Would you like to set up a home network to share files and other resources like printers and other network devices? Well, home network is very useful for sharing data among all the computers connected to the network. With the home network feature each computer can easily connect to the Internet at the same time by using a single service subscription. Explore this article and learn how to set up home network on Windows XP. Remember, to use the Network Setup Wizard you need to log on as a member of the Administrators group.

Step 1 : Click Start, and click Control Panel.

Step 2 : Next, click Network and Internet Connections.

Step 3 : Click Network Setup Wizard under or pick a Control Panel icon.

Step 4 : This will display the Network Setup Wizard. On the Welcome page, click Next.

Step 5 : Click Next on the Before you continue page.

Step 6 : If everything has already been properly connected then select Ignore disconnected network hardware and click Next.

Step 7 : Are you connecting your PC directly to the modem provided by your ISP? If yes, click This computer connects directly to the Internet. Or if you use a router, click This computer connects to the Internet through a residential gateway and then click Next.

Step 8 : Click Next if the Select your Internet connection page is displayed.

Step 9 : Insert a computer description (such as “Sam’s Computer”) and computer name (such as “Desktop”) on the Give this computer a description and name page and then click Next.

Step 10 : On the Name your network page, type Workgroup and click Next.

Step 11 : Are there files or a printer that you would like to share with other computers on your home network? If yes, then select Turn on file and printer sharing. If not, leave Turn off file and printer sharing selected and click Next.

Step 12 : On the Ready to apply network settings page, click Next.

Step 13 : Click Just finish the wizard on the You’re almost done page and then click Next.

Step 14 : On the Completing the Network Setup Wizard page, click Finish.

Step 15 : You will be prompted to restart your PC. Click Yes.

Once your computer restarts, you’ll be connected to the network according to your settings. If you find difficulties to perform the task on your own, you can get in touch with a computer repair company for home network Setup.

Do you want to configure WPA support in Windows XP? WPA stands for Wi-Fi Protected Access. This is a security standard for wireless networks. WPA has been designed to work with wireless network interface cards. It encrypts data with the RC4 cipher.

Let’s take a look at the steps to configure WPA support in Windows XP.

√ Step 1: Before you start you should check whether each Windows computer on the network is running Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1) or greater or not. It is not possible to configure WPA on older versions of Windows XP.

√ Step 2: If necessary, you need to patch the Windows XP wireless clients.

√ Step 3: You also need to make sure that the network adapters for the client will support the Wireless Zero Configuration (WZC) service. It is recommended to upgrade the driver of the adapter.

√ Step 4: Next download and install the Windows XP Support Patch for Wi-Fi Protected Access.

√ Step 5: Now you need to complete additional modifications to the access points based on the requirements of MKBA Q815485. You should also update their firmware for supporting the security features of WPA.

If you find any difficulties to configure WPA support, you can get in touch with a remote tech support provider.

Are you using wireless home network? If so, you should be more cautious and take extra precaution to enhance home network security. The most important thing is that a wireless connection sends signals that can be received by any computer (with the network feature active) that is close. Go through the article and learn how to enhance wireless home network security.

The first thing you should do is change the default administrator passwords and Usernames. Most Wi-Fi home routers are protected with a login username and password. But these user names and passwords are very simple and well-known to hackers. So, first and foremost, change these settings.

You must also turn on WPA / WEP Encryption in your Wi-Fi equipment. Wide varieties of encryption technologies are available for modern day Wi-Fi’s. You should go for the strongest form of encryption for your wireless network. If you need technical support, you can get in touch with an expert.

Disabling SSID broadcast is also crucial as in Wi-Fi networking, router normally broadcasts the network name (SSID). Especially designed for businesses and mobile hotspots, this feature is very favorite to the hackers. If SSID broadcast is enabled, it becomes easier for the hackers to log in to your home network.

Another most important thing is to turn on your router’s firewall. The latest network routers come with built-in firewall capability. If you want you can also disable them. It is also recommended to install and run third party firewall software on the computers that are connected to the router for better security.