connecting a laptop, computer & 2 USB devices into a network

[DDD]

i want to create a network in which i can easily send files between a laptop
& computer & access peripherals.

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1) First of all is it possible to send files to a computer on a network when
one of the PC's is turned off?
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I have one laptop running 32bit vista home premium which has a wireless
network card (& i dont move it around that often)

i have a desktop computer with 32bit vista home premium which does not have
a wireless network hard drive

i have a USB printer (old) installed on the computer (want in network)

i have a 500GB external hard drive that can connect to both computer &
laptop via USB (want in network)

i have a wireless router & modem (& other stuff needed to connect to the
internet)

 

[LVTravel]

***Answers inline and at bottom***

i want to create a network in which i can easily send files between a
laptop
& computer & access peripherals.

NO. Off means Off.

Proper shares set up and you will have no problem

i have a desktop computer with 32bit vista home premium which does not
have
a wireless network hard drive

Same as for laptop. Proper shares.

i have a USB printer (old) installed on the computer (want in network)

Hook it to the desktop and set up share over network

i have a 500GB external hard drive that can connect to both computer &
laptop via USB (want in network)

Hook to desktop and share the drive - set up drive mapping on the laptop -
can then be seen on both computers.

i have a wireless router & modem (& other stuff needed to connect to the
internet)
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2) i was wandering how do i connect theses computers & peripherals
together
so that i can access files (edit open delete) & have accessed to
peripherals
that are connected to the other PC.
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3) Is it possible to have a network in which my laptop can still make use
of
its wireless network card so that i DONT have to attach an ethernet cable
or
something to it

Since both PCs are connected to internet you are there except for setting up
sharing and mapping of drives.




Step-by-step guides to help you. Read to your heart's content


http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-us/help/76174f4a-7522-425a-9424-324dd299265e1033.mspx

http://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/biztools/article.php/3667576

http://www.pcworld.com/article/102461/how_to_set_up_your_home_network.html

http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/vista/Vista_network_options.shtml