Computer Networking Tips and definitions

A simple definition of network is a series of points that are connected to create communication between other computers and devices. They may be connected by network cables or by a wireless signal. Depending on how far these networks extend, they are labelled a LAN, MAN, or WAN network.

LAN: (local area network) A group of computers that share a common connection and are usually in a small area. For example an office or home network.

MAN: (metropolitan area network) This is a larger network that connects computer users in a particular  geographic area or region. For example a large university may have a network so large that it may be classified as a MAN.
It is far larger than a LAN and smaller than a WAN. Also large cities like London and Sydney, Australia have metropolitan area networks.

WAN: (wide area network) This is the largest network and can interconnect networks throughout the world.

Having a computer network was previously reserved for a professional setup usually in a corporate or business workplace. However now days even the average everyday household with a mere two computers has most certainly networked them in order to share files and an internet connection. This is why we all will find these networking tips and definitions a valuable tool.
Network file setup and settings

How to find your computer name When you first format a computer and install Windows you are prompted to give your computer a name. It could be George, Frank, Computer one, and so on. When you have a computer home network you can use the computer name to connect with other computers on your network instead of using other technical terms. (like IP addresses)

How to view your computer IP Address Find out how to find your computers IP address. You will need to know it if you want to use remote desktop or share files with other computers on your home network.

Change your IP Address Sometimes it is necessary to set your computer IP address yourself. This way the setting will stay the same.

Mac Address How do I find my mac address to use for network security. You can use this information to set different security levels on your router, keeping your internet connection safe from intruders.

Enable Printer and File sharing How to enable in Windows XP And Vista. Before you can share any files or printers on your home network, you must enable sharing on all computers.

Router IP Address How to find your router IP and configure it. You will need to know this information to setup your router on your home network. Each brand of router starts with a default manufacturers IP address.

Find a computer on your network A quick tip to find another computer on your home network. This is a quick way to find other computers on a Windows XP network.

How to see what Internet Protocol version your computer is using in Windows Vista

How to change your computers IP Address in Windows Vista

Network Printer

Add Network Printer Applies to Windows Vista. Even though adding a network printer in Windows Vista is much the same as Windows XP, there are a few tiny differences. If you are already sharing an internet connection and have a network, it is unbelievably easy to add a network printer.

Add Network Printer Applies to Windows XP. This is a handy way to get away with having only one printer per household. You only need a printer attached to one computer on the home network and all the others can access it to use it.

Enable Printer and File sharing How to enable in Windows XP And Vista. Before sharing anything on a network, you must change settings that allow files, folders, and printers to be shared. There is just a few simple steps.

Path to your network printer How to find the path \\server\printer Sometimes the add printer wizard cannot find your network printer and this is when you will have to know the path to your printer. My network printer is installed on a computer in my house named Frank and the printer is called Hpprinter. Therefore my path is \\frank\hpprinter.

Set Network printer permissions Set who can change printer settings in Windows XP and Vista. You may want other users on the network to simply view a folder, but not allow them to alter or change it in any way. Setting permissions with a network printer can stop people from changing printing options.

File Sharing

• Sharing Files How to share files with other computers on your Network
• File Sharing between Windows XP and Vista See how to set up file sharing between these two operating systems
• See what files are being shared What computer is sharing what file on your home network?
• Enable Printer and File sharing How to enable in Windows XP And Vista
• How to find out what files and folders your computer is sharing in Windows Vista?
• File sharing between Windows XP and a Vista computer

Wireless

• Wireless Network Security Ways to prevent loosing your personal information
• Wireless Network Interference Getting the most out of your router and Wireless Network
• Wireless Networks How do they actually work? NEW TODAY
• Finding a Wireless Network How to find one to connect to
• How to setup a wireless home network What do you need for a wireless home network
• WRC (Windows Zero Configuration) and Wireless connection problems

Remote connection

Remote Assistance Connect to your Friends computer to get help. You could be in separate countries, cities, or towns, as long as you have an internet connection. You can use Windows live messenger to connect to the other computer.

Remote Desktop How to connect to other computers on your Network and take control. For example I use my laptop in the lounge room but I am actually connected to my office computer.

Connect two Computers over the Internet Connect using Outlook Express

Network Help

Show your Network Connections icon in your taskbar Having an animated network connections icon there available for you to double click on gives you quick access the your internet connection properties and will also let you know if there is a problem.

Enable or Disable your internet network connection This is a handy way to refresh your internet connection and to see if everything is working ok. When there are problems with your internet connection it can sometimes be solved by disabling your connection.

Why a home network? What are the benefits of a home network? If you haven’t set up a home network and you have more than one computer in your house then here are a few good reasons why you should.

Static and Dynamic IP Address What’s the difference? Why can’t they just make it simple and call them the IP address you set yourself and the automatically set one.

Two computers on one Modem Connect both to the internet. People often think that they can only connect one computer to a broadband modem. You do not need a router because there are usually two connections on the back of the modem.

Network Troubleshooting Commands Like PING or Net use.

Network Security What are the different types of network security

Internet Connection Troubleshoot Internet Connection Problems NEW TODAY

What is the difference between network LAN, WAN, and MAN NEW TODAY

Check your Router with the Internet Connectivity Evaluation Tool for Windows Vista

How to restart or shutdown a computer through a remote desktop connection

Bitmap Disk Cache Failure when using remote desktop

Network News

• SMART Housing A Networking Horizon for the house of the future NEW TODAY