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Share and share alike - once your computers are connected, it's easy to share pictures, music and files between them. If you have Windows XP, simply right-click on a folder that you want to share with other PCs, and select 'Sharing and Security'. By selecting 'Share this folder' and clicking OK, people using your other computers will be able to see it and read the files it contains.

If you want to let other people add new files, or change existing ones on your PC, click on the Permissions button before you click OK - by clicking once on "Everyone" and ticking "Full Control" you'll give anyone on your network permission to add, change or delete files. Obviously, sharing a folder in such a way could be a risk, so only do it if you trust other users on your network with access to the folders you share, and all of the files within them.

It's much the same if you've got Windows Vista. Just right-click on a folder to share, click 'Share?' and tell Vista who you'd like to share the folder with. You can set more detailed options in the Network and Sharing Center, which you can find by searching from the start menu.

2) Printeresque - it's not just files that you can share. If you've got a printer on one computer, the other users on your network can easily connect and print. In Windows XP, simply open the Start menu and click Settings, then click Printers and Faxes. In the list, right-click your printer and choose Sharing, then check 'Share this printer'.

Sharing a printer on a Vista computer is a bit different - search for 'Network and Sharing Center' from the Start menu, and find Printer sharing in the list of options. If it's off, click the button next to 'Off' to turn it on - this should make your printers available to other computers in your network.

Next you'll need to add the printer to each of your computers. On each, click the Start button, click Settings then click Printers and Faxes. Double-click Add Printer and click Next on the Add Printer Wizard. On the next window that appears, make sure that 'A network printer' is checked and click Next again. Now, select 'Connect to this printer', leave the box blank and click Next again. After a pause, the next screen should display the names of the computers on your network, and any printers attached to them. Double-click the printer you want, and Windows will take you through setting it up.

3) In store - If you share files or a printer, they'll only be available when their 'host' computer is switched on, but you can buy printers and storage that connect straight to your network. Devices with wires are generally quicker and cheaper, but you can also buy Wi-Fi alternatives. With such 'network-ready' printers and 'network-attached storage' (NAS) devices, you'll be able to just leave one quiet, low-power device running, rather than a whole PC.

It's often even easier to set these up than to share the resources on a PC, but each device is a bit different - you'll need to follow the maker's instructions.

4) On the wire - Wireless networks are a great way to get rid of cables, but they can be unreliable. To get the best out of yours, make sure your router is in a central location, away from your microwave oven or home cordless phone. If you have problems connecting your computers, try changing the position of their antennae, or moving them away from thick walls or radiators.

If you still have problems, you could resort to running a network cable between your router and any troublesome PCs, but if you don't want the mess, you can buy Homeplug devices, which send data safely over your home's existing mains wiring.

5) Media star - Just as you don't need a PC to print or store files on a network, you can also buy gadgets dedicated to playing back music, films or TV stored elsewhere. These are a great addition to your sitting room, where they let you play or display your media files without the bulk of a PC.

Some models are designed to just connect to your hi-fi and play (or stream) music, while other more expensive models also plug into your TV, and will display pictures and videos. Whichever you choose, make sure it has audio or video connectors to match your existing kit, and that it supports the file types that you use.

 

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