lorietta said:
I currently have Windows XP on my Dell home computer as well as a DSL
connection. I would like to network at least one other computer to enable
file sharing and internet connection, to stop the kids killing each other at
homework time! I don't know the first thing about networking and am really
looking for a step by step. My other computer does not have any software
loaded on it.
Decide if you want a wired or wireless network. Wireless is handy if
the computers will not be relatively near to the DSL modem.
If you decide to go wireless, you will need additional hardware, some of
which you may already have:
- a wireless router
- wireless network adapters, one for each of the computers that will
connect wirelessly. Note that many newer laptops may have a wireless
adapter built in. Also note that if you have one computer next to the
DSL modem, you can connect that using an Ethernet cable and connect the
other(s) wirelessly.
In fact, when you first configure the wireless router you SHOULD connect
a computer to it with a cable.
- each computer that connects using a cable will need a standard
Ethernet network adapter. Almost all computers these days, desktop or
laptop, come with at least one of these. The jack looks like a standard
modular telephone jack, but is a bit wider.
If you go wireless, you will have to configure some sort of security
(encryption) so that unauthorized users are unable to "tap into" your
wireless network.
Here are some links to help you:
First, make sure that you have installed service pack 2 and all critical
updates (except, perhaps, IE 7). In particular, there are a couple of
updates specifically directed to wireless networking.
You don't need to buy Linksys of course (although have had good luck
with their products), but there is a lot of useful basic information
here: Linksys Learning Center -
http://tinyurl.com/8ka4w
This is a good (non-Linksys) wireless router, which has the advantage of
a built-in amplifier that may help increase range.:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833162134
If I were you, I would just get basic "wireless G" equipment. If you
decide to get "Turbo" or "RangeBooster" or other products that advertise
that they get better than wireless G performance, be aware that you will
have to get all of the same brand/type in order to realize any such
increase. Also realize that "pre-N" or "draft N" refers to a new -- not
yet approved -- wireless standard. There is no guarantee that a pre-N
device that you buy today will work with real "N" devices when the "N"
standard ultimately is ratified.
Wireless - Basic Configuration -
http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Config.html
Wireless - Basic Security -
http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Security.html
MS Cable Guy XP sp2 Wireless Network Setup Wizard:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/community/columns/cableguy/cg0604.mspx
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/using-network-setup-wizard-in-windows.html
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/#NetworkingSecurity
In order of increasing security, encryption used for wireless networks
goes: WEP, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK. Use the best encryption supported by the
hardware you buy. If you are given a choice between WPA (TKIP) and WPA
(AES), choose AES. If you have to buy all new hardware (router and
adapters), they will almost certainly support WPA2.
