setting up an XP/7 network

[AlanD]

I too am a 'Fred in a shed' and I have kept the networking side of things as simple as possible. Modem router (Netgear 'n') is situated downstairs in the house. An external network drive is plugged into that as is a network all in one colour printer/scanner/fax, both of these have a static IP. My work machine is in the shed about 60ft away, it has a usb wireless connection with a larger aerial attached to it also with a static IP, usb connection £7.00 from Morgan computers and the aerial about £14.00 so not an expensive setup. The router also connects wirelessly to office computer, both sons computers and numerous phones and ipods all in the house and with a dynamic IP. All computers connect to the network drive and all computers can print to the printer.
The only issue is if one of the boys machines or phone uses the one of the static IP but I can get round that by making the static IP further up the list, I just not got round to it yet. Static IP are assigned using the web based control panel for drive and printer and computer is assigned static IP in Windows.
It all works and is not too heavy in setting up, only issue is sometimes the IPs get lost and you just have to re-assign it again but that is few and far between

[logobear]

there are countless ways to do this, static ip for printers is better, but windows will guide you through this. Having all in one group will help but is not essencial, microsoft home eg. Just do it, it will probably work for you..... probably!

[James990]

I am having an issue with one of my computers in the fact it has decided to switch from 'Home network' to 'Work network' and I am not sure how to get it back to 'Home' again!

[logobear]

you can still network them, but they might be harder to find each other, provided all map to the NAS it won't matter, just be a bit annoying!

[daviddeer]

I am having an issue with one of my computers in the fact it has decided to switch from 'Home network' to 'Work network' and I am not sure how to get it back to 'Home' again!

This page tells you how. But if the network refuses to change use the microsoft fix this will change the settings for you.