eMachines EL1200 Series manual Introduction to Networking, Ethernet networking

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Chapter 5: Networking Your Computer

Introduction to Networking

Networking terms you should know

DHCP—Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) lets a router temporarily assign an IP address to a computer on the network.

IP address—Internet Protocol (IP) address is a number that uniquely identifies a computer on the network.

LAN—A local area network (LAN) is a computer network covering a local area, like a home or office. Wired and wireless Ethernet are common methods of creating a LAN.

PAN—A personal area network (PAN) is a computer network used for communication among computer devices (including cellular telephones, personal digital assistants, and printers) close to one person. A wireless personal area network (WPAN) is made possible with Bluetooth. The primary purpose of a WPAN is to replace USB or Firewire cables.

Subnet mask—Subnet mask is a number that identifies what subnetwork the computer is located on. This number will be the same on all computers on a home network.

WAN—A wide area network (WAN) is a computer network that covers a broad geographical area. The largest and most well-known example of a WAN is the Internet.

Ethernet networking

Wired Ethernet networking

An wired Ethernet network consists of two or more computers connected together through an Ethernet cable. This connection type is commonly used in offices around the world and can be used to build computer networks in the home.

Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, or Gigabit Ethernet

Important

Check local code requirements before installing Ethernet cable or other wiring in your home or office. Your municipality may require you to obtain a permit and hire a licensed installer.

Ethernet is available at three different speeds. Standard Ethernet runs at 10 Mbps, Fast Ethernet runs at 100 Mbps, and Gigabit Ethernet runs at 1000 Mbps. Most home networks are built using Standard or Fast Ethernet components. Business networks are typically built using Fast or Gigabit Ethernet components.

To create a wired Ethernet network, you or your electrician must install special Ethernet cables in your home or office.

Using a router

The most common way to set up a wired Ethernet network is Dynamic Host Control Protocol (DHCP) using a router. A DHCP network configuration uses a router to automatically assign IP addresses to each computer or network device. For information on setting up a router, see the router’s documentation.

Example router-based Ethernet network

The following is an example of a wired Ethernet network. The network is made up of a router, a cable or DSL modem, your computers, and cables connecting each of these components. The router is the central control point for the network.

Tip

To add the ability to access a wireless Ethernet network to your wired Ethernet network, connect an access point to the router or use a router that has a built-in access point.

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Contents Desktop PC User Guide Page Contents Networking Your Computer Iii Contents Chapter Tip Using the eMachines Web site Using Help and SupportThank you for purchasing our computer Getting help for Windows Media Center Using online helpContacting eMachines Getting Help Using Windows Using the Windows desktop HelpUsing the Start menu ShortcutAdding icons to the desktop Identifying window itemsWindow item Description Creating folders Working with files and foldersViewing drives Copying and moving files and folders Deleting files and folders Using the Windows Search Searching for filesUsing advanced search options Browsing for files and foldersSaving a document Working with documentsCreating a new document Opening a document Printing a documentShortcuts Do thisUsing Windows Using the Internet and Faxing Setting up an Internet account Learning about the InternetConnecting to a Web site Using the World Wide WebAccessing your Internet account Sending e-mail Using e-mailDownloading files Click Create MailSending a fax Using Windows Fax and ScanChecking your e-mail Click Send/ReceiveUsing the Internet and Faxing Page Setting up your cover page template Canceling a fax Faxing a scanned document or from programsReceiving and viewing a fax Playing and Creating Media Files Playing music and movies Playing audio and video filesPlaying an optical disc using Windows Media Player Playing optical discsIf the disc is not already playing, click play Recording audio files Creating audio files and music librariesCreating music files Creating WMA and MP3 music files Building a music library Editing track informationCreating a music CD Creating a music CD using Windows Media PlayerCreating music CDs and video DVDs Creating a video DVD using Windows DVD Maker Creating a video DVDPlaying and Creating Media Files Creating and copying data discs Creating a data discUsing Windows Media Center Starting Windows Media CenterPage Using the Media Center remote control Buttons FunctionsNetworking Your Computer Ethernet networking Wired Ethernet networkingIntroduction to Networking Networking terms you should knowClick System and Maintenance, then click System Equipment you need for a router-based Ethernet networkSetting up wired Ethernet network hardware Making sure your broadband connection worksWireless Ethernet networking Equipment you need for an access point-based network Wireless Ethernet standardsUsing an access point Naming the computers and the workgroup Setting up wireless Ethernet network hardwareEstablishing your Ethernet network connection Configuring the TCP/IP protocol Connecting to a wireless Ethernet networkPage Adding a printer to your network Testing your networkWireless security Sharing resourcesPage Creating a shortcut to a network drive Using the networkViewing shared drives and folders Opening files across the networkPrinting files across the network Bluetooth networkingCopying files across the network Help Protecting your computer Data security Startup and hard drive passwordHardware security Kensington lock slotRemoving viruses and spyware Using NortonProtecting your computer from viruses Protecting your computer Updating your virus and spyware definitions Click Start, Control Panel, then Click Security Using Windows Security CenterModifying security settings Security updates Windows UpdateBigFix Scheduling automatic updatesClick Windows Update Customizing Windows Low 8-bit = 256 colors Medium 16-bit = 65,500 colors Changing screen settingsChanging color depth and screen resolution Changing the appearance of windows and backgrounds To change the Windows desktop backgroundSelecting a screen saver Changing gadgets Using a gadget’s control panel Configuring the gadget SidebarSetting up multiple monitors Changing system sounds User account tips Changing mouse settingsAdding and modifying user accounts To add, delete, or modify user accounts Changing power-saving settings Changing the power planClick Save changes Changing accessibility settings Using the Ease of Access CenterSetting up parental controls Using voice recognitionFiltering Internet access Restricting game access Scheduling computer and Internet usePage Restricting specific programs Creating activity reportsAll Rights Reserved Trademark acknowledgmentsChapter Index See DVD HD-DVD Sending fax Page MAN Ecooper USR GDE 11/08
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