What is the best way to network Xp and Vista?

Question

I have an XP desktop right now connected to a wireless router. I will be buying a new Vista desktop that I want to share an internet connection and files with. I will easily be able to plug in a USB wireless adaptor to my new Vista and wirelessly connect to the internet. But, however, would I get a better connection for the new Vista computer if I plugged the Vista into the router instead and used the wireless USB adaptor on my old desktop?

I want the fastet internet connection (if there is a difference) to be on the new Vista for games. Does it make a difference which computer (OS) is "running" the network (directly attached to the router?

Answer 1

I have Four computers on my Network.

Windows 98SE, Windows XP Pro, Windows XP Home (laptop), and Vista Home Premium. They are connected to a D-Link router and set to obtain IP Address from the router. I have file and print sharing allowed. The work-group Name is the same on all four. the computer name is different.



The Router runs the network. It will provide Private IP's to each computer on the network and keep the public IP off of the network.



Direct cable connections between PC's and the routers are faster than the wireless.

Answer 2

The computers attached don't really run the network. The router itself has an internal operating system that does all the work. The only advantage I've found is that I get ~5.6Mbs using my wireless connections and 6Mbs wired directly to the router, so the speed may increase if you're directly wired.

Answer 3

Ya connection would be more stable if you plug a lan cable from eithernet to your router.

I would be leary though about buying a system with Vista there is to many buggs still in it that have not been worked out.

to set up network go to start - network connections and look for set up home or small office network and follow directions to have set set the way you wont it. Just make sure both computers are turned on and they both have a differant computer name and description and make sure you use the same workgroup to put them into.Once you have set up network you can go were ever you wont to go to share files and click on share this file....

Answer 4

It makes no difference which is connected to the router. As for the wireless connection vs. wired connection at present there is not difference if any at all.