eMachines el1331 User Guide

Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started

Establishing your Ethernet network

connection

Naming the computers and the workgroup

Make sure that you have set up your router (wired

network) or access point (wireless network). If you are

setting up a wired network, make sure that you have

connected the network cabling.

Configuring the TCP/IP protocol

A networking protocol is a language computers use to

talk to each other. One of several available protocols

must be set up on each computer you plan to use on

your network. We recommend you use the

Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol

(TCP/IP), which is widely accepted and compatible for

local area networks (LANs), as well as for Internet

communications.
When networking is set up in Windows, TCP/IP is

automatically installed as the default protocol.

Using a DHCP server
In order to use the TCP/IP protocol on a computer with

a router or access point router, the protocol must be

set to “Obtain an IP address from a DHCP server.” This

is typically preset when you receive your computer.

Configuring your router
After you have named your computers and set up

TCP/IP on them, you can configure your router using

your Web browser. For instructions, see your router’s

documentation.

Testing your network

Now that your home network is set up, log onto one

of your computers and access a favorite Internet Web

site.

Important

You must give each computer on the network a unique

Computer Name and the same Workgroup Name.

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