How to Network Your Home Computers

Do you have more than one computer at home? If so, then networking them is recommended. This will allow you to share files, folders, a printer, a scanner and other hardware devices, as well as an Internet connection. Networking home computers is useful if you need to share data on a regular basis. There are two main types of networking methods—Ethernet and Wireless. Know the process of networking and choose for one that suits your needs.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Set Up a Wireless Network

1. Gather the equipment necessary for setting up the network. A router, adapter, modem and cables are the main items needed.

2. Buy equipment that supports 802.11g wireless networking technology, as it has the highest level of compatibility.

3. Look for a wireless router. It works as the base station for the Internet signals and transforms them into wireless broadcast.

4. Buy a wireless network adapter. It connects the router with the computer. You need an adapter only for operating system versions of Windows 98. Newer versions have built-in adapters. Buy a USB wireless network adapter for a PC and for a laptop. You will need a PC card-based adapter. Ensure that you have an adapter in every computer.

5. Connect the modem and router after disconnecting the Internet. Doing so will ensure direct connectivity between your router and the Internet.

6. Configure the router. Connect a machine to the network port on the router. Switch on the machine and open the Internet browser. Type in the exact configuration address and password that is mentioned in the manual of your router. This will open your router’s configuration page.

7. Remember to set your network’s name and password. Refer to your configuration manual for the rest of the settings. Save the settings.

8. Connect the machines within the network. To do so, right-click on the wireless network icon on the lower-right side of the desktop. Press the “View Available Wireless Network” button.

9. Click on the “Refresh Network List” button if you don’t see your network. When your network appears, click on the “Connect” button in the lower-right corner of the screen.

10. Install the firewall for security. Installing the firewall is necessary to combat virus and worm attacks via the Internet. Set up anti-virus software to debug security issues on the main computer and other connected machines.

Set Up an Ethernet Network

11. Buy the equipment necessary for setting up an Ethernet network. You will need an NIC (Network Interface Card), an Ethernet patch cable for every computer and a router.

12. Learn the functions of these components. The NIC works for LAN just as the modem works for a phone line. Get a 100 Mbps card, as it is ideal for setting up a network.

13. Make sure the cables are long enough to connect the machines with the router. The patch cables are used to connect the machines in the network with the router.

14. Buy a 100 Mbps router. A router acts as the connecting point for all the machines in the network.

15. Connect your modem to the router’s uplink port if you want to access the Internet.

16. Install an NIC into each computer. The NIC can be installed into the PCI slot on the motherboard of your machine.

17. Plug one end of your patch cable into the router and the other end into the network socket of your PC.

18. Right-click on the “My Network Place” icon on your desktop and click on “Properties.” Right-click on “LAN” and press the “Enable” button.

19. Configure the router. Connect a machine to the network port on the router. Switch on the machine and open the Internet browser. Type in the exact configuration address and password that is mentioned in your router’s manual. This will open the configuration page of your router.

20. Remember to set your network’s name and password. Refer to your configuration manual for the rest of the settings. Save the settings.

21. Install the firewall for security. Installing the firewall is necessary to combat virus and worm attacks via the Internet. Set up anti-virus software to debug security issues on the main computer and other connected machines.

Tips & Warnings

• A wireless network is easy to install and configure, but the presence of other equipment and walls can hinder the connection speed.
• An Ethernet network can be cheaper than a wireless network.

[danielarmstrong]

on 8/2/2009 thanks! this will help me a lot.