Home Networking Annoyances

Chapter 2. Software Annoyances

To get your network up and running, you have to go through a great many software configuration processes. The hardware devices you install to create a network have software components; the computer communication features must be enabled correctly; drives, folders, and peripherals (e.g., printers) must be configured so that network users can access them; and so on.

In this chapter I’ll discuss some of the annoyances you might encounter as you go through these tedious, but necessary, software processes. I’ll cover the technical specifications for setting up your network adapters, and the various ways you can set up users so that everybody has their own personalized computer environment. I’ll also discuss security and controls for user access (who can do what on a computer).

CONFIGURING NETWORK ADAPTERS

GETTING THE FACTS FROM YOUR ISP

The Annoyance:

The configuration of my network adapter seems to go on forever. There are all these tabs in the Properties dialog box, and each tab has many options. How am I supposed to know the correct selections?

The Fix:

Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) has all the facts you need to get online. When you signed up for the service, you should have received instructions describing how to configure your network settings. Sometimes the information comes in the mail, sometimes you’re directed to a web site. Most ISPs mail you a CD that contains a setup program that runs automatically, or text files that explain the tasks you ...