Networking Your Computers

Setting up a computer network, whether to share files, or Internet service, can be a lot of fun. It's more fun, though, if you set it up properly, from the start. I'll try and make that possible, if you work with me.

• Learn about the OSI Network Model.
  
  
• Learn basic networking skills
  • Linksys: Home Networking Basics.
  • Microsoft: (KB813936): How to set up a small network ...
  
  
  
• Learn basic terminology.
  • Microsoft: Glossary of Acronyms for PC and Server Technologies
  • PChuck: Physical Network Components Terminology.
  • PChuck: Windows Networking Terminology.
  
  
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• Design and setup the physical network.
  
  
  
  • I highly recommend, in all cases,
    
    
    
    • Use a LAN (Ethernet, FiberOptic Cable, or WiFi), for any permanent networking needs. Use a PAN (Firewire or USB), for any short term emergency needs. And understand the difference between the two.
    
    
    • If your Internet service is by broadband, a broadband (NAT) router is, by far, a good choice.
    
    
    • If you're setting up a WiFi network, know how to Setup WiFi Effectively.
    
    
    • If you're connecting two or more LANs thru the Internet, use a properly planned and designed Virtual Private Network.
      
  
  
  • I recommend, in most cases,
    
    
    
    • Use Ethernet, not WiFi, for the majority of your network.
    
    
    • Buy premade and tested, Ethernet cables.
    
    
    • Buy a router, whether you have one computer, two computers, or a household of computers.
    
    
  
  
  • I suggest, in specific cases,
    
    
    
    • Consider one specific code and safety issue, where FiberOptic Cable, or WiFi, would be preferred over Ethernet.
    
    
    • Read about installing electrical cable inside your home.
    
    
    • If you are connecting a NAT router between a broadband modem and a previously connected computer, know how to set the modem to recognise the router.
    
    
    • If you have 2 or more computers, you can connect them without using a router / wireless access point, using an ad-hoc network. With Ethernet cards on the computers, the simplest network you can setup is by directly connecting two computers with a cross-over cable; with WiFi adapters, you can setup an ad-hoc WiFi network. Know when and how to use a crossover cable, or how to setup an ad-hoc WiFi network, to connect your computers.
    
    
    • If you have your computers, connected by an ad-hoc network, and you wish to enjoy Internet service on each, one solution is to connect one directly to your Internet service, run ICS on it, and the others will have service too. Know when and how to use ICS to share Internet service.
    
    
    • If your Internet service is by dial-up, you can still protect yourself, and share service, with a dial-up compatible NAT router.
    
    
  
  


• Having completed the physical setup, test physical connectivity.


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• Design and setup the logical network.
  
  
  
  • I highly recommend, in all cases,
    
    
    
    • Read and understand the issues of Windows Networking.
    
    
    
    
  • I recommend, in most cases,
    
    
    
    • On a computer running Windows XP, run the Network Setup Wizard on each computer (as neccessary), and enable NetBIOS Over TCP (NetBT), the Microsoft supported networking transport, for file sharing, except for specific conditions.
    
    
    • On a computer running Windows Vista, run the Networking and Sharing Center wizard, and set the Network Location Type to Private.
    
    
  
  
  • I suggest, in specific cases,
    
    
    
    • If your LAN uses just one router, you have a simple broadcast domain, and file sharing should work right out of the box. If your LAN has to use two or more routers, you need to read about File Sharing On A LAN With Two Routers.
    
    
    • If you have two computers, each with its own Internet service, and pay for 2 IP addresses from your ISP, and want to run file sharing also, please disable NBT and use IPX/SPX for file sharing.
    
    
    • There may be legitimate reasons for using IPX/SPX or NetBEUI for file sharing. Know the advantages and disadvantages of using an alternate transport for file sharing.
    
    
    • Be aware of complications that you may experience when connecting different computers or routers directly to your broadband modem.
    
    
  
  


• Having completed the logical setup, test logical connectivity.


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• Design and setup the applications and security.
  
  
  
  • I highly recommend, in all cases,
    
    
    
    • Understand the differences between the various versions of Windows Vista and XP, and between Windows Vista / XP and other versions of Windows.
      • If you haven't purchased your Windows operating system yet, know about the different editions of Windows XP, and of Windows Vista, and choose the right one.
      • If you are setting up a network, with the operating systems already in place, understand the differences when setting up file sharing between each computer running Windows Vista / XP.
      • Know the issues when networking computers running Windows Vista / XP and older operating systems on the same LAN.
    
    
    • Even if you have just one computer, or especially if you have more than one computer, please Layer Your Defenses.
    
    
    • If you're setting up a WiFi network, know how to Setup WiFi Securely.
    
    
  
  
  • I recommend, in most cases,
    
    
    
    • If you have more than a couple computers, at least consider setting up a domain.
    
    
  
  
  • I suggest, in many cases,
    
    
    
    • If you're setting up a LAN to share a printer, be aware of the complexities of printer sharing, in addition to file sharing.
    
    
  
  


• Having completed the application and security setup, test Windows Networking connectivity.

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With the basic issues out of the way, you can get detailed instruction from plenty of websites, that will give you illustrated instructions. Here are but five, listed in alphabetical order.

• CableSense


• HomeNetHelp


• Microsoft Home Network Guide


• PracticallyNetworked


• Windows Networking

If you have properly chosen and setup your equipment, advice from any one of the above should get your network in order. The various guides are written by different organisations, and each has a different style, so check them all out if possible. Find the one which works best for you.

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Solving Problems
If you're here because you have problems, please start by reading Solving Network Problems.

Now, what is your specific problem? Is it accessing the Internet? Then read Troubleshooting Internet Connectivity. Or is the problem with File Sharing? Then read Troubleshooting Network Neighborhood (Windows Networking).

One major issue that the websites listed above won't help you with, if your problem is with file sharing, is the browser. Now when I mention the browser, don't start with "My Internet access is not a problem". The browser is the program that provides the contents of Network Neighborhood on your LAN. It's frequently involved in problems when "I can't see the other computers", or "I get access denied when I try to access another computer". Please read my article Windows NT (NT/2000/XP/2003) and the Browser.

Do you have a LAN with both Windows 9x (95, 98, ME) computers and Windows NT (NT, 2000, XP) computers? Then you should read Windows 9x (95/98/ME) and the Browser.

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In Conclusion
All of the above articles link to dozens of other articles, so read carefully. And be patient with me, as I add to this blog occasionally. Check back here periodically. Or write to my Guestbook.

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