I hope your desktop computer is coonected through a modem or router with DSL connection.

You need to network two computers allowing computers to communicate with one another and a network can let them share: An Internet connection.

Routers and Firewalls
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I hope your desktop computer is coonected through a modem or router with DSL connection.

You need to network two computers allowing computers to communicate with one another and a network can let them share: An Internet connection.

Routers and Firewalls

The two most popular home network types are wireless and Ethernet networks. In both of these types, the router does most of the work by directing the traffic between the connected devices. By connecting a router to your dial-up, DSL or cable modem, you can also allow multiple computers to share one connection to the Internet. You don't even need a computer to make a network as long as you have a router. For example, connecting your Xbox 360 to a router makes a simple network.

If you're going to connect your network to the Internet, you'll need a firewall. Many new routers combine wireless and Ethernet technology and also include a hardware firewall. A firewall is simply a program or hardware device that protects your network from malicious users and offensive Web sites.

Many software firewalls block all incoming information by default and prompt you for permission to allow the information to pass. In this way, a software firewall can learn which types of information you want to allow into your network. Symantec, McAfee and ZoneAlarm are companies that produce software-based firewalls. These companies usually offer some free firewall protection as well as advanced security that you can buy.

Wireless Networks

The easiest, least expensive way to connect the computers in your home is to use a wireless network, which uses radio waves instead of wires. The absence of physical wires makes this kind of network very flexible. For example, you can move a laptop from room to room without fiddling with network cables and without losing your connection. The downside is that wireless connections are generally slower than Ethernet connections and they are less secure unless you take measures to protect your network.

If you want to build a wireless network, you'll need a wireless router. Signals from a wireless router extend about 100 feet (30.5 meters) in all directions, but walls can interrupt the signal. Depending on the size and shape of your home and the range of the router, you may need to purchase a range extender or repeater to get enough coverage.

You'll also need a wireless adapter in each computer you plan to connect to the network. You already have one of these and simply needs to configure it with the router with it's ID and password so that you van have uninterrupted internet connection on your laptop,

If you have a wireless router then you do not need anything else otherwise you need to buy one so that your wireless-g usb adapter in laptop can seamlessly be conneced to this router which would be connected to the desktop.

Enjoy internet networking at home.