Setup A Wired Network
We have recently taken a look at the basic components needed to network your two or more computers in your home.Now we began the good stuff.We have connected our two Pentium 4 systems using the Ethernet,the Powerline,the Phoneline And Wireless networks.
The first task is to install the NIC or Network Interface Cards in an empty expansion slot in both system units.These cards are installed in the newer style PCI Slots. If your NICs are USB or Universal Seriel Bus cards, there is no need to open the system unit.These cardsare connected to the USB ports in the system unit.
After you have inserted the cards,replace the system unit cover and boot the computer.The operating system should ask for the device driver for the card.Insert the cdrom that came with the card into the cdrom drive and install the device driver.
You can now connect each CAT-5 cable from each PC to the Hub,Router,or Switch.This will allow data to travel to and from each system in the network. Provide power to the Switch and note the indicator lights to be sure you have a good connection.
Decide which computer is first to setup the network. If only one system has Windows XP,this would be better chioce.You can now use the Network wizard in womdows XP to setup your network on all PCs or use the software supplied with the Router or Switch.We tried both and found Windows XP to work best.Windows 98 was more complicated.
After following instructions for setting up your home network,you should be able to share and move files from each system.Windows XP makes it easy to share printers.And sharing the Internet with a Cable or DSL broadband modem should be easy.
You should try to network your systems,even if only to gain the knowledge.The components may be a little pricey,so consider using it to the maximum should you network your systems.
You will gain much more storage space when you network your systems.And if you're in business, this just may be a life saver.