Hello good people Yeah, me too I've got a tiny home LAN, consisting of 2 computers (one Win2000 and one WinXP) and a router between them, which connects to the Internet. Neither of the PCs have installed a Microsoft Server software or anything. I configured the LAN manually - I think correctly, because any of the PCs can ping the router or the other PC and get a correct response. So both PCs have static IPs, respectively 192.168.1.65 and 192.168.1.129 Now I'm confused about the practical, efective use of the LAN and the configuration from this point forward! What I want is that I can transfer files from any PC to the other PC through the network (namely filesharing) easily (drag and drop if possible), and maybe control running progams on a PC from the other PC. So I here are my questions. 1). In case of using just Windows' tools, what are the steps to follow next in ordrer to accomplish the goal? And what is the application that allows me use to really see the other computer and transfer files between computers? (What I did so far is enablig file sharing in My Computer->Properties->View, but I don't know what's next) It seems both PCs must be servers and hosts in the same time, so a server must be installed, right...? 2). I understood that Remote Admin works only for hosts on same physical segment, so in this case it's no good because there are two segments. Is this correct? 3). Is there any advantage if these Windows built-in tools are used, instead of applications like LAN Find, RealVNC or others? (I'd prefer to try both and then choose) 4). In case of using non-Windows tools, do I need to follow the same steps? If not, what are the minimum general necessary settings? And do such tools have any advantage? (Like, such applications say there is no need of acting as server, so one naturally thinks they are simpler and better.) Thanks a lot!

You should first try to make sure both of your computers are on the same workgroup. Check that by going to Control Panel > System > Computer Name Tab. If needed change the workgroup name. You should restart your computer if you changed any settings. Next you can try to see under My Network Places if you can see the other computer(s). and if so you've done a great job. Now I'm not sure if you can share files immediately. So if you can't see the shared folders of the other computer(s) you should do the following. Go to Control Panel again and run the Network Setup Wizard and it will guide you through the process. Enable file and printer sharing at the end. After doing that you should be able to see the folders of the other computer(s) on some other computer. Note that it's NOT needed to have all your computers on the same workgroup but it makes life a bit easier. Greetz, Andrew

File sharing helps.. Simple file sharing(without password) Share file with user/group permissions You can also enable remote desktop, so can remote control other computers. Remote Desktop access in XP Hope helps..

OK, thanks for the tips. So finally, how do I see and transfer files and folders on the other computer, in Windows Eplorer..? Can I also run or close programs on the other PC?

RDP only is available in Windows XP Pro, not Home. If you have XP Home I would suggest TightVNC for Terminal Services. "Computer security." — Oxymoron

Check help on mapping drives after you have set-up a common workgroup as mentioned before. If you are running XP home, check out setting up netmeeting on both computers. See help on desk top sharing.