eMachines EL1200 Series manual Establishing your Ethernet network connection

Page 55

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Determining if a wireless Ethernet device is already installed on your computer

To determine if an Ethernet card is already installed on your computer:

1Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.

2Click System and Maintenance, then click System.

3Click Device Manager from the task list on the left. The Device Manager window opens.

4Click the plus (+) in front of Network adapters. The wireless Ethernet device installed in your computer is listed. If one is not listed, you must install one.

Setting up wireless 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 wireless cards and drivers

After you have determined the type of wireless equipment you are using for your network, you need to install wireless cards and drivers on the computers that do not have them already installed. To order wireless Ethernet PCI or PC cards, visit the Accessories Store at www.emachines.com.

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

Setting up your access point

A wireless Ethernet network sends and receives information through radio waves. This means that another computer outside your network can intercept the radio waves and take control of your network.

If you do not set up security for your network, a hacker can gain access to your Internet connection to send spam e-mail and to your hard drive to download viruses or view your personal data, like credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, and personal online banking information.

Check your access point documentation for information about installing the access point and setting network security.

Establishing your Ethernet network connection

Naming the computers and the workgroup

Important

You must give each computer on the network a unique Computer Name and the same Workgroup Name.

Make sure that you have set up your router (wired network) or access point (wireless network). If you are setting up a wired network, make sure that you have connected the network cabling.

To identify this computer on the network:

1Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.

2Click System and Maintenance. The System and Maintenance window opens.

3Click System, then click Change Settings in the Computer Name, Domain and Workgroup settings area. The System Properties dialog box opens.

4Click Change.

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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 Help Using the Windows desktopShortcut Using the Start menuIdentifying window items Adding icons to the desktopWindow item Description Viewing drives Working with files and foldersCreating folders Copying and moving files and folders Deleting files and folders Searching for files Using the Windows SearchBrowsing for files and folders Using advanced search optionsCreating a new document Working with documentsSaving a document Printing a document Opening a documentDo this ShortcutsUsing Windows Using the Internet and Faxing Learning about the Internet Setting up an Internet accountAccessing your Internet account Using the World Wide WebConnecting to a Web site Click Create Mail Using e-mailDownloading files Sending e-mailClick Send/Receive Using Windows Fax and ScanChecking your e-mail Sending a faxUsing the Internet and Faxing Page Setting up your cover page template Faxing a scanned document or from programs Canceling a faxReceiving and viewing a fax Playing and Creating Media Files Playing audio and video files Playing music and moviesPlaying optical discs Playing an optical disc using Windows Media PlayerIf 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 Editing track information Building a music libraryCreating music CDs and video DVDs Creating a music CD using Windows Media PlayerCreating a music CD Creating a video DVD Creating a video DVD using Windows DVD MakerPlaying and Creating Media Files Creating a data disc Creating and copying data discsStarting Windows Media Center Using Windows Media CenterPage Buttons Functions Using the Media Center remote controlNetworking Your Computer Networking terms you should know Wired Ethernet networkingIntroduction to Networking Ethernet networkingEquipment you need for a router-based Ethernet network Click System and Maintenance, then click SystemMaking sure your broadband connection works Setting up wired Ethernet network hardwareWireless 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 Connecting to a wireless Ethernet network Configuring the TCP/IP protocolPage Sharing resources Testing your networkWireless security Adding a printer to your networkPage Opening files across the network Using the networkViewing shared drives and folders Creating a shortcut to a network driveCopying files across the network Bluetooth networkingPrinting files across the network Help Protecting your computer Kensington lock slot Startup and hard drive passwordHardware security Data securityProtecting 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 Windows Update Security updatesClick 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 To change the Windows desktop background Changing the appearance of windows and backgroundsSelecting a screen saver Changing gadgets Configuring the gadget Sidebar Using a gadget’s control panelSetting up multiple monitors Changing system sounds Adding and modifying user accounts Changing mouse settingsUser account tips To add, delete, or modify user accounts Changing the power plan Changing power-saving settingsClick Save changes Using the Ease of Access Center Changing accessibility settingsUsing voice recognition Setting up parental controlsFiltering Internet access Scheduling computer and Internet use Restricting game accessPage Creating activity reports Restricting specific programsTrademark acknowledgments All Rights ReservedChapter Index See DVD HD-DVD Sending fax Page MAN Ecooper USR GDE 11/08
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