Assemble your network

When you've made up your mind about the type of network that's best for you, make a list of all the components you will need. It may help to start by listing all the equipment you have already have; that way you can more easily spot what is missing. Here's an example of how such a list might look:

Computer	Type of network adapter installed	Type of Internet connection	Other devices connected
Study/Den (ICS host)	Ethernet	DSL	Color Printer
Son's bedroom	None	Internal 56k modem	Digital camera
Daughter's bedroom	None	None	None
Family room	Ethernet	Internal 28.8k modem	Printer

Afterward, compare your list to the items required for the network you've chosen:

Network type	Network adapters needed	Hub type	Cables
Ethernet	One for each computer—all must operate at the same speed	One that supports the number of computers in your network	RJ-45 network cables for each computer in your network
Home phoneline network adapter (HPNA)	One for each computer	None	Telephone cables to run from each computer to a phone jack
Wireless	One for each computer	None	None

Now go shopping!

Connect components

When you've obtained everything you'll need to build your network, arrange the parts in their proper locations. Next, if you are using Ethernet or HPNA components, link the computers by running cable between them (Ethernet) or connecting each computer to the household telephone wiring via a phone jack (HPNA), or by simply installing the wireless network adapter.

Connect components When you've obtained everything you'll need to build your network, arrange the parts in their proper locations. Next, if you are using Ethernet or HPNA components, link the computers by running cable between them (Ethernet) or connecting each computer to the household telephone wiring via a phone jack (HPNA), or by simply installing the wireless network adapter. Run Windows XP Network Setup Wizard The final step is to run Windows XP Network Setup Wizard. You'll need to do this first on the ICS host computer, then on each of the client computers. The wizard guides you through the following steps: Configuring your network adapters. Configuring all of your computers to share one Internet connection. Naming each computer. Automatically sharing the Shared Files folder with the computers on the network. Automatically sharing printers that are connected to computers on the network. Installing a firewall. Installing network bridging components. Installing Internet Connection Sharing Discovery and Control components.

Run Network Setup Wizard on the Host

You must run Network Setup Wizard on the Windows XP ICS host computer Click Start, and then click Control Panel. Click Network and Internet Connections, and then click Set up or change your home or small office network.

Follow the instructions that appear on the screen. Designate this computer (the host) as the one sharing its Internet connection. After running the wizard on your ICS host computer, run it on the client computers by performing the following steps:

Run Network Setup Wizard on the clients

Insert the Windows XP CD-ROM. On the menu that appears, click Perform Additional Tasks. On the next menu that appears, click Setup home or small office networking.

If you do not own a Windows XP CD-ROM, you can copy Network Setup Wizard onto a floppy disk while running the wizard on the ICS host computer. Then use the floppy disk to run the wizard on the client computers. The floppy disk is created when you run Network Setup Wizard.
If you ran Network Setup Wizard and did not create a floppy disk, you'll need to run the wizard again to create the floppy disk. While running the wizard, make sure you use the same settings as when you ran the wizard the first time.

Run Network Setup Wizard from a floppy disk

Insert the network setup disk into the computer you want to network. Double-click My Computer. Double-click 3½ Floppy (A:). Double-click netsetup.exe.

The wizard tests to make sure everything on your network is functioning correctly. When it is done, you're ready to enjoy your home network!

Safety warning

If you are installing any type of internal network adapter, ensure the power to the computer is switched off. Failure to do so could result in injury, as well as damage to your computer.