Share Files with Networked Computers
With your wireless connection up and running, you'll be able to take advantage of a file sharing network, online gaming and loads more.
File Sharing
You can share music, photos, documents and other important items with the whole family. This is useful to keep items on a central PC but allows everyone to use it when needed. You can also share printers with every PC in the house or office, meaning no more trudging around with a disk to print your work!
Check the workgroup settings
All computers that you wish to include in the share will need the same group name. On Windows XP the default workgroup is 'MSHOME', you can check the workgroup by opening system properties from your Control Panel and clicking the 'Computer Name' tag.
All computers will also need to have different names. You can check this from the same control panel as before.
Check that File & Printer Sharing is installed
Select "Network Connections" from the control panel. Right click on the adapter you use to connect to your network and select properties. There should be several items ticked on the list, "Client for Microsoft Networks", "File and printer sharing for Microsoft networks" and "Internet protocol TCP/IP".
How to share a Folder
Right-click on the folder you wish to share and select "sharing". You will need to check the box that says "share this folder". You will get the chance to create a share name so that you can identify the folder on the network.
You should now be able to view this folder in the "My Network Places" folder on any computer that has been networked.
How to share a Printer
Before you start please check that you have installed a printer correctly on one of your computers and that it is turned on.
Setting the printer to share
Go to the printers folder in the control panel and right click on the printer you want to share. Select sharing from the list and give the printer a name. e.g. "John's printer".
Open up "My Network Places" and then double-click on the computer that the printer is connected to. When you double-click on the new printer, the system will ask you to install the printer on the local machine. You can also use the add new printer wizard to do this. Run the wizard and select network printer, then select "browse network" and click next. Select the computer that the printer is connected to and select the relevant printer. You will then be asked to install the printer, all you need to do is click yes and then windows will copy the required files.
The above method requires the PC connected directly to the printer to be switched on when the computer sharing the printer is trying to print. You can, however, purchase a Wireless Print Adaptor and connect directly to the printer wirelessly, thus meaning only the computer trying to print needs to be switched on.
How do I get Wireless Broadband?
Well, first of all you'll need to have a wireless compatible broadband connection. Freeola's Broadband packages are all wireless-friendly and it's incredibly quick and easy to get yourself set-up. Simply take your pick of our amazing broadband packages, and choose your wireless equipment during sign-up. We'll even pre-configure your router so it's ready to plug in and surf...
It really is that easy!
If you already have a wireless capable broadband connection, take a look at our Wireless Equipment page to find out what equipment you need. If you already know what you need, you can purchase cheap wireless equipment from the Freeola Shop.
