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Setting Up the Network |
  
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Setting Up the Network |
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Naming Computers
All computers in a Windows based network requires a unique name for their identification. Assign a meaningful computer name to all the computers. The name should be easy to remember and/or recognize (examples could include: ExamRoom1, PreTest, FrontDesk, etc).
All the names should be less than the 15 characters and without spaces. Also try to avoid special characters while naming the computers (such as / \ % * $ , :).
To assign a computer name in Windows XP and Windows 2000 do the following things.
1. Right click on the My Computer.
2. Click Properties
3. Click on Computer name.
4. Assign a unique and meaningful computer name.
To assign a computer name in Windows Vista and Windows 7 do the following things.
1. Right click on the My Computer.
2. Click Properties
3. Click on Computer name.
4. Assign a unique and meaningful computer name.
A Windows based computer network can be a workgroup (peer-to-peer) or domain (client/server). You can make your computer a part of the workgroup or a domain. If you have centralized server then your computer will be part of the domain and if you have no server then all computers will be having peer-to-peer networking.
In both cases, while joining your computer to a domain or a workgroup always assign unique, sequenced, memorable and meaningful names to the computers. Do not use duplicate names or special characters.
In order to join a computer to a domain or workgroup in Windows 2000 and Windows XP do the following.
1. Right Click on My Computer
2. Click Properties
3. Click on Computer Name
4. In Workgroup or domain, enter the name of the workgroup or domain.
In order to join a computer to a domain or workgroup in Windows Vista and Windows 7 do the following.
1. Right Click on My Computer
2. Click Properties
3. Click on Computer Name
4. In Workgroup or domain, enter the name of the workgroup or domain.
If everything is correct such as unique computer name, unique IP address, correct workgroup or domain name then you computer will be the part of the workgroup or domain in the few seconds and you will be see a welcome to domain or workgroup message and will be prompted to restart the computer name.
Network Security
Security for your computer network should be the top concern. You can secure your network by installing the most current version of your operating system and antivirus software. Also, have a properly configured firewall (see your Windows Help section). And remember that one of the simplest things to do is controlling on-site computer access, limiting it to only authorized users.