Networks?

How do networks work? what can('t) they do?

my house and my parents house share the same network. for a short time i could access their printer, but not any more. i can see my dad's laptop on mine, and vice versa, but if i try to connect from either end, it says it can't. i forget the exact phrasing, and i'm falling asleep writing this. if i could get it to connect, what could i do? look through my dad's comp, or does it only auto-connect when some programs are in use?

i know not a lot about computers*, and my senior citizen parents no much less.

*[size=10]porn and games is about it[/h]

Is the network (the cables, etc.) under your control or do you live in flats and the network is operated by the apartment? Connectivity issues under Windows can be ridiculous unless you operate a (file/print/domain) server as there are way too fucking many things that can be screwed up.

You could transfer files.

I know this may sound a bit silly but is the printer on? And is the computer that it's plugged into on?
Also is it one of those printers that can hook up to a network?

If you want to know how networks work look it up otherwise to setup a home lan go here.

I don't understand why people don't use google...

I'm damn lazy. also, as i stated in OP, i am very nearly computer illiterate, so looking it up doesn't help much.


but thanks anyway for the advice. i think i'll just have to get a geek to come over and do it for me.