Day 27

Networking under Windows 9X

The ability to network a group of PCs is one feature that is built into Windows 9X, while, Windows 3.1 was very weak in this area. To access a network, which your PC is already linked to, just click on the Network neighborhood icon found on the Desktop. Windows 9X has made Networking a part of its OS, so we will look into just how to use these features.

After this lesson you will be able to:

Understand and use the Network Neighborhood

Work with Network Interface cards (NICs)

Configure a system to use the Internet.

Set up E-Mail

Network Neighborhood

Network Neighborhood provides you access to the entire network, workgroups, network printers, and other PCs, which are “Shared” on the network.

To look at the properties of a client computer on the network, select that PC’s icon in the Network Neighborhood, right click the icon, and then click Properties. On the General tab, basic information of that PC is shown. This information may include its user, its workgroup, and the domain to which it belongs.

On the Tools tab, you can use Net Watcher and System Monitor to see what files are shared on that system as well as who is using them. System Monitor allows you to see disk access and system use. If you have Administrator rights, you may change a client PC’s settings.

Using Net Watcher to monitor shared resource use

You can see who is currently using resources on your computer by using Net Watcher. You can also add shared folders and disconnect users from your computer or from specific files.

Before you can run Net Watcher, you must have Client for Microsoft Networks installed, and you must enable file and print sharing options.

Notes

You can also start Net Watcher by clicking Start, pointing to Programs, pointing to Accessories, pointing to System Tools, and then clicking Net Watcher.
If you do not see Net Watcher on the System Tools menu, it is not installed. To find out how to install it, click Related Topics.

Connecting a Client to the network

Open the Control Panel.

Open the Network icon, which will display the Network dialog box.

Network dialog box

Click the “Add” button, which will display the Select Network Component Type Dialog box.

Click “Client,” and then click add, which will show the Select network Client dialog box.

Now select the type of client you want to add and click OK.

Now, just follow the onscreen instructions to finish the process.

Sharing Disk Drives

To share a file, folder, entire drive, or resource, you must make that item available over the network.

To share a folder

In Windows Explorer or My Computer, click the folder you want to share.
On the File menu, click Properties.
Click the Sharing tab, and then click Shared As.
Click the Access Type you want, and, if necessary, enter a password.

To stop sharing a folder

In Windows Explorer or My Computer, click the folder you want to stop sharing.
On the File menu, click Properties.
Click the Sharing tab, and then click Not Shared.

To share your printer

Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Printers.
Click the printer you want to share.
On the File menu, click Properties.
Click the Sharing tab, and then click Shared As.

Notes on Sharing

If the Sharing tab is not visible, you need to enable file and print sharing services.
You can also share disk drives by using this method.

Network Interface Cards

As we talked about in an earlier lesson, Network cards allow a PC to link with other PCs on a Network.

To install or change software for a network adapter (Network Interface Card)

open the Network dialog box.
Click Add.
Click Adapter, and then click Add.
Follow the instructions on the screen.

Notes

You can also open the Network dialog box by clicking Start, pointing to Settings, clicking Control Panel, and then double-clicking Network.

The Internet

ISPs, Dial-Up Access, and Configuring for Internet Access

To set up your computer for Internet access using Dial-Up Networking, you must first obtain a dial-up access account with an ISP, (internet Service Provider). The information given will be a user log-in name, password, and phone number.

To set this ISP information up in the Dial-Up Networking, open the “My computer” icon found on the Desktop.

Click and open the Dial-Up Networking icon.

Click on the “Make New Connection” icon.

You will be allowed to call this connection anything you wish. I normally use the name of the ISP that that connection will be connected with.

Click “Next.”

Here, you need to key in the phone number of the ISP.

Now click “finish.”

Now click on the new icon that has been created in the Dial-Up Networking window.

You will see a new window pop up, as seen here.

Now key-in your user name and password.

Click “Connect.”

Next, open your Internet Browser to surf the net.

FREE ISPs

Free ISP are just that, they allow you to connect to the internet for free, without any monthly charges or credit cards needed. Hundreds of Free ISP are out there today. To find a list, do a net search....

…And find one that offers a local phone number.

For this demonstration I will take you through the steps of setting up the free ISP “The Simpsons”

Download the free Internet setup wizard at : http://cobrand.1stup.com/simpsons/start.html

Download (for Microsoft Internet Explorer):

After filling out the Registration form, select "Save this program to disk" from the "File Download" window.
Click "OK."
When the "Save As" screen appears, choose a convenient location on your hard drive (C:). thesimpsons.com suggests your "Program Files" folder. Please note the location where you save the file. To download to diskette, choose the floppy disk drive (A:).
Click "Save."
The file (setup.exe) will begin downloading as indicated by the blue meter in the "File Download" window. When the download is complete, the window will read "Download Complete." This should take between 3 and 10 minutes depending on your connection speed.

To Install:

When the file has completed downloading, right click on the Windows "Start" button, and select "Explore."
Locate your C: drive and the folder where you saved the file. Open the folder. (If installing from a floppy disk, insert the disk and select your A: drive in the left column.)
Double click on the "setup" icon.
On the "Welcome" window, click "Continue."
On the "Install Screen" window, click "OK."
On the "Installation Complete" window, click "OK" again.

Dialup and Login:

Disconnect from your current Internet Service Provider if you haven't already done so. This will hang up your modem.
The software automatically created a thesimpsons.com icon on your desktop, the screen that appears when you log in to Windows. Double click on the thesimpsons.com icon on your desktop. The first time that you click the icon it will take you directly to step 4.
Click "Add" to create a dialing location or "Modify" to edit an existing location.
Create a location name in the "Location Name:" window and select your connection type and device. "Location Name" allows you to have seperate dialing properties for different locations (i.e. home, office, etc.)

You can select any installed modem or TCP/IP (LAN) connection. If you select an installed modem, click "Next." If you select a TCP/IP (LAN) connection, click "Finish."
Enter your area code. Select the dialing method you want to use.
Click the boxes to the left of "Dial" to insert special prefixes or suffixes when dialing. Edit the prefixes or suffixes in the adjoining window. Click "Next."
Highlight a phone number or city in the left window. Click "Add" to select the number(s). Click the "+" sign next to the city to display the indvidual dialup numbers. Highlight the number and click "Add" to select only that number. Selecting as many numbers as possible increases your chances of connecting. Click "Next."

NOTE: You are responsible for any long-distance telephone charges incurred while dialing into thesimpsons.com free Internet access. Please check with your local phone company to ensure that you are not making long-distance calls. Be sure to check all numbers, even those selected under a city heading.
This window displays the final numbers that will be dialed. You must check the box at the bottom to indicate that you have read the warning regarding long distance charges. Click "FINISH."
Click "Connect" to Dial In.