Windows XP: How to Network Your Home Computers

A few years back, home networking computers was an arduous task. To network computers, one required the assistance of a trained and skilled technician who had the knowledge to do so or a large measure of courage to dare take on the task yourself.

However, after the advent of Windows XP, the network creation is no longer the toughest job. Now the only challenging part in home networking windows XP computers is installing the hardware.

The installation of the networking software is now only a minor process. In a multiple-computer household networking will deliver several benefits, which include sharing printers, CD-ROM, drives and other removable drives. Sharing of files in the computers and Internet connection is also possible.

Not all the computers have to have XP, just the primary computer.

This step-by-step tutorial will walk you through the process of home networking your Windows XP Computers. The home networking of windows XP computers can be done by following these steps:

Step #1
Choose which one of your computers will be the ICS host (Internet Connection Sharing). The ICS host will be the computer that has a direct connection to the Internet, and provide the rest of the computers on the network with Internet access.

The ICS host should ideally be selected in the following basis:
*It should be running with Windows XP
*It should be switched on to allow for internet access in the computers in network
The computer with DSL or cable modem, if any, can be selected as an ICS host.

Step #2
Determine which network technology you will use. The most widely available choices are Ethernet, wireless LAN, or HPNA (Home Phone Line Network Adapter). Wireless network use radio waves, Ethernet networks use Ethernet cables, and HPNA use existing home telephone wires to communicate between computers.

Step #3
Install the network adapters on each of the computers that you want to be networked. Network adapters can be wireless or hardwired via USB port. You will install them using the software CD supplied with the adapters.

Step #4
Install the modem in the ICS host computer. Click on:

Start >> Control Panel >> Phone and modem >> Modems tab >> Add.

You will then follow the instructions in the Install New Modem wizard.

Step #5
Cable the computers together to physically link them (unless you are going wireless). Now switch the computers on, and make sure your host computer has an active Internet connection.

Step #6
Run the Networks Setup Wizard on your ICS host computer.

Start >> Control Panel >> Network And Internet Connections >> Setup Or Change Your Home Or Small Office Network.

Follow the instructions in each screen and press Next to continue.

Step #7
Now run the Networks Setup Wizard on the remaining computers. Here's how:

*Insert your Windows XP CD into your CD drive.
*On the Welcome Menu, click Perform Additional Tasks.
*Next click Setup Home Or Small Office Networking and follow the instructions.
Repeat these steps for each computer that you want to be networked.

And you are done!