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Chapter 5: Networking Your Computer
48
3 Click the plus (+) in front of Netwcmork adapters. The Ethernet device installed
in your computer is listed. If one is not listed, you must install one.
Creating an Ethernet network
Installing Ethernet cards and drivers
After you have determined the type of Ethernet you are using for your network, you
need to install Ethernet cards and drivers on the computers that do not have Ethernet
already installed.
Use the documentation that comes with your Ethernet cards for instructions on
installing the card and any required drivers.
Making sure your broadband connection works
Before you change anything about your home setup, make sure that your broadband
connection is working correctly. To test the connection, log onto the Internet using
your current setup. If the connection is not working, contact your Internet service
provider.
Naming the computers and the workgroup
To identify this computer on the network:
1 Click Start, then click Control Panel. The
Control Panel
window opens. If your
Control Panel is in Category View, click Performance and Maintenance. The
Performance and Maintenance
window opens.
2 Click/Double-click System. The
System Properties
dialog box opens.
3 Click Computer Name.
4 Click Change. The
Computer Name Changes
dialog box opens.
5 Type a unique computer name in the Computer name box. This name identifies
the computer to other users on the network. Use a computer name of up to 15
characters with no blank spaces. Each computer name must be unique on your
network. All-numeric computer names are not allowed. Names must contain
some letters.
6 Type a name for your workgroup in the Workgroup box. Use a workgroup name
of up to 15 characters with no blank spaces. The workgroup name must be the
same for all computers in your network workgroup, and the name must be
different than any computer name on your network.
7 Click OK to close the
Computer Name Changes
dialog box.
Important
If you do not have a broadband connection already installed, make the
necessary arrangements with your ISP. Be sure to find out how soon after the
installation the line will be activated.
Broadband Internet settings will differ from ISP to ISP. Before you begin
setting up your network, you should contact your ISP for any specific
instructions they have for setting up a network.
Important
You must give each computer on the network a unique Computer Name
and the same Workgroup Name.