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Gateway GM5643E Using anaccesspoint, Equipmentyouneedforanaccesspoint-basednetwork

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CHAPTER 5: Networking Your Computer

Speed is not the only issue if you decide to use equipment with different standards. Compatibility can also be an issue. Take the following into consideration when you purchase wireless equipment:

Access point	Wireless cards supported

802.11a	802.11a only

802.11b	802.11b only

802.11g	802.11b and 802.11g

802.11n	802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n

Using anaccesspoint

An access point is a small electronic device that serves as the central control point for your network. You connect your modem to the access point, set up a network connection, then browse the Internet, send e-mail, share files and folders with other networked computers, and access other devices, like a printer or scanner.

Cable or DSL modem

Access point

Equipmentyouneedforanaccesspoint-basednetwork

Tip

When you buy your access point, make sure it has:

•IEEE 802.11n support. 802.11n is the fastest method for wireless communications. 802.11n is compatible with the older IEEE 802.11g and IEEE 802.11b formats but not with the competing IEEE 802.11a format. Make sure that you get the correct format that matches your computer.

•DHCP server/dynamic IP address assignment capability that makes it easier to set up and access your network.

•Internet security features like a firewall to keep intruders out of your network.

•Wireless security features like SecureEasySetup™ or 128-bit WEP encryption.

If you are not sure what to buy, check out Gateway’s accessory store at www.gateway.com.

For a wireless Ethernet network you need:

•Your Gateway computer with a wireless Ethernet network card installed

•A broadband Internet connection (optional)

•An access point

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.

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Contents

GATEWAY COMPUTER Page Contents Page Page Page CHAPTER1 Getting Help •Using the Gateway Web site •Using Help and Support •Using online help Thank you for purchasing our computer Using the Gateway Web site Using Help and Support Searching for a topic Getting help for Windows Media Center Using online help Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity CHAPTER2 Using Windows •Using the Windows desktop •Working with files and folders •Searching for files Using the Windows desktop Using the Start menu Adding icons to the desktop Identifying window items Working with files and folders Viewing drives Creating folders Copying and moving files and folders Deleting files and folders Searching for files Using the Windows Search Using advancedsearchoptions Browsing for files and folders Working with documents Creating a new document Saving a document Opening a document Printing a document Shortcuts CHAPTER3 Using the Internet and Faxing •Learning about the Internet •Setting up an Internet account •Using the World Wide Web Learning about the Internet Setting up an Internet account Accessing your Internet account Using the World Wide Web Connecting to a Web site Downloading files Using e-mail jdoe@hotmail.com Sending e-mail Checking your e-mail Using Windows Fax and Scan Sending a fax Page Setting upyourcoverpagetemplate Faxingascanneddocumentor fromprograms Canceling afax Receiving and viewing a fax Page CHAPTER4 Playing and Creating Media Files •Playing music and movies •Creating audio files and music libraries Playing music and movies Playing audio and video files Playing optical discs PlayinganopticaldiscusingWindowsMediaPlayer Page Creating audio files and music libraries Creating music files Recording audiofiles CreatingWMAandMP3 music files Building a music library Editing track information Creating music CDs and video DVDs Creating a music CD CreatingamusicCDusingWindowsMediaPlayer Creating a video DVD Creatingavideo DVDusing WindowsDVDMaker Page Creating and copying data discs Creating a data disc Using Windows Media Center Starting Windows Media Center Page Using the Media Center remote control CHAPTER5 Networking Your Computer •Introduction to Networking •Ethernet networking •Bluetooth networking Introduction to Networking Networking terms you should know Ethernet networking Wired Ethernet networking Ethernet,FastEthernet,or GigabitEthernet Equipmentyouneed for a router-basedEthernetnetwork Setting up wiredEthernet networkhardware Wireless Ethernet networking Wireless Ethernetstandards Using anaccesspoint Equipmentyouneedforanaccesspoint-basednetwork Setting upwireless Ethernetnetwork hardware Establishing your Ethernet network connection Namingthecomputers andtheworkgroup Configuring the TCP/IPprotocol Connecting toawirelessEthernetnetwork Wireless security Testing your network Adding a printer to your network Sharing resources Sharingdrives andprinters Using the network Viewing shareddrives andfolders Creatingashortcuttoanetworkdrive Openingfilesacrossthenetwork Copying filesacrossthenetwork Printingfilesacross thenetwork Bluetooth networking Page CHAPTER6 Protecting your computer •Hardware security •Data security •Security updates Hardware security Kensington lock slot Data security Startup and hard drive password Windows user accounts Protecting your computer from viruses Using McAfee SecurityCenter Scanningfor andremovingviruses Updatingyourvirusdefinitions Configuring McAfeeVirusScan Page Using McAfeeParentalControls Using Windows Security Center Modifyingsecurity settings Security updates Windows Update Schedulingautomaticupdates BigFix CHAPTER7 Customizing Windows •Changing screen settings •Changing system sounds •Changing mouse settings Changing screen settings Changing color depth and screen resolution Changing the appearance of windows and backgrounds Selecting a screen saver Changing gadgets Using agadget’s controlpanel Configuring the gadgetSidebar Setting up multiple monitors Changing system sounds Changing mouse settings Adding and modifying user accounts User accounttips Changing power-savingsettings Changing the power plan Page Changing accessibility settings Using the Ease of Access Center Using voice recognition Setting up parental controls Filtering Internet access Scheduling computer and Internet use Restricting game access Page Restricting specific programs Creating activity reports Index