Questions about home networking ??

hello to all here is the list of questions


1) how cud i set up a home network without any internet connections ..i tried to attach my desktop and laptop with network cable. i ran set up wizard but i m not sure if i did it right ..if anything i need to know about it please tell me step by step.


2) after running network set up wizard how could i know that my computers are attached to each other and how can i access one computer on other.


3) do i need a netowrk hub for 2 computers ?? or is it just like a distributor?


4) where could i find information about home networking?? any suggestion for website or book ??


5) is wireless home networking safe?? is it possible that my neighbours can access my computers too ?/ how can i make it safe ???


thanks in advance ...i would appreaciate if u answer all of my quesitons here .

Questions about home networking ??
If you want to connect two computer,


-%26gt; U need to check whether the two has Ethernet Card with RJ45 port


-%26gt; U need to have a CrossOvercable to connect both the RJ45 ports


-%26gt; Assign IP address for both the computers.


-%26gt; If you r using windowsXP


-%26gt;Controlpanel-%26gt; NetworkConnection


-%26gt;Select the concernet network card and right click and select the properties and than select TCP/IP in scroll box and then select the properties.


-%26gt; now change the ipaddress to manual


assign


comp1-%26gt;


ipaddress-%26gt; 172.16.13.2


subnett-%26gt; 255.255.255.0


gateway-%26gt; 172.16.13.2


comp2-%26gt;


ipaddress-%26gt; 172.16.13.3


subnett-%26gt; 255.255.255.0


gateway-%26gt; 172.16.13.2
Reply:you need to use a router.


so you should connect all ur computers to the router, not directly.


wireles home networking is safe...as long as u password protect it.