I have a desktop PC, a netbook PC and an iMac desktop that I’d like to network togheter so I can wirelessly print to one printer and share photos, videos and music (via iTunes). I also have an external My Book hard drive. I would rate my tech savvy as moderately low and I’m looking for help on how I might do this (and if it’s even possible given that we are mixing a desktop and a mac). Should I consider “the cloud”? I’m not sure what that is really. Oh – and we may dump cable and starting watching tv/movies via our network too.
Desktop PC
Dell Dimension E310
Windows XP
69.8 GB total, 56.9 used
Desktop Mac
iMac OS X, version 10.6.6, proscessor 3.2 GHz
Dell Netbook Inspiron 1012
Windows 7 Starter
McAfee (seems to be current, not sure when it expires)
Printer
HP Photosmart printer D110
Wireless equipped but not currently set up
External hard drive
My Book
815 GB free
Modem
Conexant D850 56K v.9x DFVc Modem
Would like to…
Automate data backup for all machines
Make sure anti-virus is current and consistent for all machines
Make sure autmatic system updates are set up
Automate anything that can be automated
Get “junk that comes with computer that we don’t need/use” off
Would like to share/connect…
Print wirelessly from all three computers to the printer
Access photos and videos from all three computers
Access internet from all three computers
Access itunes (and manage) from all three computers