trying to link all computers on one router

[ponchonutty]

OK, so now I've got 3 computers that are all running off of a Linksys wireless router. All 3 work fine off of the internet but I'd like to be able to access the one desktop from the other computers especially the laptop. Also, I'd like to be able to use the printer that's hooked up to the one computer as well.

I've tried to find other computers on the network but I can't find anything. I'm a newbie at this so please be patient. I have made sure all the network names and such all match. I did find my laptop while on the main desktop but could not make them link up.

thx guys and gals

 

[SYQUEST]

That is actually a Windoz issue. You need to turn on file sharing and/or create a small home or office network in order for the machines to share. I believe Windoz has a Wizard to help you with that setup. I think it is in the Network control panel, or you can try the Windoz Exploder to walk you thru it.

....JIM....

 

[ponchonutty]

Yeah I've already done that. I've turned on file sharing and even made a few files to share and still can't seem to do it.

 

[SYQUEST]

What kind of firewall are you using?

Can you ping the other machines from one another?

What does your network neighborhood show?

Is the router blocking any sharing ports?

Some anti-virus software will block file sharing...

....JIM....

 

[smah]

Make sure you've allowed file sharing (local network only) through any software firewalls that might be running.

 

[ponchonutty]

Oh, do you mean like the MCafee virus stuff I have running???

 

[smah]

Some McAfee products include firewall software (I am not referring to antivirus software, firewall is something different but might be included in a security suite).

 

[ponchonutty]

I'm still having issues. I think it's my router because the signal strength really sucks and it is constantly dropping signals. I only could get to ping each computer once and now can't do it again????

 

[smah]

Most firewall software will block pings anyway. If your wireless network will let you surf the internet, it's enough to be able to share resources between the computers.

Check these

http://www.windowsnetworking.com/articles_tutorials/netgeneral/

 

[ponchonutty]

what's the chance of me being able to be hacked then once I get these computers to work with one another?

 

[smah]

It's slightly, but not significantly greater than it is right now. Most modern 'hacks' occur either due to an unpatched vulnerability or social engineering.