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Getting
Connected - Install your NIC
You must have your Internet connection working on one computer
before attempting to share the connection. You must be able to restore
a single connection if you call for technical support; most ISPs
will not support a shared connection and some will charge extra
for them.
Your PC will need an Ethernet Card, also called a NIC. We recommend
buying a brand name 100 MB NIC, which should cost under $30. Popular
brands include D-Link, Linksys, Intel, and 3-Com. A cheap NIC can
be a source of trouble and you may not be able to get updated drivers
for it.
If you are not comfortable working inside your computer get someone
to help you. Turn off your computer, unplug the power card, and
install the NIC in a spare PCI slot. Follow the instructions that
came with the NIC to install the software. If you can't get the
NIC working you can follow the instructions below.
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Check your configuration
Right click on Network Neighborhood and select
Properties. Click on the Configuration tab.
You should see a screen similar to the one at the right.
If
your NIC is not listed you can add it manually. Click
on Add / Adapter / Add / Have Disk. You may
find it easier to re-run the installation from diskette.
Examine the list of installed components. The ones listed
below are needed to access the Internet; we'll add more
later.
- Your NIC (Ethernet Adapter)
- TCP/IP -> your NIC
Do not delete any component, i.e., Dial-Up Adapter.
To add any missing components click on Add. You
should see a screen similar to the one below; the appearance
will depend on your version of Windows.
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Adding TCP/IP
If TCP/IP is not present you will need to add it. If
it is present, go on to the next section.
- Click Add.
- Choose Protocol.
- Choose Microsoft / TCP/IP.
- Click OK.
- At the Network Configuration screen do not click OK.
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Name your computer
Each computer on your network must be a member of a
Workgroup and have a unique Name.
Your ISP may require specific information to be entered,
i.e., your account name and/or their domain name.
- Click on the Identification tab.
- Enter a unique Name. You cannot use the same name
on two computers on a netowrk.
- Enter a Workgroup name. This must be the same for
every computer on your network.
- The description is optional.
- Click OK to return to the Network screen.
- Insert the CD when asked, and then allow a reboot.
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When the computer comes up you will need to
verify that the NIC is working.
- Click on Start / Settings / Control Panel.
- Click on System and find the Hardware listing or Device
Manager, depending on your version of Windows.
- You should see a listing for Network Adapters.
- Click on your adapter and check the properties. If
you are told that it is working you are most of the
way to being on the Internet.
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