Home
Networks:
Setting up a home network is not difficult at
all with Windows XP, in fact this will only take
you about five minutes or so.
Why do you need a home network? Many reason
people choose to install a home network and some
of the most popular reasons for this include
file and printer sharing. Imagine having 2 or 3
computers that share the same printer or files.
You can set the files to share or not to share
so you can still keep your privacy. Using the
windows small network wizard will allow you to
setup as many computers in your network as you
would like. This is ideal for smaller business
that only have 15 or 20 computers and do not
have a budget for a larger more sophisticated
network.
You will need to purchase a router and some
network cables for this task. You may choose to
setup a wireless network if so read through this
tutorial then check out the
wireless
networks section.
(click on image to view a
larger image)
Before you start here is a simple
diagram that will explain what is connecting to
what with the network cables (Ethernet cable).
1. Press the start button, then programs,
accessories, then communications, and lastly
"network setup wizard".
2. Start the wizard and continue until you see a
screen that asks you to select a connection
method.
3. For this example you will choose the 2nd
option - connect through a residential gateway.
This option will work best with most small
networks.
4. Choose a computer description, this is
important especially with any network of more
than 2 computers.
5. Create the name of your network "MSHOME" is
the default but it is recommended to choose a
network name other than the default given.
6. Choose next and you will watch the computer
fly across the screen signifying that it is
re-configuring your settings.
7. If all the computers on your network are XP
then select to "just finish the wizard", and the
computer will need to restart. And you will
continue with step one on all of the other
computers. If you are using another version of
windows on one or more computers then you should
create a network setup disk. |
