Networking For Dummies, 11th Edition

Chapter 7

Configuring Windows Clients

IN THIS CHAPTER

Configuring network connections for Windows clients

Changing the computer name

Joining a domain

Before your network setup is complete, you must configure the network’s client computers. In particular, you have to configure each client computer’s network interface card (NIC) so that it works properly, and you have to install the right protocols so that the clients can communicate with other computers on the network.

Fortunately, the task of configuring client computers for the network is child’s play in Windows. For starters, Windows automatically recognizes your network interface card when you start up your computer. All that remains is to make sure that Windows properly installed the network protocols and client software.

With each version of Windows, Microsoft has simplified the process of configuring client network support. In this chapter, I describe the steps for configuring networking for Windows 10. The procedures for previous versions of Windows are similar.

Configuring Network Connections

Windows usually detects the presence of a network adapter automatically; typically, you don’t have to install device drivers manually for the adapter. When Windows detects a network adapter, Windows automatically creates a network connection and configures it to support basic networking protocols. You may need to change the configuration of a network connection manually, however.

The following steps show you how to configure your ...