Once your network topology is set up, it’s time to set up the computers for networking. How you set up your computers depends on the type of networking devices you have in your topology. Most common home or office networks contain a router, cables, and computers.

When a router is used in a network, your network topology may look something like the picture below.

 

 

Through this method of networking you can easily see how all computers will connect to the router to form a centralized network. To configure your computer to work with this type of network you must have certain options set on your computer.

First, you must make sure the TCP/IP Settings are set to Automatic so that a proper address can be obtained from the router. Through this address we will be able to communicate with other computers and access the shared Internet resource. To verify if TCP/IP is set to automatic follow the below steps.

1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Open Network and Internet Connections.
3. Open Network Connections.
4. Right Click on your default LAN or High Speed Internet connection and select Properties.
5. In the Local Area Connection properties window, select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) under the General Tab.
6. With TCP/IP selected, click the Properties button.
7. Under the General tab, make sure the following radio buttons are selected: Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically.
8. Click OK.
9. Click OK again.
10. Restart your computer.

 

Next, to share resources on your network with others you need to install File and Printer Sharing for Windows XP and make sure it is enabled. To do this, follow the steps below.

1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Open Network and Internet Connections.
3. Open Network Connections.
4. Right Click on your default LAN or High Speed Internet connection and select Properties.
5. Verify that File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks is installed and checked. If it is installed, you are done. If it is not installed, proceed to the next step.
6. To install this feature, first click the Install button in this window.
7. Select Service, and click the Add button.
8. In the Select Network Service window, select Microsoft as the manufacturer and then select File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks for the Network Service.
9. Hit the OK button. (You may be asked for your Windows XP CD.)
10. In the Local Area Connection Properties box verify that File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks is checked.
11. When finished hit OK.

 

While computers connected to a domain environment may require a username and password to access a resource, this is not a feature we want enabled for a home or office network, so we need to enable Simple File Sharing. Follow these steps to enable this feature:

1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Select Appearance and Themes.
3. Open the Folder Options icon.
4. In the Folder Options window, select the View Tab.
5. In the Advanced Settings window, scroll to the very bottom of the list.
6. Check the box for: Use simple file sharing (recommended).
7. Hit the OK button.

 

It is a good idea to share a folder on your computer as well. This makes it easier for other computers to access you. To create and share a folder on your computer follow the below steps:

1. Open My Computer.
2. Open your local disk (C:).
3. Create a new folder on your C:\ drive. Name it “tester933” (no quotes).
4. Right Click on this folder and select Sharing and Security.
5. Under the Sharing tab of the tester933 properties window, locate the Network Sharing and Security section.
6. Check the box: Share this folder on the network.
7. Click the OK button.

 

Next, we’ll modify the workgroup name.  Having the same workgroup name is not needed for all computers, but will make networking computers a lot easier. To check this, follow the below steps:

1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Open Performance and Maintenance.
3. Open the System icon.
4. In the System Properties window, select the Computer Name tab.
5. To change your workgroup name, select the Change button and type in your new workgroup name.
6. You will have to restart your computer to apply these changes.

 

Now, we’ll check firewall settings. Most modern routers have firewalls built-in to protect all computers connected to it. While it is not necessary to have a firewall on your personal computer in this scenario, some users would rather the extra security. If you are using Windows XP’s built-in firewall or a 3^rd party firewall (such as Norton or MacAfee) you may have to disable or configure this program for your connection to work.

While all computers on the Internet have an IP address (like houses have addresses), being on a local home or office network means you have a computer name and an automatically assigned IP address. This IP address is classified into one of the following address ranges. (For a home or office networks a 192.168.x.x address is usually utilized.)

• A - 10.0.0.0 (i.e.: 10.10.234.78)
• B - 172.16.0.0 (i.e.: 172.24.101.12)
• C - 192.168.0.0 (i.e.: 192.168.0.23)

 

To verify your IP Address, use these steps:

1. Open the Network Connections window.
2. Right Click on your local area connection and select Status.
3. Select the support tab.
4. Note your IP address and other required information.

 

Or, you can use the Command Prompt if you find that easier:

1. Locate the Command Prompt icon in your Start Menu. (Also available by clicking on the Start Button, selecting Run, and typing “cmd.”)
2. After the Command Prompt window opens type “ipconfig /all”.
3. Note your IP address and other required information.