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Chapter 12: Networking Your Computer
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Selecting a network connection
The biggest decision you need to make when creating your network is what 
type of connection you will use. Gateway supports both wired and wireless 
Ethernet (IEEE 802.11a or IEEE 802.11b) networks. Use the following criteria 
as a guide when selecting a network connection.
Wired Ethernet network
Create a wired Ethernet network if:

You are building a new home or your existing home already has Ethernet 
cable...

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Using a wired Ethernet network
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Using a wired Ethernet network
A wired Ethernet network consists of two or more computers connected 
together through an Ethernet cable. This connection type is commonly used 
in offices around the world and can be used to build computer networks in 
the home.
Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, or Gigabit Ethernet
Ethernet is available at three different speeds. Standard Ethernet runs at 
10 Mbps, Fast Ethernet runs at 100 Mbps, and Gigabit Ethernet runs at 
1000...

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Example wired Ethernet network
The following is an example of a wired Ethernet network. The network is made 
up of a router, a cable or DSL modem, your computers, and cables connecting 
each of these components. The router is the central control point for the 
network. Attached to the router are all of your computers or Ethernet-ready 
devices. Also connected to the router is a cable or DSL modem that provides 
access to the Internet.
Tips &...

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Using a wired Ethernet network
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Equipment you need for a wired Ethernet 
network
For a wired Ethernet network you need:

An Ethernet jack on each desktop computer and notebook.
- OR 
An Ethernet card installed in each desktop computer.
- OR -
An Ethernet PC Card installed in each notebook.

An Ethernet router. Select a router that gives you the following features:

A jack for connecting to a cable or DSL modem.

The ability to assign IP addresses to your networked computers...

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Using a wireless Ethernet network
A wireless Ethernet network is ideal for creating a home or office network or 
adding mobility to an existing wired Ethernet.
A wireless Ethernet network allows you the freedom to move about your home 
or office with your notebook. For example, you can take your notebook from 
your home office to your patio without having an Ethernet jack available.
Wireless Ethernet is available at two different speeds. 802.11a...

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Using a wireless Ethernet network
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Example access point wireless Ethernet 
network
By using an access point, you can join a wireless Ethernet network and access 
a wired Ethernet network. An access point also lets you access the Internet.
The following is an example of an access point wireless Ethernet network. The 
network is made up of an access point, a cable or DSL modem, and your 
computers. The access point is the central control point for the network. 
Attached to the access...

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Equipment you need for an access point 
wireless Ethernet network
For an access point wireless Ethernet network you need:

A wireless Ethernet PCI card installed in each desktop computer
- OR -
A wireless Ethernet USB adapter attached to each desktop or notebook 
computer
- OR -
A notebook with wireless Ethernet built-in
- OR -
A wireless Ethernet PC Card installed in each notebook that does not have 
wireless Ethernet built-in

A wireless Ethernet...

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Using a wireless Ethernet network
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Example peer-to-peer wireless Ethernet 
network
Use a peer-to-peer (also known as ad hoc) wireless Ethernet network if you are 
setting up or joining a temporary computer-to-computer network. This type of 
network does not include access into a wired network or the Internet. You can 
create this type of network to quickly move files from one computer to another. 

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Equipment you need for a peer-to-peer 
wireless Ethernet network
For a peer-to-peer wireless Ethernet network you need:
A wireless Ethernet PCI card installed in each desktop computer
- OR -
A wireless Ethernet USB adapter attached to each desktop or notebook 
computer
- OR -
A notebook with wireless Ethernet built-in
- OR -
A wireless Ethernet PC Card installed in each notebook that does not have 
wireless Ethernet built-in
For more information...

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Using your notebook on a network
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Using your notebook on a network
Installing and configuring your notebook for 
Ethernet networking
A guide in .PDF format has been included on your hard drive that provides 
instructions for installing and configuring both wired and wireless Ethernet 
networking on your notebook. To access this guide, click 
Start, All Programs, 
then click 
Gateway Utilities.
Turning your wireless Ethernet on or off
To turn wireless Ethernet on or off in Windows XP:...