Using my desktop in tandem with laptop?

[Frenchman96]

My desktop is connected to BT Hub by etheret cable and my laptop is wireless intergrated.

I want to be able to stop doing a task on desktop upstairs, then carry on that task on my laptop downstairs.

At present I overcome this by saving work on a memory stick, then copying from stick to next pc.

I have created a Briefcase folder ready but not sure how to use it as not sure if the 2 pc's are connected ?

[dbarrow]

Have you created a network?
Do the two machines see each other?
Have you created a shared folder to store the work?
Do you have the same versions of the software to use that file?

I would store the "work". ie: a Word Doc, on the machine where it will be accessed most often, in a shared folder that can be accessed from other machines.
You would then simply open that shared file from another machine the same as if were on that machine.

Word of caution:
If you rely on backups, both within the program such as Word 5 minute internal backups, you must be sure to configure Word to save these backups in the same common shared folder.

It matters not where the work resides. It can live on a machine where you work so long as you create the means to access it from the network or even remotely from the web.

[Frenchman96]

Have you created a network?>>not sure, anything I can check??

Do the two machines see each other?>>desktop is upstairs next to hub, laptop of course can be used there or other rooms


Have you created a shared folder to store the work?>>I was recommended to open a new folder called briefcase which I believe can be used

Do you have the same versions of the software to use that file? >>I have xp home on both

I would store the "work". ie: a Word Doc, on the machine where it will be accessed most often, in a shared folder that can be accessed from other machines. >>maybe the briefcase folder would be used for that??

[dbarrow]

I suggest you open HELP and SUPPORT in XP and start reading through NETWORKING and the web.
Review the various links there that will lead you through the process of creating a network and sharing files.
All the information you need is located there.