Installing a Computer Network

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Installing a Computer Network

Introduction: Installing a home network is about sharing: sharing files, Internet access, printers, and other peripherals. Learn what hardware and software you need to network computers together and how to install a network into your own home.

1. What hardware do you need to network two computers together?

2. You can tell the difference between a phone cable and an Ethernet cable because:

3. What version of Microsoft Windows has a wizard to help you automatically set up your network, including the sharing of communication (Internet) resources:

4. Which is a disadvantage of wireless home networks?

5. Which should you do AFTER you start-up the networking wizard?

6.
Write the letter of the best definition on the right next to the term on the left. There will be extra definitions left over.
Using the pulldown boxes, match each item on the left to the corresponding item at right.

A. Standard speed in Mbps for a network interface card

B. Type of Ethernet cable

C. Type of connector used on Ethernet cable

D. The interface card that must be installed in each computer to join a network.

E. A device to join more than 2 computers in a network

RJ45

CAT 5

NIC

Router

10/100

7.
Different Kinds of Connections

Task: If you want to network more than two computers together, you need a hub or router. What is the difference?

Assignment:

a. Look up the definitions for LAN, hub and router at Webopedia.com or a similar source and answer the following questions:

What is a LAN?

What are the three types of hubs?

What are gateways?

Which one will only let you connect computers together on the same network?

Since the Internet is one network, and your home computer network is another, separate network; which hardware, a hub or router, will allow you to join your home computer network to the Internet?

b. Compare the cost of a 4-port Ethernet hub with a regular 4-port Router and a wireless 4-port Router

Make Model Details Cost

4-port Ethernet Hub

4-port Router

Wireless 4-port Router

Resources:

Investigate at your local retail computer store, ads in the local paper or shop online at any computer retailer such as: www.cdw.com , www.dealtime.com, www.Pricewatch.com or http://shopper.cnet.com

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type at the beginning of the paragraph, and at the end.

8.
Compare Networking with Other Systems

Task: Not everybody uses Windows computers. Most Apple computers come with a built-in AppleTalk network interface and an Airport (a wireless network interface). They are all ready to connect. If you should need to replace a defective card, Apple computer supplies movies on its website, similar to our Sound Bytes, as well as manuals describing how to install or replace parts.

Assignment: View the movie on how to replace the Airport for an Apple Power Mac G4 cube. List the missing steps required to replace the wireless network card.

a. Touch bare metal to discharge static electricity
b. Unplug power cord
c. Pull core from enclosure
d. _____________________________________
e. Pull plastic tab to release card
f. ______________________________________
g. Insert Airport into connector
h. _______________________________________
i. Insert core into computer
j. ________________________

Do you think this is something the average computer user could do?

Resources:
Apple Computer Support Power Mac G4 Cube Airport replacement movie http://www.info.apple.com/usen/cip/html/g4cube/g4cube-airport-cip.mov.html
To create paragraphs in your essay response, type at the beginning of the paragraph, and at the end.

9.
Having Fun with Your Network

Task: Find out more about how networks allow you to interact. According to HomePCNetwork, "network-capable games (that is, games that you can play with other people across a network) were once a rarity. Now, game reviewers mark against games if they don't offer good network game play."

Assignment:

Review a game that can be played across a computer network.

What game did you review?

Who makes it?

What is it about?

Do you think it would be fun to play with others?

Resources:

Games are big business! Search at any popular computer user site for current game reviews!www.HomePCNetwork.com, www.pcgamereview.com, www.quandaryland.com/, www.gamespot.com/

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type at the beginning of the paragraph, and at the end.

Answer choices in this exercise are randomized and will appear in a different order each time the page is loaded.

Chapter 7: Sound Byte Labs

Installing a Computer Network