Lan Networking

If you want to add additional computers to your network in the future, all you need are more Network Interface Cards and 10BaseT cables. Simply plug the new network cards(s) into your computer an run a cable form the card to one of the hub's open ports.

For even greater expandability, the hub can be joined, or uplinked, to other hubs. If you look closely at the front of the hub, you will see a port marked Uplink. To uplink a hub, simply insert a standard, straight-through 10BaseT cable between the Workgroup Hub's Uplink port and any of another hub's regular 10BaseT ports. A maximum of three hubs can be connected together.

For example, like most hubs, a 5-Port Hub's port number 5 and Uplink port are joined internally. This means that when port 5 is in use, the uplink port cannot be used, and vice-versa. If you plan on using the uplink port, you'll need to disconnect any cables that are connected to port 5.

Setting up your network card's software involves installing a network driver onto your computer. The driver will allow the card to communicate with your Network Operating System (NOS). Software package. Some of these NOS include Windows for Workgroups, Windows 95/98, Windows NT, and Novell. All the network cards that you buy should come with a 3.5" software disk where it includes drivers for different NOS. They should also have instructions on how to install them, but this hand out will help you understand and teach you how to install drivers.

After installing your network card hardware in your computer, follow the instructions below to install the card's software.

1. Install the network card hardware if you haven't already

2. Start up your computer and Windows 95/98.

3. Windows 95/98 will automatically detect the presence of your network card hardware in your computer.

If Windows 95/98 goes immediately to the windows desktop, and does not display a new hardware detected message. Go to my computer > control panel > system > device manager tab > select the network adapter and remove it from the list > restart computer and you should get a windows asking for drivers.

Important: When you reboot Windows 95/98 may ask you for the Operating System CD ROM. Please provide them as necessary.

4. Windows 95/98 will detect your network card and display a "New Hardware Found" window as shown bellow

5. Put your 3.5" in drive A with the network card drivers that came with the it.

6. Select the "Driver from disk provided by hardware manufacturer" option on the screen, then click OK. Windows will copy the appropriate network drivers to your computer.

7. If the "Insert Disk" message appears, click OK.

8. If the copying files... window appears, types A:win98 (for example) into the box displayed and click OK.

9. If the window appears again, type the same thing and click OK.

10. A message will appear with the title "Insert Disk"

Windows is searching for network files on your original windows 95/98 CD-ROM.

Insert the CD-ROM or disks as needed, direct Windows to the proper location, and click OK. For example, if you have a Windows 95/98 CD-ROM, and it is located in drive D, you should type D:win98 (for example) and press Enter when asked to supply the path to the CD-ROM.

11. Windows will begin to finish copying all the necessary files to your system. When asked if you want to restart your computer, click NO. This window may not appear, depending on your computer's configuration, but it is always recommendable to restart.

12. Once you are back at the Windows 95/98 desktop, click on the Start button > Settings > Control Panel

13. Double click on the Network icon. The Network window will appear.

14. Click on the Configuration tab.

15. Make sure the following network components are installed

(A) Client for Microsoft Networks

(B) Client for Netware Network

(C) Your network care (Linksys II PCI Adapter: for example)

(D) IPX/SPX-compatible protocol

(E) NetBEUI

There may be other components listed in addition to the ones shown above. However, if you any components show above are missing, you'll need to install them manually by "Adding" them.

16. In the Primary Network Logon box, select Client for Microsoft Networks

17. Click on the Identification tab. Type the name of your PC in the Computer name box. Make up a name that is unique form the other computer's names on the network.

18. Type the name of your workgroup in the Workgroup box. The name you type should be the same workgroup name in use by all of the other PCs on the network. The Workgroup box is case sensitive - be sure to use the same case that is in use on your other PCs.

19. Enter a description of your PC in the Computer Description box.

20. Click on the Access Control tab. Make sure that Shared-level access control is selected.

21. Click on the OK button. Your system may or may not ask you to insert your Windows CD-ROM or Diskette. If it does, insert your disk into the proper drive and direct Windows to it.

22. Once Windows is