Enabling Network Services
Protocols allow your Windows XP computer to communicate over the network. A network client lets it access network resources. Network services allow Windows XP to share local resources with other computers on the network.
By default Windows XP automatically installs these services in the form of File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks when your network adapter is installed. However, it is important to understand that installing file and print sharing does not automatically make all your local disk drives and printers available to other computers on the network. Instead, you must configure access to your shared resources manually on a device-by-device basis. This gives you complete control over what is and what is not shared over your home network.
To learn more about how to configure shared access to your disk and print resources, see Chapter 5, "Sharing Precious Disk Space," and Chapter 6, "Maximizing Your Printer Investment."