Computer guru's help needed

[Ste]

I am not very conversant with computer networks, so please be gentle.

We have 2 computers at home, a desktop downstairs and a laptop.
We run the desktop through a wired internet cable (normal network style cable) and the laptop either through a wire or via wireless.

We have a Linksys wireless router that also has 4 network cable ports.

What I want to know is how to set it up so that I can access files on the desktop computer from the laptop (either wireless or via wired connection to router)

The desktop runs XP Home and the laptop runs Vista.


Thanks

[VectraV6CDTi]

You need to turn on File and Print sharing. But you need to be very careful if you are connected to the internet as your PCs are potentially more vulnerable.

Have a read of this:
http://www.setupwirelessrouter.com/S...essNetwork.htm

[Ste]

I'll try it.

The wireless network doesn't broadcast SSID, but from the article it would appear that the computers would be vulnerable from attack via internet.

Is there any way to make it more secure?

[iainm]

This should tell you all you need to know

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/813936

[VauxVeteran]

You need to set a shared folder also I believe.