Gateway 300X User Manual

Contents

Gateway 300X User Manual Manual pdf 90 page image

84 www.gateway.comChapter 7: Networking Your ComputerDetermining if an Ethernet is already installed on your computersTo determine if Ethernet is already installed on your computer:1 Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. If your ControlPanel is in Category View, click Performance and Maintenance.2 Click/Double-click System, click the Hardware tab, then click Device Manager. The DeviceManager window opens.3 Click the plus (+) in front of Network adapters. The Ethernet device installed in yourcomputer is listed. If one is not listed, you must install one.Creating an Ethernet networkInstalling Ethernet cards and driversAfter you have determined the type of Ethernet you are using for your network, you needto install Ethernet cards and drivers on the computers that do not have Ethernet alreadyinstalled. To order wired or wireless Ethernet PCI or PC cards, visit the Accessories Storeat accessories.gateway.com.Use the documentation that comes with your Ethernet cards for instructions on installingthe card and any required drivers.Important For best results, all Ethernet components should be either standardEthernet (10 Mbps), Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps or 10/100), or GigabitEthernet (1000 Mbps or 10/100/1000). A mixture of components ratedat different speeds will result in your network running at the speedof the slowest rated component.Tips & Tricks When buying your router, be sure the model includes everything yournetwork needs, including:■ Internet security features - such as a firewall to protect your networkfrom unwanted intruders■ 4-port switch - to eliminate the need for additional network hardware■ DHCP server/dynamic IP address assignment - to automaticallyconfigure network and IP addresses