For this article, we will assume that your local cable or Phone Company has installed a broadband Internet connection on one of your PCs. If they haven't, then that should be your first step.

Many new homes are being built pre-wired for Internet. This means that you have network cables running throughout your walls and coming out as jacks in the wall in various rooms. If this is the case then you will have an even easier time setting up your network. If not, that's ok too, as cables can be neatly run under carpets, through attics, or along baseboards.

For the basic network, you will need the following in order to connect two or more computers together (see figure to left):

A broadband internet connection (such as cable modem or DSL)

One CAT-5E network cable for each computer

One CAT-5E network cable for modem

One network interface card for each computer

Note that more and more computers are offering a network card already built in, so check your computer for an Ethernet cable port before purchasing another card. For Cat – 5 E cable visit www.worldofcables.com .

Plan Your Setup

Next, you need to figure out how and where to run the appropriate length cables to fit your specific needs. We offer special flat Ethernet cables specifically designed for running along baseboards and the floor. This helps in keeping them out of the way and from people tripping over them.

Connect one end of a network cable into the back of your DSL/cable modem and the other into the "Internet" port on the back of the router. Connect a network cable in the back of each of your computers and into separate ports in the back of the router. You now have the start of a basic network.

Note that the purpose of the network router is to allow multiple computers to share one internet connection, without having to pay for a multiple-connection option from the internet service provider.

Most new computers will auto-configure your router and get you connected. You may have to configure your computer to turn on DHCP. This allows your router to differentiate between your different computers.

Enable DHCP

If you have a Windows based computer: Go to Start -> Programs -> Control Panel -> Network Connections. Right click on the connection and select Properties. Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click properties. Select Obtain IP Address Automatically and Obtain DNS Server Address Automatically. If you are using a Windows 2000 machine you must then click Advanced and select DHCP Enabled and click OK. You may have to reboot for the settings to take affect.

If you have a Mac running OS 10.2: Go to System Preferences -> Network. Click on the TCP/IP tab. In the TCP/IP panel, change Configure Manually to Using DHCP. Delete any Domain Name Servers that are listed in the Domain Name Servers box. Click Apply Now.

If you have a Mac running OS 10.3: Go to System Preferences -> Network. From Show, choose Built-in Ethernet. Click on the TCP/IP tab. From Configure, choose Using DHCP. Delete Domain Name Servers. Click Apply Now.

Repeat the above steps for each computer on the network.

Setup Sharing

To allow for the other computers to share certain folders or printers:

If you are running Windows 2000/XP: Right click on any file folder and go to Sharing and Security... Select Share This Folder. Click OK. The other computers on your network can access anything you put in this folder. To share a printer, on the PC with the printer, go to Start -> Printers and Faxes. Right click on the printer you'd like to share and select sharing... Select Share this Printer. Click OK

If you have a Mac running OSX: Go to System Preferences (on the Apple menu) and click on Sharing. Select Personal File Sharing. The "Public" folder in your home folder will now be shared automatically. Use the address displayed at the bottom of the Sharing window to access this folder from other computers. Unlike Windows, Mac OSX does not allow you to share any folder you want. To share printers, select Printer Sharing. For more visit www.worldofcables.com 

About us-:

As a service to our many customers, Worldofcables.com is publishing a monthly series of informative technical articles, with each one focusing on a particular technology. Our goal is to help our customers get better acquainted with the often confusing cables, connectors, and standards to be encountered out there. We, WORLDOFCABLES, take pride in providing the most selection at the best prices. Our Cable and Connector Specialists are not only trained to know our wide range of products inside and out, but actually use many of them each day. With thousands of items in stock each day, we have the specialized products to fit your every need. A quick call to our Sales Department or Technical Support Team can give you the knowledge you need to stay connected, and our incredibly low prices give you the power to keep your overhead low.

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Workstation, Bulk Cable, Cat6 Cables, CATV, SATV, Computer Accessories, Connectors, DVI, Fiber Cables, Gender Changers, HDMI, Home Distribution, PC Cables, Monitor Cables, VGA, USB

About Author:

The author of this article is Pradeep, an Internet Marketer and Online Retail Analyst by profession. Currently, Pradeep is associated with Worldofcables, LLC – a California based company and has been delegated to market and promote its in-house project Worldofcables.com, for consultation or business inquiry, Pradeep can be contacted at: Pradeep@worldofcables.com & Worldofcable@Gmail.com