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Question

Networking Possibilities?

Feb 15, 2019 6:31PM PST

I have 2 HP desktop computers. One is older and has a new hard drive and runs windows 7. The other is a year old, same model, but runs windows 10. I use a router and currently a shared ethernet cable, using just one pc at a time.
I can purchase a second ethernet cable to run both pc's at the same time, but I am curious if there would be issues of networking since the pc's run different operating systems Can I ask.....what would running both pc's through the same router enable me to do? The pc's are currently in the same area of the home. Can I access all programs via each computer?

If I had them on different floors, what options are available to me to make use of either homegroups or networking, and what additional hardware would I need?
New to this, excuse this basic question.

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
It's rare to see a PC without a network card.
Feb 15, 2019 7:15PM PST
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resource?
Feb 15, 2019 9:15PM PST

Is there a way using the common router to do anything with these 2 systems each running different operating systems? Perhaps there is an online resource that would explain networks/homegroups?

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Homegroup is no more. Forget about it.
Feb 16, 2019 12:08AM PST

As to different operating systems, routers for decades have supported use of different PCs, OSes and devices on the LAN. I can't see why this matters. Please explain.

As to online resources that explains networking there is no shortage of those. I start with google.com and ask the question but as Homegroup is on the way out, don't bother with it.