three networking questions

[timO']

I have three XP pro PCs at home using a D-Link DI-604 4 port router
sharing a Verizon DSL connection through a Westell 2200 modem
One of the machines is brand new.

PC#1 has the printer
PC#2 has a usb external 350g hard drive and usb scanner; and I use
this macjhine to upload the Kodak camera
PC #3 (the new one) has no accessories yet, but I have an additional
usb 250g hard drive I'd like to connect and share across the network.
It's my wife and myself so no privacy issues.
Now I'll be bringing home a laptop from work which I use on the wired
domain network there.

I also got a Netgear FS608 switch plugged into one port of the D-Link
router; and my laptop plugged into the switch. All the computers
connect to the Internet great.
I just did that. usually all four computers were going into the
router, but I wanted to try out the switch.
I did have some folder sharing set up before between the PC's, but
when my main machine bit the dust, it took its settings with it, so
now I'm more or less starting over and wanted some tips.
Question #1: How do I configure all machines for peer to peer file &
device sharing?
I was warned by the sysadmin at work not to screw up the laptop domain
settings, so should I add a network connection so I have that option
pop up in my logon screen? right now I think I have 2 choices, dial up
or logon the the work domain.
Question #2: How?

Question #3: Would it be better to connect all the computers to the
switch and free up the three ports on the router?
TIA

 

[GTS]

See answers inline.

I have three XP pro PCs at home using a D-Link DI-604 4 port router
sharing a Verizon DSL connection through a Westell 2200 modem
One of the machines is brand new.

PC#1 has the printer
PC#2 has a usb external 350g hard drive and usb scanner; and I use
this macjhine to upload the Kodak camera
PC #3 (the new one) has no accessories yet, but I have an additional
usb 250g hard drive I'd like to connect and share across the network.
It's my wife and myself so no privacy issues.
Now I'll be bringing home a laptop from work which I use on the wired
domain network there.

I also got a Netgear FS608 switch plugged into one port of the D-Link
router; and my laptop plugged into the switch. All the computers
connect to the Internet great.
I just did that. usually all four computers were going into the
router, but I wanted to try out the switch.
I did have some folder sharing set up before between the PC's, but
when my main machine bit the dust, it took its settings with it, so
now I'm more or less starting over and wanted some tips.

Question #1: How do I configure all machines for peer to peer file &
device sharing?

For basic infomation about file and printer sharing see.
http://ezlan.net/#Networking
If you have 3rd party firewalls on any of the machines they will need to
configrued properly.

I was warned by the sysadmin at work not to screw up the laptop domain
settings, so should I add a network connection so I have that option
pop up in my logon screen? right now I think I have 2 choices, dial up
or logon the the work domain.
Question #2: How?

Your laptop will let you use your work domain login despite the fact that
you're not connected. It will used cached credentials and the login will be
slower. DO NOT remove your laptop from the domain or try to change it to a
workgroup setup. You will be able to access local resources. If you have a
problem seeing them, you can connect via a net use command.
net use \\pcname\sharenname

Question #3: Would it be better to connect all the computers to the
switch and free up the three ports on the router?

It makes no difference at all.

 

[Robert L [MVP - Networking]]

1. This how to may help,

How to enable windows sharingHow to enable Windows sharing. One of the reasons to create a workgroup or domain network is for all ... Domain network sharing - Macintosh file sharing ...
http://www.howtonetworking.com/Networking/enablesharing0.htm

2. You can logon local computer.

3. Why do you want to free the ports on the router?


Bob Lin, MS-MVP, MCSE & CNE
Networking, Internet, Routing, VPN Troubleshooting on http://www.ChicagoTech.net
How to Setup Windows, Network, VPN & Remote Access on http://www.HowToNetworking.com
I have three XP pro PCs at home using a D-Link DI-604 4 port router
sharing a Verizon DSL connection through a Westell 2200 modem
One of the machines is brand new.

PC#1 has the printer
PC#2 has a usb external 350g hard drive and usb scanner; and I use
this macjhine to upload the Kodak camera
PC #3 (the new one) has no accessories yet, but I have an additional
usb 250g hard drive I'd like to connect and share across the network.
It's my wife and myself so no privacy issues.
Now I'll be bringing home a laptop from work which I use on the wired
domain network there.

I also got a Netgear FS608 switch plugged into one port of the D-Link
router; and my laptop plugged into the switch. All the computers
connect to the Internet great.
I just did that. usually all four computers were going into the
router, but I wanted to try out the switch.
I did have some folder sharing set up before between the PC's, but
when my main machine bit the dust, it took its settings with it, so
now I'm more or less starting over and wanted some tips.
Question #1: How do I configure all machines for peer to peer file &
device sharing?
I was warned by the sysadmin at work not to screw up the laptop domain
settings, so should I add a network connection so I have that option
pop up in my logon screen? right now I think I have 2 choices, dial up
or logon the the work domain.
Question #2: How?

Question #3: Would it be better to connect all the computers to the
switch and free up the three ports on the router?
TIA

 

[timO']

1. This how to may help,

How to enable windows sharingHow to enable Windows sharing. One of the reasons to create a workgroup or domain network is for all ... Domain network sharing - Macintosh file sharing ...
http://www.howtonetworking.com/Networking/enablesharing0.htm

2. You can logon local computer.

3. Why do you want to free the ports on the router?

Bob Lin, MS-MVP, MCSE & CNE
Networking, Internet, Routing, VPN Troubleshooting onhttp://www.ChicagoTech.net
How to Setup Windows, Network, VPN & Remote Access onhttp://www.HowToNetworking.com
I have three XP pro PCs at home using a D-Link DI-604 4 port router
sharing a Verizon DSL connection through a Westell 2200 modem
One of the machines is brand new.

PC#1 has the printer
PC#2 has a usb external 350g hard drive and usb scanner; and I use
this macjhine to upload the Kodak camera
PC #3 (the new one) has no accessories yet, but I have an additional
usb 250g hard drive I'd like to connect and share across the network.
It's my wife and myself so no privacy issues.
Now I'll be bringing home a laptop from work which I use on the wired
domain network there.

I also got a Netgear FS608 switch plugged into one port of the D-Link
router; and my laptop plugged into the switch. All the computers
connect to the Internet great.
I just did that. usually all four computers were going into the
router, but I wanted to try out the switch.
I did have some folder sharing set up before between the PC's, but
when my main machine bit the dust, it took its settings with it, so
now I'm more or less starting over and wanted some tips.
Question #1: How do I configure all machines for peer to peer file &
device sharing?
I was warned by the sysadmin at work not to screw up the laptop domain
settings, so should I add a network connection so I have that option
pop up in my logon screen? right now I think I have 2 choices, dial up
or logon the the work domain.
Question #2: How?

Question #3: Would it be better to connect all the computers to the
switch and free up the three ports on the router?
TIA

thanks for the assist.
I will study these replies