The day has finally arrived -- the kids have their own computer for school work, your spouse has a new laptop and you have a remodeled home office. As a result, you are ready to set up a home network. The problem is that you have no idea where to begin, let alone what is needed and how to make sure it is secure.
Microsoft has prepared a series of instructions that will go a long way in assisting you in getting the job done correctly, available from Windows Vista Help:
Router
A device that sends, or routes, information between two networks (for example, between a home network and the Internet). Routers find the quickest paths for sending information, which makes network connections faster. Routers can be wired or wireless.
Icon
A small picture that represents a file, folder, program, or other object or function.
Broadband connection
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Broadband connection
A high-speed Internet connection. Broadband connections are typically 256 kilobytes per second (KBps) or faster. Broadband includes DSL and cable modem service.
Ethernet
A networking standard that uses cables to provide network access. Ethernet is the most widely installed technology for connecting computers.
Network adapter
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Network adapter
A device that connects your computer to a network. Sometimes called a network interface card (NIC).
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
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Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
A set of rules, called network protocols, that computers use to exchange information over the Internet and over home and business networks. TCP/IP includes standards for how computers communicate and conventions for connecting networks.
Modem
A device that allows computer information to be transmitted and received over a telephone line or through broadband services such as cable or DSL. Modems are most commonly used to connect to the Internet.
Network
A group of computers or other devices, such as printers and scanners, that communicate either wirelessly or by using a physical connection, such as an Ethernet cable or a phone line.
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
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Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
A type of high-speed Internet connection using standard telephone wires. This is also referred to as a broadband connection.
Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)
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Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)
A Microsoft Windows technology that allows computers on a network to access online services through a single Internet connection.
Internet service provider (ISP)
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Internet service provider (ISP)
A company that provides Internet access to individuals or companies. An ISP provides a telephone number, a user name, a password, and other connection information so that users can access the Internet through the ISP's computers. An ISP typically charges a monthly or hourly connection fee.
Should you need some extra assistance,
Vista 4 Beginners has some additional tutorials that may come in handy:
While you're at
Vista 4 Beginners, you may also want to learn
How to setup a Bluetooth connection.
There is so much to learn, I suggest taking it one step at a time. Read all the instructions first, assemble the parts, read the instructions again and start slowly. If in doubt, read the instructions again. Good luck!
Edit 28Oct07:
After you have completed setting up your network, follow the instructions from the
Vista Knowledgebase on how to create a
Vista Network MapEdit 01May08:
Added Joel Hruska's "
The ABCs of securing your wireless network"as well as the earlier published
Wireless Security Blackpaper. From
Vista4Beginners are newly published tutorials on
How to share a printer with other computers from your network, and
How to install a network printer.
Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...
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