Gateway E4350 manual Creating an Ethernet network, Installing Ethernet cards and drivers

Page 80

Chapter 7: Networking Your Computer

Important

For best results, all Ethernet components should be either standard Ethernet (10 Mbps), Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps or 10/100), or Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps or 10/100/1000). A mixture of components rated at different speeds will result in your network running at the speed of the slowest rated component.

Tips & Tricks

When buying your router, be sure the model includes everything your network needs, including:

■Internet security features - such as a firewall to protect your network from unwanted intruders

■4-port switch - to eliminate the need for additional network hardware

■DHCP server/dynamic IP address assignment - to automatically configure network and IP addresses

Determining if an Ethernet is already installed on your computers

To determine if Ethernet is already installed on your computer:

1 Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. If your Control Panel is in Category View, click Performance and Maintenance.

2 Click/Double-click System, click the Hardware tab, then click Device Manager. The Device Manager window opens.

3 Click the plus (+) in front of Network 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. To order wired or wireless Ethernet PCI or PC cards, visit the Accessories Store at accessories.gateway.com.

Use the documentation that comes with your Ethernet cards for instructions on installing the card and any required drivers.

74	www.gateway.com

Image 80

Contents Page Page Contents Maintaining Your Computer Iii Page Chapter Help and Support To start Help and SupportSearching for a topic Using Your Computer guideTo access the Using Your Computer guide Identifying your computer Online helpGateway contact information Checking Out Your Gateway Computer Front Your computer includes the following componentsComponent Icon Description Back Back Gateway Documentation Locating your serial number Microsoft Certificate of AuthenticityFinding your specifications Accessories MemoryPrinters Storage DevicesUninterruptible power supplies USB flash driveGetting Started Working safely Reducing eye strainSitting at your computer Setting up your computer desk and chairSetting up your computer and computer accessories Checking the voltage selection Protecting from power source problemsAvoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain To start your computer To set the voltage selection switchStarting your computer To turn off your computer Turning off your computerWaking up your computer Restarting rebooting your computer To close unresponsive programs and restart your computerUsing the keyboard Standard keyboardMultifunction keyboard Function keysSpecial-function buttons To adjust the overall volume level using hardware controls Adjusting the volumeWireless keyboard Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device Help and SupportUsing Drives and Ports Using the diskette drive To use a disketteUsing the CD or DVD drive Identifying drive typesInserting a CD or DVD To insert a CD or DVDCreating CDs and DVDs Playing a CDPlaying a DVD Using Drives and Ports Maintaining Your Computer Updating Windows To run Windows UpdateCaring for your computer Protecting your computer from viruses To scan for virusesTo update Norton AntiVirus To remove a virusCleaning the keyboard Cleaning your computerCleaning the exterior To clean your trackball mouse Cleaning the monitorCleaning the mouse Cleaning CDs or DVDs To clean your optical mouseMicrosoft System Restore Reinstalling programs and driversTo run Microsoft System Restore To reinstall your program or driverRestoring your computer to the original configuration To restore your computer to the original configurationPreventing static electricity discharge Opening the case To open the caseRemoving the front bezel To remove the front bezelOpening the case To replace the front bezel Closing the case To close the caseInstalling memory To install or replace Dimm memoryInstalling memory Replacing the system battery To replace the batteryReplacing the system battery Maintaining Your Computer Troubleshooting Safety guidelines First stepsTroubleshooting Add-in cardsAudio CD or DVD drivesComputer will not start ComputerDVD movie will not play You see a Access Denied or Write protect error message You see a Disk is full error messageYou see a Non-system disk or Disk error error message Diskette driveTo restore deleted files DVD drivesFile management Hard driveYou cannot connect to the Internet You see a Data error messageInternet Keyboard does not work Connecting to a Web site takes too longKeyboard Memory Modem dial-upTo check the dialing properties Modem is not recognized by your computer To run modem diagnosticsYour 56K modem does not connect at 56K To turn down the modem volume Modem is noisy when it dials and connectsScreen resolution is not correct MonitorText on the display is dim or difficult to read Computer is running but there is no pictureColor is not uniform Mouse NetworksMouse does not work Mouse works erraticallyPasswords PowerTo set a default printer PrinterYou see a Printer queue is full error message You see a Printer is out of paper error messageSound To make sure that the printer is not set to work offlineHelp Support Troubleshooting Networking Your Computer Using a router Introduction to NetworkingExample router-based Ethernet network Equipment you need for a router-based Ethernet networkInstalling Ethernet cards and drivers Creating an Ethernet networkTo identify this computer on the network Making sure your broadband connection worksNaming the computers and the workgroup Configuring the TCP/IP protocol To use a Dhcp serverCreating an Ethernet network Setting up an Ethernet network Setting up a network using a router To configure the Linksys EtherFast Cable/DSL router Configuring your routerTo set up a network using a router Creating an Ethernet network Testing your network Troubleshooting Your Ethernet network You cannot see the other computers on your networkComputer does not recognize an add-inEthernet card Your Ethernet network is running slower than you expectNetworking Your Computer Appendix a Important safety information Setting up your systemRegulatory compliance statements United States of AmericaCanada Industry Canada IC Unintentional emitter per ICES-003Laser safety statement External television antenna groundingReference Grounding component Environmental information Macrovision statement Trademark AcknowledgmentsIndex DVD Page Page RAM Page Page MAN 4350 USR GDE R0 07/05