set up home network 4 desktops

You didn't mention anything about wireless internet cards. As two of my computers are 10 years old they aren't fitted. This is where
my problem started. What cards if any are required on each computer ? I'd be happy if you said none are required :)
Thanks
Ian

I always have a laptop around (I need that for my consultancy) and laptops are often wireless so I use a wireless router.

Older computers usually have (as you do) Ethernet. That is why I suggest a 4 or 8 port Ethernet Wireless router. Now you have the best of both worlds.

No need to convert an older computer unless you wish to, but there are lots of USB Wireless cards around that you can use. So many, that just look in Google -> Amazon for one you like.

That seems too easy David :)  I'm beginning to understand now that everything is wired therefore internal wifi cards are not needed.
Back to the old days when I set up networks long before wireless became popular. I was concerned that new technology demanded the use of wireless network adaptors but apparently not so. Are there any downsides to the 5 port gigabit desktop switch ?

A decent 5 port switch does not pose any problems. I use them.

How would I configure the 5 port switch to interact with the router ?
or vice versa ?

Plug one port into the router and you are ready to go.

This hopefully would solve my 4 device setup.
In the meantime I have 2 computers connected directly to the router
but network credentials error message each time I try to connect to other computer despite correct details
being entered. Is there a way to bypass the network credential screen ?  I use 8.1 Windows
or should this be a new question ?

Look up my article on folder sharing and review it. Network credentials are not much related to just network technology.

drawbacks in a small network = none
you should make a common user account w/password. suggest you use cmd prompt "net use * \\computername\share /persistent
it will prompt for computer\Username and password and save it to the credential store

That didn't work for me David. Perhaps I'm not understanding the code.
I'm getting a value error.
I looked at your article John and states to make a username same as on laptop.
Instead of a laptop I would like to create same username  for both desktops.
My username login on Computer A is a Microsoft email account and a password which I use to login.
As I understand from both your comments it would be preferable to use the same
login and password on Computer B  do I understand correctly ?  
The computer name (example)  BRONCO and the user is say Noddy  being  BRONCO\Noddy
Do I need to have both computers use the same login details (email address ?    (it would suit me)
and do I need both computers to have same user name (Noddy as in above example?)
I'm sorry I'm a bit slow :)

You may need to set up the user name and password of the source machine (the one trying to access) on the target machine (the one you are trying to access).  I do that in more difficult situations. And that allows machines with local ID's and Microsoft Email ID's to interact.

You can also use the same user name login details. That may be easier for you and also works fine.

Firstly, I would like to do away with the login screen I find it unnecessary as
I have no security issues here.
To clarify let's call them computer A and computer B
On computer A   the computer name (example) BRONCO and the user is Noddy

So, do I now go onto computer B and type in cmd  prompt  and what exactly ?

That is not possible. Keep user accounts and passwords. Home Group has vanished. So you do need to use User Names and Passwords.

For part two:  NET USE X: \\bronco\folder   Preset return and authenticate with User Name and Password,

Seems not as simple as that. I get a load of stuff
The syntax of this command is
computername sharename volume
user name domain name
smart card
persistent yes no etc etc

That is strange. I use NET USE all the time.

Try to capture a screen shot and post back here.

I will do that tomorrow as this old boy needs some sleep.
Thanks to both of you for your patience. My head needs a pillow fast :)
Ian

My username login on Computer A is a Microsoft email account and a password which I use to login won't work in this scenario.  it has to be computername\username.. to find out what is the proper username to use from a command prompt type 'whoami'
i.e.

C:\Users\david>whoami
djohnson-w10\david
C:\Users\david>

Select allOpen in new window

The easiest way to avoid the ISP login, is by connecting your own router then building your LAN behind it.    

You setup the ISP login on the router then all your devices should all work just fine.  

If you are on a tight budget, TP-Link and ASUS make some nice easy to use inexpensive routers.  You can get a gigabit router for around $40 with 4 local ports and an ISP port.   They may not be the coolest wireless solutions, but you say you are not going to use wireless.  

Check this one at Newegg   https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA8N25XX7846

I have used these in small wired offices, where wireless is not really required.   TP-Link is easy to get connected to the ISP, provides some firewall functions and works great for a small network.   Its easy to expand ethernet ports beyond the basel 4, just connect a 5 or 8 port switch (these are not expensive either).   The router will recognize any devices on the switch and include them on the local network.

How can I tell if both computers are on the same subnet ?

Open a command prompt and run IPCONFIG

I'm sorry guys been rather busy and will be for a while. I have quite a deal of good information
from you and will work through this and if I get stuck I will raise a new question.

I'm having the 4th computer delivered within the next fortnight so will have
more time then to put some of your valuable suggestions into good use.
Thank you for your time and patience
Ian

You are very welcome and I was happy to help

By the way.  If all these computers are on the same private network and you have no concerns about access to shared directories among them, you can simply turn off passwords for private/home networks in advanced network sharing settings on each PC.  That eliminates having to worry about credentials and other complicating issues.  Just make sure discovery etc. is turned off for the public networks.

Hi Fred This was covered in detail by John in his article (attached link on first post).
However he may have written this with privacy in mind as he states "Do NOT avoid passwords"
You are right Fred, I have no privacy issues being a single home dweller.
All I simply wanted to do was switch on up to 4 computers early morning and have them fire up
bypassing the login screen so when I finish shaving they are at the Desktop ready to go.