We have three computers in our home, a desktop and two laptops.  The two
laptops run XPHome (one version we bought boxed, the other came with the pc
as an oem). The desktop is running an oem version of XP Professional (bought
when I purchased the pc.)  The desktop is connected to a d-link router and
the two laptops have 802.11g cards.
My question... can I connect these machines so they can share a Canon
Printer/Scanner/Fax?
If so, is there clear documentation available on how this is done?
Thanks.

charmquark wrote:

Of course you can make a local area network with different operating
systems. My network has Win95, Win98, Win2k, XP Home & Pro, and Linux. Here
are some brief instructions and some links:

Run the Network Setup Wizard on all computers, making sure to enable File &
Printer Sharing, and reboot. The only "gotcha" is that this will turn on
the XPSP2 Windows Firewall. If you aren't running a third-party firewall or
have an antivirus with "Internet Worm Protection" (like Norton 2005/06)
which acts as a firewall, then you're fine. If you have third-party
firewall software, configure it to allow the Local Area Network traffic as
trusted. I usually do this with my firewalls with an IP range. Ex. would be
192.168.1.0-192.168.1.254. Obviously you would substitute your correct
subnet.

If one or more of the computers is XP Pro:

a. If you need Pro's ability to set fine-grained permissions, turn off
Simple File Sharing (Folder Options>View tab) and create identical user
accounts/passwords on all computers.

b. If you don't care about using Pro's advanced features, leave the Simple
File Sharing enabled.

Simple File Sharing means that Guest (network) is enabled. This means that
anyone without a user account on the target system can use its resources.
This is a security hole but only you can decide if it matters in your
situation.

Then create shares as desired. XP Home does not permit sharing of users'
home directories (My Documents) or Program Files, but you can share folders
inside those directories. A better choice is to simply use the Shared
Documents folder.

http://tools.netgear.com/HomeNetworkConfigurator/ - A "walk-through wizard"
to help plan a home network
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp/filesharing.htm (Home)
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp_filesharing/index.htm (Pro)
http://www.bcmaven.com/networking/faq.htm
http://www.bcmaven.com/networking/myths.htm
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/using-network-setup-wizard-in-windows.html

Malke

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