Step 1: Install your router

Step 2: Connect other computers to your router with patch cables.

Step 3: Configure your router to access the Internet (optional to share files or a printer)

Step 4: Configure wireless settings

Step 5: Secure your wireless network (unless you want your neighbors to be able to access your files)

Step 6: Click 'START' then click 'CONTROL PANEL'

Step 7: Double-click 'Network Setup Wizard'

Step 8: Click 'Next' and then click 'Next'

Step 9: Select the connection that corresponds to your network setup.

If you have a router and more than one computer, such as my setup: Select 'Other', click 'Next', then select the first option (This computer connects to the internet directly or through a network hub), and then click 'Next'.

Step 10: Enter a description for your computer and then click 'Next'.

Step 11: Enter a workgroup name for your network and the click 'Next'. (The default is MSHOME. Your computer can only be part of one workgroup at a time)

Step 12: Choose to either turn on file and printer sharing, or to keep it blocked.By turning on file and printer sharing, files can be sent from one computer to another on the network and one printer can be utilized for multiple computers.

Step 13: Click 'Next' to apply the settings.

Step 14: Set up the rest of the computers on the network the same way you did in this instance.