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How to Network your Computers

There are several methods to Networking your Computers. I have a Cable connection so I use This Method. First you need Network cards in all the Computers you intend on Networking together.

I am using D-Link Dual Speed 10/100 Mbps Ethernet PCI Adapter and Linksys 10/100 EtherFast Lan Card for PCI slot

Next : you will need a Hub, I use the Linksys 5 Port Workgroup Hub.

Next : you will need some RJ45 cable

Next : Install the Network cards.The two I used are Plug and Play so Windows will automatically detect and load the necessary files for the cards.

After the NIC Cards are installed, check in the Device Manager (link to a picture of it) under Network Adapters, if there are no Yellow ! or ? your good to go on the cards.

Next : Go to Start- Settings- Control Panel-Double Click the Network Icon,(link to a picture of it) you should see the following Listed:

• Client for Microsoft Networks
• Microsoft Logon
• (if you installed a D-Link ) D-Link DFE530TX PCI Fast Ethernet Adapter
• TCP/IP --> D-Link--------
• File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks
• In the smaller Window I use Windows Logon , so I do not have to mess with the startup Password thing.
• If any of the above are not list , you will need to click the ADD button to add them.
• 1-2 are Microsoft-Clients
• 3-4-5 are Microsoft-Protocols
• I also added IPX/SPX under Protocols for Lan, Game Playing, once it is added Highlight IPX/SPX for the Network Card, Click on the Properties button -Bindings-Frame Type-Choose Ethernet II
• Next : Click on the Identification Tab-- Name the Computer and assign it to a work group, assign all the Computers to the same work group, but with different names, so you can find them in Network Neighborhood.
• Next Click on the File and Printer Sharing button, check File sharing and or Printer Sharing.Once Windows has Rebooted, go to My Computer, right click on the C: drive double click Sharing. I would put a good Password on the access of the drive you choose. I only turn on File Sharing when I need to, then turn it off. Next open the Printer File, Right Click your default Printer, check sharing.

OK : Now double click the Icon, Network Neighborhood,(link to a picture of it) on your Desktop , double click on your work group, double click the drive you want to access.If your work group is not shown, Right Click on Network Neighborhood, double click on Map Network Drive, type in the path of the computer, choose any drive letter, check Logon at Startup, click OK. The Path is \\The name you gave the computer\drive letter, such as \\sams computer\C once the computer is connected, you will see it in Windows Explorer as a new drive letter and the name of the Computer. You may want to assign the CD-ROM drive to a new drive letter before you turn on File sharing, I use Q. Go to the Device Manager Double click the CD-ROM Installed , click on the settings Tab, pick a new Drive Letter.

If you are on a full time connection like DSL or Cable you should have a Firewall, the Best is ZoneAlarm Pro , there is a Free Version also.

Another way to Network your computers is to use a Router.

One of the most popular Routers people use including me, is the Linksys BEFSR41 Click on picture for more info.

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Linksys 4 port Router

I used the Hub method for a couple years, then I switched to the Router. Why ? For one thing I only show one IP Address and that one is assigned to the Router. The Router then assigns each computer attached to it and IP address, let say computer a has 100 for the address, when 100 receives mail, the Router will receive the mail and then see that it is for the computer with the address 100 inside the Network, it will direct the mail to that computer. The biggest advantages to a Router versus a Hub setup, is that 1. it only uses one IP address from your Network provider and to your provider it looks like a computer. 2. The Linksys Router is the perfect option to connect multiple PCs to a high-speed Broadband Internet connection. 3. Allows up to 253 users, the built-in NAT technology acts as a firewall protecting your internal network. With the Linksys BEFSR41 Router you connect four computers to the Internet and Lan. Sound good, it is easy to setup to. Each System will have different requirements and or setups this will be in laymen terms and simply explained.

You will need a Network card in each computer, next an RJ-45 cable for each computer and one for the Internet connection, connect one to your Internet connection, like a Cable Modem and then to the Router, next one will go from the Router to each computer. Fire up the computers and the Modem, enter the Routers Control Panel, make your settings and Whalla online. It really is that easy, the Router pretty much setups everything for you, anyway the Linksys BEFSR41 Router, I use did. Like I said, just follow the Manuals instructions, they are very user friendly. If you run into problems just email me for Help, also checkout this site, HowStuffWorks.com on Home Networking.

A lot of you have Phone Modems. Here are some Tips and Info on them.

If you are downloading at 2.50 KB, here are a few things you can do that may increase your speed. When I was on a dailup connection my speed was 2.57 KB with a 56K modem. I got it up to 5.57 to 6.75KBs.

First thing is to have your modem connected as close to the outside phone box as possible, the more splices between your modem and the phone box, the slower your connection. I connected right to the phone box and ran the wire right to the modem.

Secound I bought a program called Net Optimizer to change my Registery settings for the modem. You can download a free program called ispeed, it will optimize your registery settings. Windows settings by default, are for high speed connections, like DSL or Cable and tend to slow phone connections.

Thirdly go to your Device Manager(link to a picture of it) or check in your Manual to find out what Modem Card you have. Then go to the Manufactures site, go to their support section and look for a Driver update, if there is one, download it and update your Modem Card. Make sure the Modem Card is running properly, click on the Modem Card, then click the Properties button , go to the resource Tab and see if the card is error free.

Ms-Dos Ping: If your connected but not sure that you are, go to Start-programs-MS-DOS prompt and type, ping 64.65.15.132 ( Screen Shot )you should get something like packets sent, packets received, no errors, that means your connected. If it says packets not received you are not. To get out of msdos just type exit and hit enter.

I am on a Cable Modem and some times mine will mess up, I'll open up the winipcfg screen,click the more information button and then click the Renew button. My problems will go away. You go to Start-Run-type in, winipcfg (link to a picture of it ). Try clicking on the Renew button to update your settings.

Another reason for a slow connection is your line coming to the house may be old. Mine was, I had a dedicated phone line brought in to the house and that help also.

This Web Site has compehensive Information on Modems -- Modemsite.com

Microsofts Windows 98 Communications Error Messages page Modem Errors

Thats about all I can recomend for now, hopefully that helps ( :