Chapter 2. Ethernet to the Rescue
In This Chapter
Understanding how Ethernet works
Gathering the various pieces o' hardware
Considering cables
Configuring Windows 7 for your network
Putting shared folders to work
Configuring a network printer
Connecting a switch to the Internet
Troubleshooting your network
This is it, my friend: the chapter with the bravado and the chutzpah to show you how to set up a home- or small-office wired network in Windows 7! Setting up a network gives you many benefits, including saving money by sharing resources (such as printers and an Internet connection) and the added convenience of file sharing.
You'll find that a working network (note that I stress the word working) quickly becomes as essential as Tabasco sauce or [insert name of your favorite condiment here]. By the way, if you find the word working to be more elusive than you first expected, I include a section at the end of this chapter that highlights common problems experienced by folks running their own network — as well as several possible solutions for each one, of course.
After your network is purring as smoothly as the proverbial kitten, you'll walk proudly to the closest person on the planet and proclaim proudly, "I am ... a network administrator!" (Feel free to throw confetti or have a T-shirt made. If you like, send me an e-mail message at mark@mlcbooks.com — use the subject line "Ohmygoodnessitworks" — and we can celebrate together.)
A Quickie Ethernet Primer
No, don't close this book! Of all the ...
Get PCs All-in-One For Dummies®, 5th Edition now with the O’Reilly learning platform.
O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.
