create your own. In this example, there aren't any other Homegroups on our network, so we're going to create one. Click "Create a Homegroup. A new window will open asking you which items you'd like to share with other members on this Homegroup. If you'd like to share a printer which we'll talk about in more detail shortly , make sure that box is checked, then click "Next.
In the final step of this process, you'll be given a password. You will need this to connect other computers to your network so write it down. Now, on all of the other computers, you will have to go to Networks and Internet and select Homegroup. Windows will tell you that a Homegroup is already available and asks if you'd like to join.
Go ahead and join it on those other computers, and enter the Homegroup password when asked. You will also be given the opportunity to select which files and printers you'd like to share on each of those other computers.
Microsoft really went through a lot of trouble to improve and streamline the process of creating a network. However, most of the best features are only available to other Windows 7 machines. To connect with computers that are running Windows XP or Vista, you will have to do a little bit more work. After you have created a Homegroup on Windows 7, go into the computers running Windows XP and Vista and set up a new network.
Now go back to your Windows 7 PC to connect to the network you just created and launch the Control Panel. Then click "Network and Internet" and launch the Network and Sharing center. On this screen click "Change advanced sharing settings" then make sure these items are turned on:.
Password Protected Sharing must be turned off. If it is not, the computers running XP and Vista will be asked to enter a name and password before they can connect.
Nowadays, many homes and offices have several computers, but usually only one printer. Windows 7 makes it incredibly easy for every computer on the network to share that one printer. To do this, simply plug a printer into any computer on your homegroup. Windows 7 automatically tells all of the other computers in that homegroup that a printer is available. To find it, simply click the start menu and select "Devices and Printers". You may have to install the driver on each computer manually before you can use it.
Once the network has been set up correctly, it should work fine without any further action, but if it doesn't, there are a few things you can try before pulling your hair out.
Please contact the software vendor for further assistance in this regard. Antivirus software can help protect your computer against viruses and other security threats. In most cases, you shouldn't disable your antivirus software. If you have to temporarily disable it to install other software, you should re-enable it as soon as you're done.
If you're connected to the Internet or a network while your antivirus software is disabled, your computer is vulnerable to attacks. If the service is stopped, start the same. Was this reply helpful? Yes No. I have the same question Report abuse. Details required :. Cancel Submit. Hello, The dedicated feature, i. HomeGroup is removed from Windows 10 Version How satisfied are you with this reply? Thanks for your feedback, it helps us improve the site.
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