how to set up a network

What you need
Here's the specific hardware you 'll need to set up your wired network:

1. Network interface cards (on a wired network, ome for each PC; on a wireless network, just one for the main PC)
2. Network hub or router (one for the entire network)
3. Ethrnet cable (on a wired network, one for each PC and another for your broadband modem; on a wireless network, one the main PC and a second for the broadband modem)
4. Wireless adapters ( one for each client PC)

Making the connections
Naturally, you should follow the instructions that come with your networking hardware to properly set up your network. In general, however, here are the steps to take:

1. Power down your main computer and remove the system unit case.
2. Install a network interface card into an open expansion slot.
3. Close up the case, reboot the computer, and run the NIC installation software.
4. Run an Ethernet cable from your broadband modem to your router/hub.
5. Run and Ethernet cable from the router/hub to your main computer.
6. Connect your hub or router to a power source.
7. Run Network Setup Wizard on your main computer to set up your network.
8. If you are connecting a wired network, repeat steps 6 and 7 on each of the other computers on the network.
9. If you are connecting a wireless network, move onto the second computer in your network and install a wireless networking adapter-either internally, via an expansion card, or externally via USB. (Or, if your second PC is a laptop, insert a wireless networking PC card).
10. Run the installation software to properly configure the wireless adapter.
11. Run the Newwork Setup Wizard on the second computer to connect it to your new network.