Types of Ethernet Devices Just as there are many ways to cable an Ethernet, there are many different devices that make a computer able to communicate via Ethernet. Some computers, for example those built by Sun, Silicon Graphics, and Apple's iMacs, have Ethernet built into them. All you have to do is hook a cable to one of these, set up your network information using tools provided by the operating system of your computer, and your LAN is running. However, if you are like most computer enthusiasts, you own at least one PC -- a personal computer based on an Intel 386, 486 or Pentium central processing unit (CPU). This Guide covers how to network using Windows, which runs on PCs, which usually do not have have built-in Ethernet interfaces. So if you plan to network two or more PCs, you get to learn how to install Ethernet network interface cards (NICs). You poor thing. Oops, sorry to frighten you. Actually, installing a NIC can often be easy. If it turns out it isn't easy, at least it will be a character-building experience. So let's get on with building character! Tools You Need For Windows networking you are going to have to open up your computers and do stuff to their insides. Before you do this, you will need: Required: Phillips head screwdriver (tip looks like a four-pointed star) Grounding strap (Any flexible conducting material will do -- you can buy a grounding strap or improvise one. I use braided electric fence wire for mine. A wire with insulator on it will NOT work.) Optional (will make life MUCH easier): Phillips head screwdriver with magnetized tip Flat blade screwdriver Needle nose pliers Internet connection Bright lighting Magnifying glass Fabric softener DOS boot disk Notepad and pen or pencil Easy Way to Set Up an Ethernet Network on Windows Computers Before buying an Ethernet NIC, you should first open the case of your computer to see what card slots are available. This is where you will need these tools. Watch out! You can kill your computer when you start messing with its insides! This is because it uses CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) chips. These chips are wonderful because they draw little power. But the price we pay for our computers not being hot enough to roast hot dogs is that CMOS dies if you zap it with static electricity. Have you ever noticed how in dry weather you can slide your feet along the carpet or wooden floor and then touch a door knob or little sister and ZAP!!! A spark of electricity flies off your finger. Do this to a computer chip or card and it is really unhappy. Like, dead. You can get punched in the nose warning: Zap your kid sister with static electricity and she might tell your girlfriend/boyfriend that you still play with Barbies. Hardware and Software you Will Need Your best bet for easy Ethernet card installation is to run a Windows 98 LAN using Thin Net. Win98 is one of the easiest operating systems to network. So if you are running Win95 and thinking of upgrading, this is a great time to do it. However, if you are running Windows NT, please don't go to 98 -- I HATE Win98 system, IMHO the only thing that makes Win98 worthwhile is its easy networking. For this super easy installation, you should get: NE2000 compatible Plug and Play cards that fit into PCI or ISA slots and that advertise themselves as compatible with Windows 98. If you can find NICs that also say they are compatible with Linux or Unix, get them as you probably will upgrade one or more of your computers to a Unix type operating system soon. Trust me on this:):) If you plan on using Thin Net, make sure the NICs have Thin Ethernet connectors on them, and come with a disk of installation software. If you plan on 10BASE-T, look for a connector that looks sort of like a phone jack. Newbie note: The NE2000 standard was developed by Novell to provide an easy way to set up Ethernet LANs for its Net ware operating system. Because Net ware is widely used on LANs, any operating system you have should be able to use any NIC advertised as "NE2000 compatible." If you can't get NE2000 compatible cards, the next most common type of Ethernet network card is probably 3Com cards -- from the company founded by the men who invented Ethernet. In general, look for wording on the package that promises the card will run on Win 95/98 (and Linux or Unix), and for the Thin Ethernet connector. Many cards only support 10BASE-T, so watch out for that. If at all possible, get NICs that have little lights in them, preferably two lights for each connector (your NIC may have both a Thin Net and 10BASE-T connector on it). This will help you with troubleshooting. Make sure you get a disk with configuration software on it along with the NIC just in case the plug and play feature fails. Sad to say, Windows isn't always able to perform plug and play installations correctly. Newbie note: Drivers are programs that tell computers how to operate hardware. |