Windows 7: networking for dummies

Hi,
Is there a dummies guide to networking? I am totally confused how to get this to work. Explanation of the basic terms such as home groups, work groups, networks, public folders, sharing, accounts, etc, etc would really help. Our house has several pcs running Windows 7, vista and xp.
Thanks

Hi Reades

You just gave us the answer

if you are running a varied environment (win 7 and XP) workgroup is prefered. Then since you are going to use workgroup you can dis able IPv6 (in networking and sharing).

You want to create a workgroup (call it whatever you like) and add each machine to it. You then share what you want on both the xp machine and win 7 ones. Keep in mind win 7 has a built in firewall so if you have initial problems you could disable it just to se if it interfered

There are tons of qualified helpfull ppl here so when you are ready let us know and we will jump in

Good luck


Ken J++.

For a complete understandng of the basic concepts of networking you could do a lot worse than having a look at this site

Networking Articles & Tutorials: Windows Vista / 2008 / 2003 / XP

The link is to the articles and tutorials section which should have information at a suitable level for all, with more advanced information available as you progress.

As Ken has said have a read and if you have any questions fell free to ask them here - it's why we're here

For a basic introduction to setting up a mixed OS network have a look at this page ...

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/w...ons-of-Windows