eMachines EL1200 Series manual Setting up wired Ethernet network hardware

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Chapter 5: Networking Your Computer

Setting up wired Ethernet network hardware

Making sure your broadband connection works

Important

If you do not have a broadband connection already installed, make the necessary arrangements with your ISP. Be sure to find out how soon after the installation the line will be activated.

Broadband Internet settings differ from ISP to ISP. Before you begin setting up your network, you should contact your ISP for any specific instructions they have for setting up a network.

Before you change anything about your home setup, make sure that your broadband connection is working correctly. To test the connection, log onto the Internet using your current setup. If the connection is not working, contact your Internet service provider.

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

Plug your Ethernet cable into your computer’s jack and the router or the cable or DSL modem at this point, if you have not already done so.

Connecting network cables

We recommend using category 5 (Cat 5), unshielded, twisted-pair cable (about 1/4-inch diameter with a thin outer-jacket, containing eight color-coded wires), and equipment compatible with this type of cable. This type of cable is equipped with RJ-45 connectors (like a large telephone jack connector, but with eight pins) on each end.

Cat 5 cables are available in two different types; straight-through cables, used to connect computers to a router, and crossover cables, used to connect two computers.

To determine which type of cable you have, hold both ends of the cable with the connectors facing away from you and with the spring clip on the bottom. For straight-through cable, the wires on both connectors are attached to copper pins in the same order (same colors, left to right). For a crossover cable, the wires on each connector are attached to the copper pins in a different order (different colors, left to right).

Setting up a network using a router

If you are setting up a network for more than two computers and you will be connecting your network to a high-speed Broadband Internet connection (cable or DSL modem), we recommend the use of a router. A router lets you access the Internet connection from any network computer. The router can assign IP addresses to the computers on the network and can provide firewall protection for your network as well.

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Contents Desktop PC User Guide Page Contents Networking Your Computer Iii Contents Chapter Thank you for purchasing our computer Using the eMachines Web site Using Help and SupportTip Contacting eMachines Using online helpGetting help for Windows Media Center Getting Help Using Windows Using the Windows desktop HelpUsing the Start menu ShortcutAdding icons to the desktop Identifying window itemsWindow item Description Viewing drives Working with files and foldersCreating folders Copying and moving files and folders Deleting files and folders Using the Windows Search Searching for filesUsing advanced search options Browsing for files and foldersCreating a new document Working with documentsSaving a document Opening a document Printing a documentShortcuts Do thisUsing Windows Using the Internet and Faxing Setting up an Internet account Learning about the InternetAccessing your Internet account Using the World Wide WebConnecting to a Web site Using e-mail Downloading filesSending e-mail Click Create MailUsing Windows Fax and Scan Checking your e-mailSending a fax 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 Creating music files Creating audio files and music librariesRecording audio files Creating WMA and MP3 music files Building a music library Editing track informationCreating music CDs and video DVDs Creating a music CD using Windows Media PlayerCreating a music CD 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 Wired Ethernet networking Introduction to NetworkingEthernet 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 Using an access point Wireless Ethernet standardsEquipment you need for an access point-based network Establishing your Ethernet network connection Setting up wireless Ethernet network hardwareNaming the computers and the workgroup Configuring the TCP/IP protocol Connecting to a wireless Ethernet networkPage Testing your network Wireless securityAdding a printer to your network Sharing resourcesPage Using the network Viewing shared drives and foldersCreating a shortcut to a network drive Opening files across the networkCopying files across the network Bluetooth networkingPrinting files across the network Help Protecting your computer Startup and hard drive password Hardware securityData security Kensington lock slotProtecting your computer from viruses Using NortonRemoving viruses and spyware Protecting your computer Updating your virus and spyware definitions Modifying security settings Using Windows Security CenterClick Start, Control Panel, then Click Security Security updates Windows UpdateClick Windows Update Scheduling automatic updatesBigFix Customizing Windows Changing color depth and screen resolution Changing screen settingsLow 8-bit = 256 colors Medium 16-bit = 65,500 colors 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 Adding and modifying user accounts Changing mouse settingsUser account tips 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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