Networking my computers.....

It has one ethernet port and one usb port...what is the principal difference between just a modem and a modem/router?
Sorry, I live in New Zealand and do not know what Westell is.
I haven't installed a network adaptor onto my desktop yet. I thought maybe I could setup a network with what I currently have.

The principal differences is:

The Modem is just a modem, and modem/router is a modem and a router in one box.

With modem/router you have more than 1 rj45 (network) port, so can connect other device into it.

As for your printer, you can connect it to your desktop and enable files and printer sharing.

While in your laptop, do not enabled files and printer sharing.

With this setup, your desktop have to be turn ON/Running when you want to print from your laptop.

If you use print server, you don't need the desktop to be ON/Running.

But, with all in one printer, you might only be able to share the printing capability and not the other.

You'll need a network adapter for your desktop and a router and some network cables.


I don't know what they sell in New Zealand - if possible, get the same brand network adapter and card.

Either both Linksys or D-Link, if you can.

1. Install the network card into your desktop.

2. Install the router & connect everything to it.
-- Follow the manufacturer's instructions as they vary from router to router and these days have wizards - easy steps - to get you up and on the net.
-- You'll plug the DSL modem into the Internet (or WAN) port on the router.
-- You'll connect a network cable from the router to the desktop's new adapter.
-- You'll connect a network cable from the router to the laptop.

3. Assuming that the printer is connected to your desktop and already working, right-click on the printer that you want to share with the laptop and click on ''Sharing...''

4. If you see a link that reads something like ''I understand the risks and know I want to network,'' click that link, it will display the options you need to check off.

5. Click ''Share this printer'' and name it.

6. Identify the network name for the desktop (Go to the ''Computer Name'' tab of the ''System Properties'' that comes up when you hold down the <Windows> key and tap <Pause> (located in the upper right area of your keyboard).

7. On the laptop, Click Start-->Run and type \\desktop-name where desktop-name is what you found in step 6 above. Click OK

8. That should open up a window with the shared contents of your desktop. Open the Printers folder contained therein.

9. Still on the laptop in that same window, locate the printer which you want to connect to the laptop. Right-click and click ''Connect''

10. Grab a cup of joe as you should be good to go!

I forgot that you wanted to share files.

Open a window that shows the folder that you want to share, right-click it and choose ''Sharing and Security...''

In the ensuing dialog box, under the second section, ''Network Sharing and Security,''
check off the box that says ''Share this folder on the network,'' note and/or change the share name and you should be good to go.