[Ham-Computers] Home network setup

[jeff]

Loren Moline WA7SKT wrote:
> Hello,
> 
> I am using this computer and the network card is working fine.
> 
> Problem is when I try Network Wizard to set up home network it says it can't find the network hardware. NIC shows up in Device Manager just fine.

It's those wacky wizards again.
Which version of Windows are you using?  Home is a real PITA.
Regardless of which, you have to be really careful to make sure your 
workgroup is set to the same name on every computer you want to 
participate on your network.  What are the 2 boxes plugged into?

I'm not entirely sure what's up with your Wizard but you don't 
technically need it to network.  Assuming you have two computers on your 
network, again, make certain the workgroup is set the same.  If they're 
the same version of the OS, they're probably the same (WORKGROUP, I 
think) but it's best to check anyway.

Going from memory (I run linux) you right click on My Computer and the 
second(?) tab will let you rename your computer or join a workgroup or 
domain.  Make sure they're set the same on both computers.  Use the 
default or make something up (I prefer something really weird but that's 
just me).

If you have changed the workgroup, reboot.  Browse Network Neighborhood 
for the other computer.  It should be under the workgroup name you used, 
along with the one you're browsing from.

You may have to enable file and printer sharing in network properties.

Another thing to look out for if the computers don't see each other 
would be IP addresses.  If the two machines don't have vaguely similar 
IP addresses, they might not see each other (trust me, it gets pretty 
deep and I'm trying to keep it simple).  Go to a command prompt and type 
ipconfig.  It will tell you your IP address.  Do the same with the other 
computer.

The IP address will be in the format xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx, with x's replaced 
by numbers.  If your computer generates its own address, the first set 
(octet) of numbers should be 169.  If it's assigned by your 
switch/router, it might start with 192.168.  If it's the same on both 
computers, you should be ok.  You can assign (static) IP addresses in 
Network Properties or have the router/switch assign them (dynamic or dhcp).

Write everything down and hide it somewhere you won't be able to find it 
when you need it.  I made up tiny stickies that I write this info on and 
tape it to the monitor so I always know which is which.  Ymmv.

While you're at the command prompt, type ping and the IP of the other 
computer.  It will either return the ping or fail.  This is how you tell 
if the other machine is `up' (or at least answering a ping).  Certain 
firewalls can be set to block pings so keep that in mind.  I normally 
turn Windows firewall off anyway (I used a 3rd party firewall and turn 
Windows firewall off in Services.

Clear as mud, no?

Check some of this stuff out and ask questions.  We'll get you there.





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