How to Build a Computer Network

It is actually quite an easy task to set up a computer network. You will need two computers, a switch or a router and two LAN cables. The switch is a device that connects two or more computers. A router is a device that gets the Internet connection from your ISP. The LAN cable is a standard cable to connect two computers on a network. The router also acts as a switch since normally there is already a switch inside.

This guide is about connecting two computers on a network using a router. First of all, you will need to connect both computers to the router using cables. Then, on each computer, you will need to make some necessary settings. These settings are located in the same place on all Windows versions, but the manner in which you will access this destination is different on different versions. Here’s how you should go about it.

For Windows XP

Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> Network Connections -> Local Area Connections -> Properties -> Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) -> Obtain an IP Address Automatically and Obtain DNS Server Address Automatically.

For Windows 7

Start -> Control Panel -> Network and Internet -> Network and Sharing Center -> Local Area Connections -> Properties -> Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) -> Obtain an IP Address Automatically.
 
For Windows Vista

Start -> Network -> Network and Sharing Center -> Manage Network Connections -> Local Area Connection -> Properties -> Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) -> Obtain an IP Address Automatically. 

Now your router has been turned on and all computers are connected to the router with LAN cables.

The next step is to check the other computer. These are the paths you will need to follow:-

For Windows XP

Start -> Programs -> Accessories -> Windows Explorer, go to My Network Places -> Microsoft Windows Network -> Workgroup.

Here you should see the other computer’s name. If you can see it, click on it. The result will now depend on the configuration of the other computer. If you are using a guest account with a password on that computer, you will be asked to enter it here.

For Windows 7

You will need to run Windows 7 on both computers in order to make a connection using this method. Simply go to:-

Start -> Computer -> Homegroup

For Windows Vista

Start -> Connect to

Your computers are now connected to the network, but it is possible that they still don’t find each other because they may be running different Windows versions. But anyway, you will be able to share the Internet connection without any problems.

Building Wireless Computer Networks

The basic principles remain the same as when they are configured with a cable. But in this case, firstly your computers will need to be connected to a wireless router and then they can share files, access a printer or other such things. This isn’t much different than when you are making connections with a wire. You may also set the wireless connection with a password if you like.

When you connect through the wireless router, already the two computers have a connection between them that you can share. You can access both computers on the network, and share files between them. It is also possible to access one computer through the other and print through the LAN.

Wireless network connections are definitely the easiest way to set computers on a network.

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How to Make Your Laptop Wireless

How To Connect Two Computers