50 Setting Up and Using Networks
Setting Up a Network in the Microsoft® Windows® XP Operating System
1
Click
Start
→
All Programs
→
Accessories
→
Communications
→
Network Setup Wizard
→
Next
→
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 Service Pack 2 (SP2).
2
Complete the checklist.
3
Return to the Network Setup Wizard and follow the instructions in the wizard.
Setting Up a Network in the Microsoft Windows Vista® Operating System
1
Click the Windows Vista Start button
, ,
and click
Connect To
→
Set up a connection or network
.
2
Select an option under
Choose a connection option
.
3
Click
Next
, and then follow the instructions in the wizard.
Wireless Local Area Network
A wireless local area network (WLAN) is a series of interconnected computers that communicate with
each other over the air waves rather than through a network cable connected to each computer. In a
WLAN, a radio communications device called an access point or wireless router connects network
computers and provides Internet, or network, access. The access point or wireless router and the wireless
network card in the computer communicate by broadcasting data from their antennas over the air waves.

What You Need to Establish a WLAN Connection

Before you can set up a WLAN, you need:
• High-speed (broadband) Internet access (such as cable or DSL)
• A broadband modem that is connected and working
• A wireless router or access point
• A wireless network card for each computer that you want to connect to your WLAN
• A network cable with a network (RJ-45) connector

Checking Your Wireless Network Card

Depending on what you selected when you purchased your computer, the computer has a variety of
configurations. To confirm that your computer has a wireless network card and to determine the type of
card, use one of the following:
•The
Start
button and the
Connect To
option