How to Network Two Computers

Need to know how to network two computers? To network two computers is a valuable asset to any home or business office, as it lets you view, share, or edit files on another computer if you have access to it. Learning to network two computers is a very easy process and just takes a few moments if you have all the required equipment. The first thing is to make sure that both of your computers is able to connect to the Internet.

1. Check the Internet Connection. If you currently use a cable modem for one of your computers, you will need to go out and purchase a wireless router. This connects to the modem and allows you to have a wireless connection, in order to network two computers, such as a desktop and a laptop. You can also connect an ethernet cable to the router so that you can have both wired and wireless connections. Also, make sure that both computers have either internal or external ethernet/wireless access points. On a laptop, there should be an area a little bigger than a phone cord outlet on one side; the wireless button should either be on the other side or on the top row with the media buttons. On a desktop, most newer computers have motherboards that may have both. If not, you will need to purchase external cards that can be added on the motherboard.
2. Buy a Wireless Router. If you haven't done so, buy a wireless router from either your local computer store or online. They range from about $59.99 to about $79.99. If you have never had to network two computers before, you may want to follow the setup instructions that are provided with the router.
3. Set up Computers. Depending on your computer and operating system, once you've set up your router, you should be able to see it on the network. If using Windows, with both computers on, you should be able to see both through the Neighborhood Network application. In Vista or 7, this is called the Network and Sharing Center and can be accessed through either the task bar in the lower right corner-where the date and time is-or through the control panel. This shows a network of two computers.
4. Configuring the Network. Depending on operating systems, you may need to set up who has access to what computer and what files. In both Windows XP and Vista, you can select certain files and areas that another computer can use, like the music folder or even printers. Windows 7 makes the process even easier by deploying something call the 'home network', which finds all things that are on the network for sharing. You are prompted for a password and the network can only be access if someone has that password.

There are many reasons to network two computers and the task in doing so is very easy and should only take a few minutes to set up. Once done, you'll find it easier to access music, photos, files, and documents on a network with two computers.