Local Area Networking

The Windows operating system includes network software components that allow computers to be connected to share information and peripherals.

The information in this section documents many of the steps required to configure and manage a basic Windows network.

Section content
Network Installation
Network architecture — an introduction to Ethernet architecture and Windows networking components.
Network adapters — an overview of the acquisition and installation of an Ethernet network adapter.
Protocol: TCP/IP — installation and configuration of TCP/IP as the primary protocol on a peer-to-peer LAN.
Protocol: NetBEUI — installation and configuration of NetBEUI as the secondary protocol for a peer-to-peer LAN.
Protocol: NetBEUI XP — installation of NetBEUI as the secondary protocol for a peer-to-peer XP LAN.
Network services — installation and configuration of Windows network services.
Network Configuration
Windows 98 Folder sharing — a folder sharing procedure.
XP Folder sharing — a folder sharing procedure for Windows XP.
Windows 98 Printer sharing — a printer sharing procedure.
XP Client — documentation of an ethernet LAN connection on Windows XP.
Network Administration
Network Testing — several tests for basic network functionality.
Network Security — information on resources and practices for increasing system security.
Network Management — an overview of Windows network management tools.
DOS Command-line Utilities — DOS system and network maintenance utility commands.
DOS Net Commands — commands for viewing, updating, and repairing network settings.

Related Links

Home PC Network
provides several basic how-to guides and product reviews.
Networking FAQ
Annoyances.org has a small, but thorough, networking FAQ.
Practically Networked
includes current product information and several how-to's.
Windows XP Network Troubleshooting
helpful troubleshooting and network configuration tips.
World of Windows Networking
dozens of illustrated how-to's created by J. Helmig.

Related Books

The Essential Guide to Home Networking
A general review of home networking technology.
This Wired Home
Instruction on designing, assembling, and configuring a home LAN with computers running Windows 98.