Gateway Desktops, User Manual

Page: 108 / 198

CHAPTER 9: Networking Your Computer
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Making sure your broadband connection works
Important
If you do not have a broadband
connection already installed, make the
necessary arrangements with your ISP. Be
sure to find out how soon after the
installation the line will be activated.
Important
Broadband Internet settings will differ
from ISP to ISP. Before you begin setting
up your network, you should contact
your ISP for any specific instructions they
have for setting up a network.
Before you change anything about your home setup, make sure that your
broadband connection is working correctly. To test the connection, log onto the
Internet using your current setup. If the connection is not working, contact your
Internet service provider.
Naming your computers and workgroup
Important
You must give each computer on the
network a unique Computer Name and
the same Workgroup Name.
To identify this computer on the network:
1
Click Start , then click Control Panel . The Control Panel window opens. If
your Control Panel is in Category View, click Performance and
Maintenance . The Performance and Maintenance window opens.
2
Click/Double-click System . The System Properties dialog box opens.
3
Click Computer Name .
4
Click Change . The Computer Name Changes dialog box opens.
5
Type a unique computer name in the Computer name box. This name
identifies the computer to other users on the network. Use a computer
name of up to 15 characters with no blank spaces. Each computer name
must be unique on your network. All-numeric computer names are not
allowed. Names must contain some letters.
6
Type a name for your workgroup in the Workgroup box. Use a workgroup
name of up to 15 characters with no blank spaces. The workgroup name
must be the same for all computers in your network workgroup, and the
name must be different than any computer name on your network.
7
Click OK to close the Computer Name Changes dialog box.
Configuring the TCP/IP protocol
A networking protocol is a language computers use to talk to each other. One
of several available protocols must be set up on each computer you plan to use
on your network. We recommend you use the Transmission Control
Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), which is widely accepted and compatible
for local area networks (LANs), as well as for Internet communications.
When networking is set up in Windows XP, TCP/IP is automatically installed as
the default protocol.
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