Step by Step Home Networking With Microsoft Windows XP

Description:

The smart way to set up your home network—one step at a time!

Experience learning made easy—and quickly teach yourself how to use the built-in networking features in Microsoft® Windows® XP. With STEP BY STEP, you drive the instruction. Work at your own pace through the clear, step-by-step directions. From installing hardware to setting up instant messaging, you’ll learn exactly what you need so you can do more and get more from your connected home!

• Choose the right network solution for you—from Ethernet to wireless
• Use an easy wizard to connect to the Internet
• Quickly link your Windows-based computers, and create personalized user accounts
• Make it easy for everyone in your house to share a single printer or Internet account
• Share information, pictures, and music at home or over the Internet, but keep private files private
• Use the built-in firewall to fend off hackers and other security threats

What's New with Networking in Microsoft Windows XP	vii
Getting Help	ix
Conventions and Features	xi
1: Introduction to Home Networking	1
The Emergence of Home Networks	1
Advantages of Home Networking	2
Home Networking with Windows XP	4
2: Connecting Your Computers Together	6
Choosing a Type of Network	7
Installing a Network Adapter	16
Connecting Two Computers Directly	21
Considering Internet Security	21
3: Connecting to the Internet	24
Setting Up a New Internet Account	27
Transferring an Existing Internet Account	32
Setting Up a Broadband Connection	36
4: Installing the Home Networking Software	40
Setting Up Your Windows XP Computer for Home Networking	42
Adding a Windows Computer to Your Home Network	47
Adding a Windows 95 Computer to Your Home Network	50
Adding a Windows 2000 Professional Computer to Your Home Network	56
Adding a Macintosh Computer to Your Home Network	58
Adding a Windows XP Computer to an Existing Windows Network	59
Adding Users to Your Windows XP Computer	67
5: Securing Your Home Network	70
How a Firewall Works	72
Enabling the Internet Connection Firewall	73
Protecting Against Viruses	78
Scanning Your Computer for Viruses	79
Setting Up Security Zones in Internet Explorer	80
Protecting Your Privacy	81
6: Sharing Data on the Network	86
Sharing a File on Your Windows XP Computer	88
Sharing a Folder on Your Windows XP Computer	91
Sharing Music on Your Network	94
Sharing Pictures on Your Network	97
Gaining Access to a Shared Folder on the Network	99
Creating Shortcuts to Folders on Your Network and the Internet	101
Restricting Access to a Shared Folder on Your Windows XP Computer	104
Mapping a Network Drive	107
Stopping Folder Sharing	109
7: Sharing Printers and Other Peripherals	112
Sharing a Printer	114
Installing Additional Drivers	118
Printing to a Shared Printer	120
Disabling Printer Sharing	123
Sharing a Removable Disk Drive	124
8: Communicating and Collaborating with Others on Your Network	126
Using Windows Messenger to Communicate with Others	128
Using Windows Messenger with Voice and Video	137
Using Windows Messenger to Transfer a File	142
Using Windows Messenger to Share Applications	146
Using Remote Assistance to Help Another Person	150
Taking Advantage of MSN Explorer	153
Using MSN Explorer with Earlier Versions of Windows	155
GLOSSARY	159
INDEX	167