Computers and Peripherals - network

I was wondering if anyone can give me some info. I have verizon fios with a wired router. I am gonna put a computer downstairs and run a cable up to the router. My first question is if I run the cable off the router is there a way to connect to my computer upstairs in other words create a network so I can use programs that are on my upstairs computer and access files on my upstairs computer or will this only give me access to the internet. If there is a way to do it I would appreciate any feedback. Also I want to run the cables and do it neat through the wall (use a junction box and a face plate, like with cable) I noticed though however that all the cover plates for the wires you actually have to wire the inside of it, isn't there any plate covers where you run the wire off the back of the router down the wall into a junction box and plug it directly into the back of the face plate instead of wiring it? Like the face plates for cable and satellite, sort of like an extention cord if that makes sense. Any feedback is greatly apprecated!

You could run VNC to access the other computers programs. As for accessing files that can be done by simply putting the computers in the same workgroup and enabling file sharing, then adding the network place on each computer. You then share a file where you will put the files you want to access. You could share the entire drive but that is not recommended as it is a security risk.

another thing you might do to avoid running cables through walls etc. is to get a wireless router. That way you can add all the comuters you want without having to have them hardwired into the router. Especially nice if running a laptop. Either way assuming you have win xp it's easy to set up a home network, After you have your computers both connected to the same router (wireless or hardwired). Just run the windows network wizard on the computer closest to the router first then on the other, Make sure you enable file sharing and printer sharing.

When you do connect your downstairs computer, you will be able (if you setup and enable it) to access the files on either computer from the other.

However, running programs on one computer that are installed on the other computer cannot be done if the programs have to be installed. Simple executable programs can be run, but complex programs that have numerous files and require installation can only be run on the computer they are installed on.

which is why I recommend VNC. If your going to go with a wireless router, I recommend the Linksys WRT54G. I use them as CPE on our mesh network and they can be loaded with custom firmware which make them even more feature rich. Very reliable product.

"Especially nice if running a laptop. Either way assuming you have win xp it's easy to set up a home network, After you have your computers both connected to the same router (wireless or hardwired). Just run the windows network wizard on the computer closest to the router first then on the other, Make sure you enable file sharing and printer sharing."

I am settng up network in my wife's office all 3 computers are windows XP OS. I ran setup on hers first and made the disc to setup the other two. Now on my network places I cant see the other two computers. I am able to share a printer attached to computer #2 but cannot attach to the printer on my wife's (#1) from #2, I get the error message that printer is not found. #3 is also able to share printer on #2 but have the same problem finding printer on #1. Also neither #2 or 3 sees the shared files from #1. At first I think everything was working ok, do I need to uninstall the network and start all over or is there an easier fix.

Enable sharing of the printer and files/folders of #1..

Thanks AX i have them enabled or so it says on the appropriate tab but I still cant see the printer or shared files on the other computers.

Start at the beginning.

Have you verified that you can ping each computer? Do you have the firewalls turned off? Do you have the same usernames configured on each computer with the same passwords?

xp pro or home ?

its XP on all three systems and yes to all,

xp pro and home are two diffent animimals one of the diffences is the lack of network support in home vs pro .

they are all xp pro, sorry i should have been more specific in last post

Might help to go get back to basics.
So you might want to check your basic settings.

1) Right-Click->My Computer Select Properties and Click the Computer Name* tab, ensure Full Computer Names are unique and the Workgroup Name is the same

2) Open Network Connections - Right-Click -> Active Connection and Select Properties

2a) General tab make sure you have the Microsoft Client, Microsoft File and Print Sharing service, and TCP/IP protocol all checked

2b) Wireless tab - Is the let Windows configure wireless checked? Does it show your network under Preferred Networks?

2b(i) Right-Click your wireless network and Select Properties under Associations tab make sure your Network Association is all the same and that data encryption is off** and under the Connection tab make sure the auto-connect box is checked

2c) Under the Advanced Tab click on Firewall Settings and make sure it is not enabled

3) Connect to your wireless router and ensure you can see all the computers.

4) Create a single folder on each computer and share it out.

5) Try installed the printer using the Add Printer Wizard, selecting Network Printer, and then browsing to it.

6) See if you can connect to the folder. You can try browsing using Windows Explorer or just use the run command and \\"Computer Name"\"Folder Name"

If this works then you can start adding back the security and user friendly names

*for trouble shooting purposes try to keep names limited to 8 characters using characters 0 through 9, a through z, and A through Z

** for trouble shooting purposes only, I strongly recommend wireless networks be encrypted

Thanks, the network i am referencing is not wireless but most of your suggestions will be helpful. I will try what applies to my situation.
I appreciate the advice.