first go at home networking

Hi

i have a desktop running XP (sp2) with zonealarm free firewall (7.0.337.0) connected to cable broadband (surfboard sb4100). Plus I know have a new laptop running Vista Business with PC Tools Firewall Plus.

I am now fumbling in the dark...

I have an 8 port switch which I have used to connect the broadband and two computers, and I have set up a small folder on the desktop as shared. Initially I want to share folders, but I would also like to share internet.

I have a glimmer that the firewalls will not let each computer see the other unless I do something.

Do you have any pointers?

Thanks

Nigel

In reply to:

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but I would also like to share internet

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To share the Internet connection you have 2 real options: -

1. Set up Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) on the computer currently connected to the Internet and connect the second computer to the Internet through this. In this situation the first computer needs to be on for the second to connect to the Internet. To do this, on the computer connected to the Internet open control panel, network connections, double click the network connection connected to the cable modem, select the advanced tab and run the ICS Setup Wizzard.
2. Buy a router as the switch will not allow Internet access though a cable modem just connected together directly, and not an ADSL router if it's a cable connection.

In reply to:

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Initially I want to share folders

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If you click Start, go all programs, accessories, communications and run the Network Setup Wizard this should set up your computer and provide a disk to set up the rest of your computers to share files & printers. N.B. I have not actually tried this disk with Vista, don't know if anybody else has experience?
People have had problems sharing files and printers between XP and Vista although I have not personally had any problems. I would say: -

1. Make sure the workgroup name is the same on both computers but both computers should have different computer names. Right click my computer and select properties, then the computer name tab. Select change to check / change the computer and workgroup names.
2. Make sure sharing is enable on both computers (which if you've shared a folder you have done). In Vista enable this setting in Network and Sharing center.
3. If you have user access problems set up the same username and password on both computers and give these users access permissions.
Then look for the shared folders through my network places. You would not be able to share an Internet connection at this point unless you get a router or run ICS.
Initially while doing any of this I would disconnect the Internet connection, disable all firewalls and get the computers communicating first, then turn the firewalls on one by one to make sure they are OK with the networking.

A tip :- remove all firewalls until you have it working, then add them back.