- 1). Connect one end of a "crossover" networking cable to the back of one computer, and the other end to the back of the other computer. If more than two computers are being networked, you will need to use a central device like a router, switch or hub to connect them. Connect each computer directly to one of the ports on the device using a standard "patch" networking cable. If the network is wireless, you can skip the above steps; just make sure each computer has built-in Wi-Fi or a wireless card. All of the above parts can be purchased at your local electronics store.
- 2). Turn on all of the computers in the network and allow them to fully boot into Windows XP. On any one of the computers, click "Start," then "Control Panel," then "Network Setup Wizard." Walk through each step of this wizard by pressing "Next" when needed. You will have to give the computer you're on a unique name, and you will also have to assign a name for the network itself. The network name doesn't matter; just make sure you enter the same name on each computer, or the network won't function properly. The wizard will ask you if you want to enable file and printer sharing. Select "Yes" to share these devices across the network or "No" to only share Internet access.
- 3). Close the Network Setup Wizard after it has told you that it has finished installing the network. Repeat the above steps on each of the computers, remembering to give each a unique name. Once all of the systems are configured, reboot all of them. When the computers restart, the network will be installed. You will be able to share your Internet connection. If you enabled file and printer sharing, you will be able to see the shared-documents folders of each computer under "Network Places" (accessed from the "Start" menu).
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