PC and laptop - do both need to be same windows in order to network?

[madamy]

Wireless virgin here! I want to get a netbook to use wirelessly with a wired desktop. Got router etc. Desktop is Windows XP. Does the netbook need to be XP also in order to maximise networking if that makes sense?

my wired desktop is xp ..sons wireless laptop is vista both work fine

We have four Vista machines (one Basic & three Premium Home versions) two XP (one Home & one Professional) two iPhones & an HTC Hero on our network, and have also had DD's ex boyfriend's Mac on there. Haven't tried Windows 7 yet, but we've just acquired one at school & didn't have any problems with putting it on the otherwise XP network there.

wow, that's impressive lol! Many thanks both, I've found some good walkthroughs on the Microsoft website about setting up a home network. Next task is to find a decent netbook without Windows 7 starter.

No, network protocols have been a universal standard for years.