CHAPTER 9: Networking Your Computer | www.gateway.com |
To determine if an Ethernet card is already installed on your computer:
1Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. If your Control Panel is in Category View, click Performance and Maintenance.
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3Click the plus (+) in front of Netwcmork adapters. The Ethernet device installed in your computer is listed. If one is not listed, you must install one.
Creating an Ethernet network
Installing Ethernet cards and drivers
After you have determined the type of Ethernet you are using for your network, you need to install Ethernet cards and drivers on the computers that do not have Ethernet already installed. To order wired or wireless Ethernet PCI or PC cards, visit the Accessories Store at accessories.gateway.com.
Use the documentation that comes with your Ethernet cards for instructions on installing the card and any required drivers.
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 will 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.
Naming the computers and the workgroup
Important
You must give each computer on the network a unique Computer Name and the same Workgroup Name.
1Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. If your Control Panel is in Category View, click Performance and Maintenance. The Performance and Maintenance window opens.
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3Click Computer Name.
4Click Change. The Computer Name Changes dialog box opens.
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