Windows Vista in a Nutshell

Setting Up a Network

Setting up a peer-to-peer network in Windows Vista is quite straightforward. This section assumes that you have a broadband connection (such as a DSL or cable modem) and that you want several PCs to share that Internet connection as well as to share resources with one another.

You’ll need to buy a router, which is commonly available for between $50 and $100, depending on its capabilities. Your best bet is to buy a wireless router, as described earlier in this chapter. Wireless routers include Ethernet ports (most commonly four) so that you can use them to network both wired and wireless PCs.

Make sure that each PC has a wired or wireless network adapter. (See the entry for “NIC,” in the "Networking Terminology" section, earlier in this chapter.) Virtually any desktop PC you buy should already have an Ethernet adapter built in, and laptop PCs almost always include both built-in wireless and Ethernet adapters. If not, though, you can buy wireless adapters as PC cards for laptops, PCI cards for desktops, and USB adapters for either desktops or laptops. If you’re buying new adapters, make sure that your wireless router and all the wireless adapters follow the newer, faster 802.11g wireless standard, not the older, slower 802.11b standard.

Tip

Keep your eye on the 802.11n standard. If it ever gets final certification from the body that governs WiFi connections, it is worth considering because of its high speed. However, steer clear of any equipment labeled “pre-n” ...