Determining if an Ethernet card is already installed on your computer
To determine if an Ethernet card is already installed on your computer:
1 Click
2 Click System and Maintenance, then click System.
3 Click Device Manager from the task list on the left. The
4 Click the plus (+) in front of Network adapters. The Ethernet device installed in
Setting up wired Ethernet network hardware
Making sure your broadband connection works
necessary arrangements with your ISP. Be sure to find out how soon after the
installation the line will be activated.
Broadband Internet settings 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.
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.
Use the documentation that comes with your Ethernet cards for instructions on
installing the card and any required drivers.
Plug your Ethernet cable into your computer's jack and the router or the cable or
DSL modem at this point, if you have not already done so.
Connecting network cables
We recommend using category 5 (Cat 5), unshielded, twisted-pair cable
(approximately 1/4-inch diameter with a thin outer-jacket, containing eight
color-coded wires), and equipment compatible with this type of cable. This type of
cable is equipped with RJ-45 connectors (like a large telephone jack connector, but
with eight pins) on each end.
Cat 5 cables are available in two different types; straight-through cables, used to
connect computers to a router, and crossover cables, used to connect two computers.
To determine which type of cable you have, hold both ends of the cable with the
connectors facing away from you and with the spring clip on the bottom. For
straight-through cable, the wires on both connectors are attached to copper pins in
the same order (same colors, left to right). For a crossover cable, the wires on each
connector are attached to the copper pins in a different order (different colors, left
to right).
Setting up a network using a router
If you are setting up a network for more than two computers and you will be
connecting your network to a high-speed Broadband Internet connection (cable or
DSL modem), we recommend the use of a router. A router lets you access the Internet
connection from any network computer. The router can assign IP addresses to the
computers on the network and can provide firewall protection for your network as
well.
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CHAPTER 5: Networking Your Notebook
(Start), then click Control Panel. The
opens.
your computer is listed. If one is not listed, you must install one.
Important
If you do not have a broadband connection already installed, make the
.
Control Panel window opens.
Device Manager window