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Configuring the TCP/IP protocol
A networking protocol is a language computers use to
talk to each other. One of several available protocols
must be set up on each computer you plan to use on
your network. We recommend you use the
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
(TCP/IP), which is widely accepted and compatible for
local area networks (LANs), as well as for Internet
communications.
When networking is set up in Windows Vista™, TCP/IP
is automatically installed as the default protocol.
Using a DHCP server
In order to use the TCP/IP protocol on a computer with
a router or access point router, the protocol must be
set to “Obtain an IP address from a DHCP server.” This
is typically preset when you receive your computer.
Configuring your router
After you have named your computers and set up
TCP/IP on them, you can configure your router using
your Web browser. For instructions, see your router’s
documentation.