There are lots of ways to network computers; choose the easiest and most efficient option. If you’re looking for the fastest, easiest, and least expensive way to put together a network, look no further. If you have a network that’s set up with a network server and it’s giving you fits, consider switching. In this section, you’ll learn all you need to know to put a workgroup together quickly. With the proper hardware, you’ll be up and running in no time.
You’ll need to verify that each computer you want to connect has a network card. To find out:
- Either from the Start menu or from the Desktop, right-click My Computer and choose Properties.
- In System Properties, click the Hardware tab.
- Under the Device Manager section, select Device Manager.
- In the Device Manager window, click the View menu, and verify that Devices By Type is selected. If it isn’t, select it.
- Locate Network Adapters and expand it.
- Look for something that is called a NIC (network interface card). If you can’t find this, you don’t have a NIC installed.
- If you locate the NIC but it has a red X or a yellow exclamation point beside it, right-click the item and click Install. If that doesn’t work, right-click the item and click Update Driver. If the card still doesn’t show up properly in Device Manager, use Windows Update or visit your manufacturer’s web site for upgraded drivers or software. If the card still won’t work, it may be nonfunctional, and you may need to replace it.
If you have a computer you want to connect that does not have a NIC or has a nonfunctioning NIC, you’ll have to install a new one. If you’ve installed a card before, you can probably install this one. If you’ve never opened the computer, you’re better off taking it to a technician. For most newer Windows XP computers, you’ll be looking for a 10/100 Ethernet NIC for a PCI slot. However, if you aren’t sure, take it to a service technician or computer store.
Once all of your computers have NICs, you need to purchase a networking device (hub, switch, or router) and some Ethernet cables. The hub, switch, or router is a small piece of hardware that plugs into a wall outlet. It has inputs for connecting the Ethernet cables. The cables run from the networking device to the computer’s NIC. Thus, you’ll need one networking device, a NIC, and an Ethernet cable for each computer you plan to connect.
Visit your local computer store and speak with a salesperson for more information on the available hardware
Finally, your Internet service provider (ISP) may set up your network for free. If you have broadband or DSL, the company may provide a router and send a technician to your house to set it up. In most instances, they’ll also set up a wireless connection between that router and the other computers in your home, if you have the required hardware. If that’s the case, you need not worry about it yourself.