Absolute Beginners Guide to Computer Basics (2nd Edition)

Connecting multiple computers in a wired network is actually fairly simple. Just make sure that you do the proper planning beforehand and buy the appropriate hardware and cables; everything else is a matter of connecting and configuration.

How It Works

The first thing you need to do is install a network interface card (NIC) in each computer in your wired network. Each NIC then connects, via Ethernet cable, to the network hub, which is a simple device that functions like the hub of a wheel and serves as the central point in your network. Then, after you make the physical connections, each computer has to be configured to function as part of the network and to share designated files, folders, and peripherals.

When complete, the whole thing should resemble the network in Figure 8.1.

What You Need

Here's the specific hardware you'll need to set up your wired network:

• Network interface cards (one for each PC, and possibly a second card for your gateway PC)

• Ethernet network hub (one for the entire network)

• Router or residential gateway device (optional, for sharing an Internet connection; see Chapter 21 for more information)

• Enough Ethernet cables to run from each PC to the hub

Making the Connections

Naturally, you should follow the instructions that come with your networking hardware to properly set up your network. In general, however, here are the steps to take:

1. Power down your main computer and remove the system unit case.

2. Install a network interface card into an open expansion slot.

   If your host PC has built-in Ethernet networking, you can skip steps 1 3.

3. Close up the case, reboot the computer, and run the NIC installation software.

4. Connect your network hub to a power source.

5. Run an Ethernet cable from your main computer to the network hub.

6. Run the network configuration utility (or the Windows XP Network Setup Wizard) to set up your network.

7. Move on to the second computer in your network and repeat steps 1 3.

8. Run the network configuration utility on the second computer to connect it to your new network.

9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 for each computer on your network.

After you've connected all the computers on your network, you can proceed to connect your broadband modem, as well as configure any devices (such as printers) you want to share over the network. For example, if you want to share a single printer over the network, it connects to one of the network PCs (not directly to the hub), and then is shared through that PC.