Computer Network Setup for Beginners with Automatic Settings

Connecting a Computer to a Network is Simple and Easy

Jul 15, 2009 John Wu

Configuring a computer's network setup has never been easier with automatic configuration of many settings, especially with wireless connections.

One of the most essential tasks in setting up a computer is connecting it to a network. Fortunately, many networks are built to simplify this task by automating the acquisition and setup of network addresses. It does not matter whether the network is wireless or wired. The process of configuring the network on a computer is usually automatic in either instance. In most cases, a few minutes is all that's needed to setup networking on a computer

Wireless Network Setup

To get onto a wireless network, a wireless SSID is needed. A wireless SSID is the name of the wireless network. In some cases, a passkey may be needed as well. If a passkey is needed, find out which security protocol is used (eg. WEP, WPA, etc.). Get all of this information from the person or organization that administers the wireless network. Sometimes the wireless SSID can be found by browsing nearby wireless networks.

Put in all of the above information into the computer's wireless settings and attempt to make a connection to the wireless SSID. The computer and the wireless network should be able to automatically setup the network addresses that are needed. Once the computer is connected to the wireless network, it should be possible to use the computer to browse the internet.

Wired Network Setup

If the computer is being connected to the network with an ethernet cable, put one end of the cable into the computer's ethernet port. Connect the other end of the cable to a port on the network switch or network hub.

Once both ends of the ethernet cable are connected, turn on the wired connection on the computer. In some cases, the rest of the network settings needed for connection will be configured automatically by the computer and the network. After the network has been activated, try to access the network. If the computer cannot access the network, then the computer needs addresses to be configured by hand.

Manual IP Configuration

If network addresses need to be setup manually get the IP address, subnet netmask, default gateway address, and DNS server address for the network. This information should be requested from the person or organization that administers the network.

Once all of the above information has been received, put them into the ethernet or wired network's TCP/IP settings for the computer. After all of the above settings have been added, enable the wired network. If all of the TCP/IP settings are correct, the computer should be able to access the network.

Reference:

PCWorld.com - "How to Set Up Your Home Network"

The copyright of the article Computer Network Setup for Beginners with Automatic Settings in Computer Hardware/Accessories is owned by John Wu. Permission to republish Computer Network Setup for Beginners with Automatic Settings in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Home Network Setup is Easy to do

Wired Computer Network Setup

Setup a Home Network