Network
Installation
Note: If your desktop
or laptop PC carries a built-in wired or wireless network
adapter, you have a head start. If it's part of the motherboard,
it's usually enabled by default, but make sure by opening
and examining your PC Setup program. Refer to your PC manual
for details.1. In all three situations shown here, Windows
should automatically recognize the network product. Follow
the manufacturer's directions for installing the driver
and any additional utilities; some require you to install
the driver before adding the adapter.
Photograph: Kevin Candland(A) Add-in cards (wired or wireless):
Turn off your PC and unplug it from the wall. Wear an antistatic
wrist strap to avoid static damage. Find a free PCI slot,
remove the slot cover, carefully insert the network card
into the slot, and fasten the card down with a screw. Close
your PC's case and restart the machine.(B) Wireless and
power-line USB products: With your computer up and running,
plug the adapter into a free USB port.(C) PC Card: Simply
plug the card in while the laptop is running.2. Hook up
the router. To share a broadband Internet connection, you'll
have to hook up your DSL or cable modem to your router.
Use the cable that comes packed with the router, and make
sure you plug it into the correct jack, usually labeled
'WLAN'.3. Connect the wires. If you're using a standard,
wired network, plug a Category 5 network cable into the
computer's network jack, and insert the other end into the
hub, switch, or router. (Many wireless routers include a
built-in switch that allows you to connect additional PCs
using an ethernet cable.) Repeat for each connected PC.4.
Install drivers and software. Many wireless adapters and
other networking products require software apps beyond their
basic drivers. Follow the manufacturer's directions. Windows'
Network Setup Wizard will guide you through the final steps.
In Windows XP, go to Start, My Network Places, and click
Set up a home or small office network in the Network Tasks
section.Search for Network Troubleshooter in Windows Help
if you encounter problems.What's This Thing Called DHCP?
One of the most confusing parts of configuring a router
involves the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
settings. Despite the intimidating terminology, it's quite
simple. Just as every Web site on the Internet has a unique
TCP/IP address associated with its URL (PCWorld.com's main
Web site address is 65.228.224.30), every PC on your home
and office network needs to have a unique TCP/IP address
to share an Internet connection. Specific requirements govern
how these addresses are formed. Instead of your generating
addresses manually, the DHCP server included in the router
automatically assigns addresses to all PCs. For the easiest
network setup, make sure that DHCP is enabled in your router
and on the network adapters of all PCs connected to the
network.
