How to Network a Desktop and a Laptop

How to Network a Desktop and a Laptop

If you have a desktop and a laptop in your home, then learning how to network a desktop and a laptop is a must. When you network your desktop and laptop, you can share files and a printer, among many other things. The steps below will show you how to network a desktop and a laptop.

1. Purchase a router. The laptop must have a wireless card installed. If the laptop you are trying to network to your desktop is new, then it will have a wireless card installed.
2. Connect the router. You need an Ethernet cable. Connect the Ethernet cable to your DSL or cable modem in a port called "internet" or "WAN." This will allow the router to receive the signal.
3. You should have gotten an Ethernet cable with your router. Plug one end into your PC. Plug the other into the back of the router in a port labeled 1, 2, 3 or 4; use whichever port you want.
4. Configure the router. Your router should have come with an installation CD. Put in this CD and go through the online instructions. It will ask you for some information, such as a name for your network, security settings, etc.
5. Share the files. For Windows 7 and Windows Vista, open the Network and Sharing Center and click "Change Advanced Sharing Settings" in the left pane. Check to see if "File and Printer Sharing" and "Network Discovery" are enabled.

You should now be able to network your desktop and laptop and share files between both.