Creating An Ethernet Network; Installing Ethernet Cards And Drivers - Gateway 300X User Manual

Chapter 7: Networking Your Computer
Important
Tips & Tricks
Determining if an Ethernet is already installed on your computers
To determine if Ethernet is already installed on your computer:
1
Click , then click
Start
Panel is in Category View, click
2
Click/Double-click
Manager window opens.
3
Click the plus (+) in front of
computer is listed. If one is not listed, you must install one.

Creating an Ethernet network

Installing Ethernet cards and drivers

After you have determined the type of Ethernet you are using for your network, you need
to install Ethernet cards and drivers on the computers that do not have Ethernet already
installed. To order wired or wireless Ethernet PCI or PC cards, visit the Accessories Store
at accessories.gateway.com.
Use the documentation that comes with your Ethernet cards for instructions on installing
the card and any required drivers.
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For best results, all Ethernet components should be either standard
Ethernet (10 Mbps), Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps or 10/100), or Gigabit
Ethernet (1000 Mbps or 10/100/1000). A mixture of components rated
at different speeds will result in your network running at the speed
of the slowest rated component.
When buying your router, be sure the model includes everything your
network needs, including:
Internet security features - such as a firewall to protect your network
■
from unwanted intruders
4-port switch - to eliminate the need for additional network hardware
■
DHCP server/dynamic IP address assignment - to automatically
■
configure network and IP addresses
. The Control Panel window opens. If your Control
Control Panel
Performance and Maintenance
, click the
System Hardware
Network adapters
www.gateway.com
.
tab, then click
Device Manager
. The Ethernet device installed in your
. The Device