You can share your Internet connection and files, play network games, perform backups and anything else you fancy.

You will need the following things as a minimum:

• One network card per computer - many have them built-in
• A crossover cable if you only have 2 computers.

If you have a broadband Internet connection you should use a router/hub, so you will need these additional items:

• Router or Switch - a box with several network connectors
• One straight through cable per computer

1. Install the network cards in the computers and make sure Windows loads the drivers. Use Device Manager to check the network cards, there should not be any yellow exclamation marks.
2. Connect the computers to each other using the crossover cable.
3. Turn on the computer with the Internet connection. Start | Control Panel | Network Connections.
4. Use the “Setup a home or small office network” Wizard and select “This computer connects directly to the Internet” path.
   This computer will now be the main computer and needs to be turned on before any other computer if you want to use the Internet.
5. Set up the other computer but use the “This computer connects to the Internet via a residential gateway” path.

1. Install the network cards in the computers and make sure Windows loads the drivers. Use Device Manager to check the network cards, there should not be any yellow exclamation marks.
2. Connect the computers to the Router/Switch with the straight through cables. If you have Wireless, see the Wireless Networking section.
3. Turn on the computers. Start | Control Panel | Network Connections.
4. Use the “This computer connects to the Internet via a residential gateway” path to setup the computers.

• Oz Cable Guy
• Windows World of Networking

• A colour version, with 10/100 & Gigabit