Home Network Question

[BruisedQuasar]

This may seem like a goofy question to someone who knows a lot more about wi-fi networks than I do. But my off the wall questions often lead me to interesting discoveries.

I have broadband and a Netgear Router connected to my main PC. I connect two other PCs to Internet by way of wi-fi links to the Router.

I notice the term "Network" comes up a lot in wi-fi and router talk. Is there a way for me to send documents to my main PC and use the main printer I have connected to by using wi-fi connections and if so, can I send scans and such from the main PC, etc. In other words, can I use this wireless "network" for anything other than use wireless Internet connections?

Currently, I am routinely switching a USB CF device from PC to PC to move documents, data and so forth. It would be a time saver if I could use my router and wifi links to directly move files.

[NTL1991]

Yes. This is what I do. My desktops are wireless and I have my Linksys Wireless-B Router and Broadband. You have to set up the computers to be on a workgroup (Home in this case) and then set up your Hard Drive so you can Share it on the network and do the same with your printers. Then when you go to "My Network Places" you will see your Hard Drive and Printer on the other computer... Just drag and drop.


Nick

[LtTPfan]

Assuming you are using XP, an easy way to do it is, on your main PC, to go to Control Panel>> Network Setup Wizard. From there you can set up your network, including file and printer sharing, and make a network setup disk which you can run on the other PCs. Piece-o-cake! (You don't have to make the disk but it makes it simpler on the other machines, no manual settings, etc, just pop the disk in and run the program, it makes all the proper changes.)

[BruisedQuasar]

I thank both of you for the speedy response to my question. I'll bet I can Network my External Backup Hard Drive too.

The way you describe the process it seems similar to how I connect my Handhelds to my main PC and swap files, except I have to use Windows ActiveSync & plug a proprietary cable to a serial or USB port.