Setting up a home network can, at times, be complicated. In the past, Windows XP and Vista haven't done a great job at guiding you through the setup process. As the average household has more than one computer these days (no source, but I'm just assuming this is the case), home networking is becoming more of a mainstream need. With PCs running Windows 7, a home network is easier to setup and a lot more useful. HomeGroup makes it easier to connect to other computers and devices on a wireless home network, so you can share files, photos, music, printers, and more throughout your home network. HomeGroup is strictly a feature of Windows 7, so you'll need to have at least two PCs running Windows 7. Once you've set up a HomeGroup, you can use the Network and Sharing Center to choose what you share with other HomeGroup members.

Set up Your HomeGroup

After Windows prepares your network, you will be asked to decide what you want to share on the network. Choose from Pictures, Documents, Printers, Music, and Videos. When you click Create Now, your network will be set up with the choices you made.

Now your HomeGroup is nearly set up. All you need is the password, which allows other computers, running Windows 7, to connect to your HomeGroup. You can view this password whenever you need by going to the Network and Sharing Center.

Joining Your HomeGroup with Another PC

Now you've set up your HomeGroup, you can join other computers to it. To join your current HomeGroup, go to your second PC and:

                1. Connect to the same network (wireless or wired) on which the current Windows 7, HomeGroup-enabled PC is connected.

                2. You will be prompted to join the HomeGroup. Click Join Now.

                3. Type in your HomeGroup password

                4. Now you can decide what you would like to share, from your PC, on the HomeGroup

                5. After sharing your files, your PC is now part of the HomeGroup.

Accessing Files Shared on the HomeGroup

To access files shared on your HomeGroup:

                1. Open Windows Explorer (ÿ+E.)

                2. In the left-hand pane, you should now see your HomeGroup files. Click on the links to access the shared data.