46 Setting Up a Home and Office Network
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Network Setup Wizard
The Microsoft
®
Windows
®
XP operating system provides a Network Setup Wizard to guide you
through the process of sharing files, printers, or an Internet connection between computers in a
home or small office.
1
Click the
Start
button, point to
All Programs
→
Accessories
→
Communications
, and then
click
Network Setup Wizard
.
2
On the welcome screen, click
Next
.
3
Click
Checklist for creating a network
.
NOTE: Selecting the connection method labeled "This computer connects directly to the Internet"
enables the integrated firewall provided with Windows XP.
4
Complete the checklist and required preparations.
5
Return to the Network Setup Wizard and follow the instructions on the screen.
Connecting to a Wireless Local Area Network
NOTE: These networking instructions do not apply to cards with Bluetooth® wireless technology or
cellular products.

Determining Your Network Type

NOTE: Most wireless networks are of the infrastructure type.
Wireless networks fall into three categories—infrastructure networks, ad-hoc networks, and home
networks. An infrastructure network uses routers or access points to connect several computers. An
ad-hoc network does not use routers or access points and consists of computers that broadcast to
one another. A home network typically employs high-speed Internet access such as DSL or cable,
and an access point or router. For more information on the type of network you have, go to
support.dell.com
and search for Knowledge Base articles on wireless networking.