eMachines EL1200 Series manual Wireless Ethernet standards, Using an access point

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Chapter 5: Networking Your Computer

Wireless Ethernet standards

Current wireless Ethernet standards include the following:

•802.11a — 54Mbps

•802.11b — 11Mbps

•802.11g — 54Mbps

•802.11n — 540Mbps

Speed is not the only issue if you decide to use equipment with different standards. Compatibility can also be an issue. Take the following into consideration when you purchase wireless equipment:

Access point	Wireless cards supported

802.11a	802.11a only

802.11b	802.11b only

802.11g	802.11b and 802.11g

802.11n	802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n

Using an access point

An access point is a small electronic device that serves as the central control point for your network. You connect your modem to the access point, set up a network connection, then browse the Internet, send e-mail, share files and folders with other networked computers, and access other devices, like a printer or scanner.

Cable or DSL modem

Access point

Equipment you need for an access point-based network

Tip

When you buy your access point, make sure it has:

•IEEE 802.11n support. 802.11n is the fastest method for wireless communications. 802.11n is compatible with the older IEEE 802.11g and IEEE 802.11b formats but not with the competing IEEE 802.11a format. Make sure that you get the correct format that matches your computer.

•DHCP server/dynamic IP address assignment capability that makes it easier to set up and access your network.

•Internet security features like a firewall to keep intruders out of your network.

•Wireless security features like SecureEasySetup™ or 128-bit WEP encryption.

For a wireless Ethernet network you need:

•Your Gateway computer with wireless networking installed

•A broadband Internet connection (optional)

•An access point

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Contents Desktop PC User Guide Page Contents Networking Your Computer Iii Contents Chapter Using the eMachines Web site Using Help and Support Thank you for purchasing our computerTip Using online help Contacting eMachinesGetting 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 Working with files and folders Viewing drivesCreating 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 foldersWorking with documents Creating a new documentSaving a document Opening a document Printing a documentShortcuts Do thisUsing Windows Using the Internet and Faxing Setting up an Internet account Learning about the InternetUsing the World Wide Web Accessing your Internet accountConnecting to a Web site 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 Creating audio files and music libraries Creating music filesRecording audio files Creating WMA and MP3 music files Building a music library Editing track informationCreating a music CD using Windows Media Player Creating music CDs and video DVDsCreating 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 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 Wireless Ethernet standards Using an access pointEquipment you need for an access point-based network Setting up wireless Ethernet network hardware Establishing your Ethernet network connectionNaming the computers and the workgroup 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 networkBluetooth networking Copying files across the networkPrinting files across the network Help Protecting your computer Data security Startup and hard drive passwordHardware security Kensington lock slotUsing Norton Protecting your computer from virusesRemoving viruses and spyware Protecting your computer Updating your virus and spyware definitions Using Windows Security Center Modifying security settingsClick Start, Control Panel, then Click Security Security updates Windows UpdateScheduling automatic updates Click Windows UpdateBigFix Customizing Windows Changing screen settings Changing color depth and screen resolutionLow 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 Changing mouse settings Adding and modifying user accountsUser 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