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Networking 101
I n T h Is GuI d e
Get started hardware Youll need set up Your network Protect Your network share Files and Printers on Your network Page 23 Page 2 Page 4 Page 7 Page 17
At least one computer One network adapter per computer A router, if you want to connect to the Internet A hub or switch if you want to connect more than one computer Ethernet cables if youre not using wireless
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WINDOWS GUIDE
Networking 101
Get Started
A home computer network lets you access and share information from every room with a computer. And setting up a home or wireless network, while complex, is easier than youd think.
C h o o se Your ne T W or k T eChnoloG Y
There are a few different ways to connect your computers in a home network. Think about the location of your computers, what you need to be able to do and how much you want to spend. Once youve figured out what you need, choose the technology thats best for you. The two most common types of networking technology are Ethernet and wireless.
Ethernet
speed: Ethernet networks use Ethernet cables to send information between computers. There are different speeds: 10, 100, or 1000 Mbps (megabits per second), depending on the type of equipment, with 1000 Mbps being the fastest. Generally, the faster the speed, the more the equipment will cost. Cost: Ethernet cables and slow-speed or medium-speed Ethernet connection equipment called hubs and switches are relatively inexpensive, and most computers come with Ethernet adapters already installed. Adding a hub, switch, or router to your network will be most of the cost. Convenience: Ethernet cables must be run between each computer and to a hub, switch, or router, which can be more time-consuming and challenging than wireless when the computers are in different rooms. Performance: Ethernet is a proven and reliable technology, and Ethernet networks are fast and inexpensive relative to other types of networking.
Figure 1Two ends of an Ethernet cable, also known as Cat 5 or Cat 6
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Networking 101
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Networking 101
network adapters: These adapters can be wired or wireless, but either connects computers to a network so that they can communicate to each other and the Internet. A network adapter can be outside your computer, connected to a USB port, or installed inside your computer. But many computers have networking adapters built-in, so you should first check to see if its already there. To check if your computer has a network adapter, follow these steps: 1. Open Device Manager by clicking the Windows logo, then Control Panel, then system and Maintenance, and finally device Manager. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. 2. Next to network adapters, click the plus sign (+). If there are any adapters installed or built-in, they will display in the list. If it includes wireless in the name, you have a wireless network adapter.
Figure 2An Ethernet network adapter shown in Device Manager
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Networking 101
network hubs and switches: Hubs and switches connect two or more computers to an Ethernet network. Switches generally cost more than hubs and are faster. routers and access points: Routers connect computers and networks to each other (for example, a router usually connects a home network to the Internet). Routers also enable you to share a single Internet connection among several computers. Routers can be wired, wireless or both. You dont need to use a router for a wired network, but its recommended if you want to share an Internet connection. Some routers and access points extend wired Ethernet networks to become wireless networks. If you want to share an Internet connection over a wireless network, youll need a router with wireless or an access point.
Figure 3An Ethernet router with wireless built in, as shown by the antenna on the left
network cables (ethernet only): Network cables connect computers to each other and to other related hardware, such as hubs and routers.
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Networking 101
Ethernet hub or switch (only needed if you One (it should have at least one port for want to connect more than two computers) each computer on your network) Ethernet router (only needed if you want to connect more than two computers and share an Internet connection) Ethernet cables One (you dont need a hub or switch if you have a router with multiple ports to connect each computer on your network) One for each computer connected to the network hub or switch (the type of cable is called Cat 5e or Cat 6) One
Crossover cable (only needed if you want to connect two computers directly to each other and not use a hub, switch, or router) Wireless Wireless network adapter Wireless access point or router
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Networking 101
For Ethernet:
1. ethernet: Connect the computer to a hub, switch, or router. If your home is wired for Ethernet, set up the computer in the room with an Ethernet jack, and then plug the computer directly into the Ethernet jack.
Or for wireless:
1. Open Connect to a Network by clicking the Windows logo in the bottom left corner of your display, and then clicking Connect To. 2. In the list of networks, click the network that you want to connect to, and then click Connect. 3. If there is one, enter the security key. Youll usually have a choice of either typing a key into a window that pops up, like a password, or inserting a USB flash drive that contains the security key into a USB port on the computer. Once youre sure that the first computer is working correctly, you can add additional computers or devices to the network the same way.
se T T In G uP a n I nT er ne T ConneCTIon
An Internet connection is optional, but most people want their networks to have Internet access. To set up an Internet connection, you need a cable or DSL modem and an account with an Internet service provider (ISP). Youll have to work with your local ISP to set that up. But if youve already done that and the connections not working, try using Windows Vistas built-in diagnostics to repair the problem.
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Networking 101
2. A window titled Windows Network Diagnostics should pop up. The window will show the progress while Windows Vista tries to repair the problem. It may ask you to confirm or click to proceed. In most cases, it will identify the problem and suggest the action you need to take to solve it.
Figure 5Windows Network Diagnostics
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Networking 101
Any router, switch, hub or access point must be powered and turned on to use the Internet connection from any of the computers on your network.
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You should see icons for the computer youre on and for all of the other computers and devices that you added to the network. If the computer youre checking has a printer attached, the printer icon might not be visible on other computers until you enable printer sharing. (Printer sharing is available in all versions of Windows Vista except Windows Vista Starter.)
Computers running previous versions of Windows may take several minutes to appear in Windows Vistas Network window, especially the first time you connect them.
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Networking 101
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Networking 101
In addition:
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Make sure that all wires are connected (for example, make sure your computer is connected to a router, either directly or through a hub or switch). If youre trying to connect to another computer, make sure that computer is on and that you have enabled file and printer sharing on your network. If the problem began after you installed new software, check your connection settings to see if they have been changed.
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Networking 101
More Information
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Windows Vista Help and How ToWindows Vista Networking: http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/ Windows/en-us/networking.mspx Windows Technical SupportMore Resources: http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/ en-us/techsupport/default.mspx
W Ire l e s s ne T W or kI nG
With the right equipment, wireless lets you print documents from any room, pay bills out on the porch, or search online for recipes in the kitchen. Wireless equipment is similar to the equipment you need for an Ethernet network, just without the cables.
If your computer needs a wireless network adapter, you can purchase one from a computer or electronics store and install it yourself. Make sure that you get the same type of adapter as your wireless router. The type of adapter is usually marked on the package, typically with a letter, such as A, B, G, or N.
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Networking 101
Position your wireless router in a central location. Place the router as close to the center of your home as possible to increase the strength of the wireless signal throughout your home. Position the wireless router off of the floor and away from walls and metal objects, such as metal file cabinets. The fewer physical obstructions between your computer and the routers signal, the more likely that youll be using the routers full signal strength.
Reduce interference
Wireless types B, G and N use a 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) signal. This is the same frequency as most microwaves and many cordless phones. If you turn on the microwave or get a call on a cordless phone and your network stops working, this could be the reason. You can try moving the devices further away from each other or if its a cordless phone thats the reason, by switching to a newer model with a higher frequency, such as 5.8 GHz.
Connect a computer
Start by setting up one computer. 1. Connect the computer to the wireless router. Click on the Windows logo in the bottom left corner of your display, then network, then network and sharing Center. Over in the left pane, click Connect to a network, then set up a connection or network, and then set up a Wireless router or access Point. The wizard will walk you through the process of adding other computers and devices to the network. 2. Test to make sure the computer is connected properly. Open Network by clicking the Windows logo in the bottom left corner of your display, then click network. You should see an icon for the computer youre on. Repeat these steps for each computer or device you want to add.
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Networking 101
If you suspect something is interfering with the wireless signal, such as a cordless phone or a microwave, turn them off temporarily or move them farther away and see if connectivity is restored. Change the router or access point settings to use a different wireless channel, or set the channel to be selected automatically if it is set to a fixed channel number. Sometimes, one wireless channel is clearer than others. In the United States and Canada, you can use channels 1, 6, and 11. Check the information that came with your access point or router for instructions about setting the wireless signal channel.
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Networking 101
More Information
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Web Cast TutorialWireless Network Installation: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/920950/en-us Windows Help and How toTroubleshoot Finding Wireless Networks: http://windowshelp. microsoft.com/Windows/en-us/help/7805207d-b0b9-4159-b36f-ab81a1f376c21033.mspx
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Networking 101
Ge n e r a l ne T W or k seCur I T Y G u IdelInes
Keep your computer up to date
To help keep the computers on your network safer, turn on Windows automatic update on each computer. Windows can automatically install important and recommended updates, or important updates only. Important updates provide significant benefits, such as improved security and reliability. Recommended updates can address non-critical problems and help enhance your computing experience. Optional updates are not downloaded or installed automatically. To set automatic updating, follow these steps for each computer on your network. 1. To open Windows update, click the Windows logo in the bottom left corner of your display, then all Programs, and then Windows update.
Figure 10Windows Update
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Networking 101
Use a firewall
A firewall can help prevent hackers or malicious software (such as worms) from gaining access to your computer through a network or the Internet. A firewall can also help stop your computer from sending malicious software to other computers. 1. Open Windows Firewall by clicking the Windows logo in the bottom left corner of your display, then Control Panel, then security, and then Windows Firewall.
Figure 11Windows Firewall
2. Click Turn Windows Firewall on or off. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. 3. Click on (recommended), and then click ok.
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3. Select standard user. If you are creating a new account, also type in the new account name and click Create account when youre finished. If youre changing the status of an existing account, click Change account type when youre finished.
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Networking 101
Change the default administrator name and password on your router or access point
If you have a router or access point, you probably used a default name and password to set up the equipment. Most manufacturers use the same default name and password for all of their equipment, which someone could use to access your router or access point without you knowing it. To avoid that risk, change the default administrator user name and password for your router. 1. Check the information that came with your device for instructions about how to change the name and password.
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Networking 101
More Information
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Windows Help and How toWindows SecurityRecommended Links: http://windowshelp. microsoft.com/Windows/en-us/help/d12ca5ea-b0af-438d-977e-7443c9a39c961033.mspx Microsofts Security Central: http://www.microsoft.com/security/default.mspx
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Turn on sharing so anyone with network access can open files Turn on sharing so anyone with network access can open, change, and create files Turn off sharing (people logged on to this computer can still access this folder)
3. Click apply.
Figure 14Public folder sharing
Youll need to repeat the steps above on each computer that you want to share files from.
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Networking 101
sh ar In G a Pr I nT er
If you have a printer attached to one of your computers, you can print to it from any computer connected to your wireless network. To share a printer, follow these steps: 1. Log on to computer that has the printer attached to it. 2. Open Network and Sharing Center by clicking the start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking network and Internet, and then clicking network and sharing Center. 3. Click the arrow button next to Printer sharing, click Turn on printer sharing, and then click apply. 4. Click the arrow button next to Password protected sharing, click Turn off password protected sharing, and then click apply.
If you have password-protected sharing turned on, people will need a user account with a password on your computer to access your printer.
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More Information
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Windows Vista Help and How toFile and Printer Sharing FAQ: http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/ Windows/en-us/help/5f605e4b-3379-4c6c-afa4-d446ae76d14b1033.mspx Windows Vista Help and How toSharing Files with Someone: http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/ Windows/en-us/help/9636e0f2-0223-45d2-89cb-3e317c4509051033.mspx
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r e l aT e d G uI des
security 101 using Parental Controls upgrade to and set up Windows vista add new hardware and devices
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