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Quick Jumps


Equipment Required when Setting up a Network

  • Network Card:
    NIC's/network interface cards. A network card can be plugged into the PCI (peripheral component interconnect) expansion slot on the motherboard. It is used to connect computers to a network.
    Network cards may also be connected to a USB (universal serial bus) port.

  • Hubs and Switches:
    Hubs and switches are used to connect two or more computers to an Ethernet network. Switches give you a faster transfer rate than a hub.

  • Router:
    A router will connect computers and networks to each other. A router can connect your computer to the internet and will allow you to share one internet connection among several computers. The router can be wired, with rj45 cable, or wireless. It is possible to network two computers with rj45 cable alone, and no router, however if you want to share the internet then it is advisable to use a router.

  • Access Point:
    Access points allow you to have a wireless network. When sharing an internet connection with wireless network you require a wireless router or an access point.

  • Modem:
    Computers use modems to send and receive information over telephone or cable lines. You will need a modem if you want to connect to the internet.

  • Network Cables:
    Network cables connect computers to each other and to other peripherals, such as hubs and routers.


    • How to Network Two Computers


    Windows XP Windows Vista
    • Make the Workgroup Name the same on both computers.
      Right click on the My Computer icon.
      Select Properties.
      Click on the Computer Name tab.
      Click on the Change button.

    • When asked to name the computers, make sure they have different names.
      Reboot when requested.

    • IP address has the same subnet.
      This may be done automatically with your router, or manually if you are using crossover cables.
      Click on Start>right click on My Network Places Connections>Properties
      or
      Click on Start>Settings>Network Connections>Open
      Right click on the Local Area connection you want to configure.
      Select Properties.
      Make sure the Client for Microsoft Networks, File and Printer Sharing and Internet Protocol are all checked (ticked).
      Double click on Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
      Enter whether it is obtaining an IP address automatically or a static IP if you need one.
      Enter any Gateway or DNS information.
      Click on the OK button.

    • Create a shared folder on each computer.
      Start Windows Explorer.
      Right click on a drive or folder you want to share.
      Select Sharing.
      In the Network sharing and security section, click on...If you understand...
      Select... Just enable file sharing... and click on the OK button.
      Enter in the name of the share.
      Click OK.


    • View Workgroup Computer
      start menu>my network places>view workgroup computers.
      or
      Start>Run>\\pcname
      Put in the exact name of the pc.


    • Troubleshooting
      You may need to turn off your Firewall.
      Click Start
      Click Control Panel
      Double Click Windows Firewall
      Click "Off not recommended"
      Tick "I have a firewall solution..." if the recommended window pops up
      OK
      OK
      Close the Control Panel
      Reboot the computer
    • Changing your Workgroup .
      Make sure that each computer has the same workgroup name.
      Start
      Right click on My Computer
      Properties>Change Settings>Change
      At this stage you will have open the Computer Name Changes window.
      Change the name of the computer.
      Press OK
      Reboot

    • User Account Security Control
      If you find you have lots of user account security control prompts you may want to get rid of them. This is how you do that.
      Start
      Control Panel
      User Accounts and Family Safety
      User Accounts
      Turn User Account Control off
      Don't forget to turn it back on after you have finished.

    • Changing Network Settings with a Static IP Address

      NOTE: If you have a Dynamic IP Address go straight down to "Network Location Choices."

      Start
      In the Start Search box, type "command" and click on Command Prompt.
      Type ipconfig/all then press Enter
      Write down the following information:
      IPv4 Address, Subnet Mask, Default Gateway, DNS Servers.

      Now you need to change the network settings.
      Start
      Control Panel
      Network and Internet
      Network and Sharing Center
      Right click on your Network Adapter in the window
      Choose Properties
      Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
      Select "Use the following IP address" and fill the fields with the information you wrote down from the previous step.

    • Network Location Choices
      Connecting to the network for the first time in Vista you are required to choose a network location, either public or private. This option will determine your Windows Vista Firewall.
      Public should be chosen when connecting in a public area, like a library, or airport. This option will prevent others on the network from accessing your computer.

      Private is what you need to choose when working from home or the office. This option allows unrestricted network access.
    • Choose your Network Location
      Start
      Control Panel
      Network and Internet
      Network and Sharing Center
      Click on the Customise button

    • Sharing Files or Folders
      Locate the file or folder you want to share using Windows Explorer.
      Right click
      Choose "sharing" and set the options you require.
      OK




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