This document explains the benefits of networking and takes you through the basics of using Microsoft Windows* 95 to connect a small workgroup of computers. Using Windows 95, you can share files and peripherals on any computer, saving time and money.

Windows 95 Overview

If you have a small number of PC-compatible computers and are interested in networking, a simple peer-to-peer network may be the right solution for you. Windows 95 makes networking easier than ever, allowing you to share files and printers in just a few easy steps.

Included with Windows 95 are unique and powerful networking functions that allow users to connect their computers together and share information and peripherals. This document covers the basics of using Windows 95 to connect your personal computers together to become more productive. It is written for the user who just wants to know the basics. More advance topics on networking with Windows 95 can be found in "how to" books and manuals at any bookstore or computer store.

Windows 95 Networking Features

One of the advantages of Windows 95 is the integration of networking functions into the computer's operating system. The integration of networking functions allows for easy peer-to-peer networking. This gives users power to share devices, such as printers, modems, CD-ROMs, as well as files and applications, from computer to computer.

By sharing devices and applications on each computer you can save money. In addition, sharing files and peripherals can save you time and effort.

Because Windows 95 has the network software built in, to make a complete network you will simply need the hardware to make a connection between the computers. The network hardware you would need for completing your network include a Network Interface Card for each computer, a hub, and the wiring to connect the computers.

The networking software built into Windows 95 is simple, but offers many advanced features to network users.

Why Network?

For years, major corporations throughout the world have recognized the need for and benefits of networking. But what exactly are the advantages of having a network? There are two main reasons why-- saving money on computer peripherals and being more productive.

The first reason for a creating a network is sharing hardware resources. If you have a small business with 10 computers, it is obvious that buying 10 laser printers, 10 modems, and 10 CD-ROM drives for your computers is expensive. By setting up a network, those 10 computers can share all of the above devices, saving the cost of buying a peripheral for each computer. The same can be said for sharing applications from computer to computer, saving more money.

The second reason for connecting a computer network is communication. By connecting computers to a network, you can increase the sharing of information between users through file sharing, using groupware applications, and even electronic mail. Increasing productivity gives users more time to work on other projects and increased coordination, saving money.

Setting Up Your Windows 95 Network

This section will assist you in setting up a basic network with Windows 95. The topics below are organized in the sequence you should follow to set up a Windows 95 network.

1. Installing Your Network Adapter with Windows 95
   This is the place to begin. Step-by-step procedures take you through the installation of a network adapter and wiring your computers together.
   
   
2. Configuring Windows 95 Networking Software
   The basics on configuring your system software. This simple guide takes the fear out of connecting your computers.
   
   
3. Networking with a PC Card (PCMCIA) with Windows 95
   If you have a portable computer with a PC Card slot, this section will help you set it up on the network.
   
   
4. Configuring and Identifying Your Computer on Windows 95
   This section teaches you how to give your computer an identity on the network.
   
   
5. Letting Others Access Your Computer
   Find out how to share resources on the network and how to use passwords to keep others off of your computers.
   
   
   • Sharing Your Folders
     Share the files on your computer without running disks around.
     
     
   • Sharing a Printer
     Does someone in your office have a color laser printer connected to their computer? You can now use it with a Windows 95 network.
     
     
   • Sharing a CD-ROM Drive
     Sharing a CD drive is as easy as sharing a folder, giving everyone on the network multimedia capabilities.
     
     
   • Sharing a Modem
     You can share a modem on your network with third-party software.
     
6. Using Network Neighborhood
   Find out about Windows 95 Network Neighborhood, the only way to navigate your Windows network!
   
   
7. Troubleshooting Tips
   

1. Shut down the computer and turn off all power to the system. Next, touch a metal part of the system like the case to discharge static electricity. Then unplug the power cord from the system and avoid shuffling around when working on the computer.
   
   
2. Remove the cover's screws or hex nuts from the back of the computer. Slide the cover off of the computer.
   
   
3. Locate an empty slot at the back of the computer. A peripheral slot will appear to be a rectangular piece of plastic with holes for pins. Your PC will require either an ISA,EISA, or PCI card. Make sure that you have the correct card for your open slot.
   
   
4. Unscrew the metal plate that blocks the hole in the back of the computer corresponding with the open slot. Remove the plate from the back.
   
   
5. Remove the card from its anti-static bag and hold it only by the brackets. Mishandling the card can damage it. Avoid touching any of the chips inside of the computer with the card. Slowly and carefully press the card into the slot, lining up the pins on the card with the slot. Make sure that the adapter is firmly seated in the slot.
   
   
6. Use the screw left over from step four to screw the adapter card's bracket into the computer case.
   
   
7. Replace the computer cover and replace all screws.
   
   
8. Make the cable connection from the newly-installed adapter to the hub using twisted-pair cabling.

1. Right click the Network Neighborhood icon on your desktop and choose Properties from the menu.
   
   
2. Choose Add. A box called Select Network Component Type will appear. Choose Protocol from the component types listed. A new box called Select Network Protocol will appear.
   
   
3. There will be two windows in the Select Network Protocol box. From the left window labeled Manufacturer, choose Microsoft. From the right window marked Network Protocols, choose the NetBEUI protocol. Click the OK button and your computer will begin installing the protocol. You may be prompted for a Windows 95 disk or CD-ROM at this time.
   
   
4. When prompted, choose Restart to restart your computer so that the changes will take effect.

1. From your Start menu, choose Settings, Control Panel. Double-click the Network icon in the Control Panel folder. A Network dialog box appears.
   
   
2. Click the Add button on the Configuration page. Click Client from the Select Network Component Type dialog box. A box labeled Select Network Client appears.
   
   
3. Select Microsoft from the left window labeled Manufacturers. From the right window labeled Network Clients, select Client for Microsoft Networks.
   
   
4. Click OK to install the client software. Restart the computer by selecting Restart from the dialog box.

1. Right-click the Network Neighborhood icon on your desktop. Select Properties from the pop-up menu. A dialog box labeled Network appears.
   
   
2. In the Network box, change the primary logon to Client for Microsoft Networks by pulling down the menu with the right arrow.
   
   
3. Click the File and Print Sharing button. A dialog box called File and Print Sharing appears.
   
   
4. Click on the statements that you want to share; either files or printers, or both. Click OK to save your choices.
   
   
5. Choose OK on the Network box to save all changes. When prompted, choose Restart from the dialog box.

1. Insert your PC Card network adapter into an available PC Card slot.
   
   
2. Windows 95 automatically detects the presence of the PC Card.
   
   
3. A "New Hardware Found" dialog box appears. You should select one of two radio buttons: select "Driver from disk provided by hardware manufacturer" to use the disk supplied by the manufacturer of the PC Card, or select "Select from a list of alternative drivers" to choose from the list of drivers supplied by Windows 95. Choose OK to finish the installation.
   
   
4. After the driver has been installed, select Restart from the dialog box.
   
   
5. When the portable computer has restarted, choose Settings, Control Panel from the Start menu.
   
   
6. Double-click the Network Icon. The box labeled Network appears.
   
   
7. Select your PC Card from the list and choose the Properties button. A Properties sheet appears for the PC Card.
   
   
8. Choose the Advanced tab. On the Advanced page, select the Connector Type property from the left window marked Property. Check the window market Value to see if the connection type matches the cabling that you are using. Remember that Twisted-Pair (10BASE-T) is for cable that looks like thick phone wire. BNC (Coax) is for cable that looks like cable television cable. Choose the appropriate cable type from the pull-down menu.
   
   
9. Choose OK to close the Properties sheet. If you changed the connection type, select Yes to restart the computer.

• Computer Name
  This is the name that others will see when they "see" your computer on the network in the Network Neighborhood. Type in whatever name you would like others to see. Most of the time your name will be enough, but be creative enough to distinguish yourself from others on the network. In other words, don't just type in "My Computer."
  
  
• Workgroup
  This specifies the group of computers that you are in. It is only important with large numbers of computers that are segmented on the network. If you are running a small network, this isn't an important feature. Just make sure that when you use a workgroup name that you type in exactly the same name as the other computers on the network.
  
  
• Computer Description
  This is an additional information field that allows you to further identify your computer. This only comes up on others' computers when they select the Properties information on your computer. You may want to include the physical location of your computer such as "Computer at the reception desk" or a description of the computer such as "Pentium® processor with modem and printer," in the description.

• Sharing Your Folders
• Sharing a Printer
• Sharing a CD-ROM Drive
• Sharing a Modem

1. Double-click the My Computer icon on your computer desktop.
   
   
2. Select the drive that contains the folder you intend to share.
   
   
3. Find the folder you intend to share. Using the right mouse button, click once on the folder.
   
   
4. Select Sharing from the pull-down menu. A Properties box will appear on the screen.
   
   
5. Click the Shared radio button in the dialog box. Windows uses the folder name as the default name. If you wish to change the name or add comments about the folder as a better description, type them into the available boxes.
   
   
6. Click the Full radio button under Access Type to give others the ability to change files. If you wish to restrict users to only being able to read the information in the folder, you click the Read Only button.
   
   
7. Click the OK button to close the box and save changes.
   
   
8. If at any time you wish to block others from this folder, open the Properties box and select the Not Shared radio button.

1. From the Start menu, choose Settings, Printers.
   
   
2. Right-click on the printer you wish to share. From the pop-up menu, choose Sharing. A Properties sheet appears.
   
   
3. Find and select the Sharing tab.
   
   
4. Click the Shared As radio button.
   
   
5. Enter a name in the Shared Name text box. The name should be the name of the printer that you are sharing. Enter a description in the Comment text box. One of the best descriptions for the printer is its physical location, e.g. "Laser printer next to Pam's desk."
   
   
6. Choose OK to save settings. If you wish to restrict the use of the printer, you may do so with a password. Consult your Windows 95 manual for instructions on limiting access to the printer.
   
   
7. In order for others to use the printer connected to your computer, they must load the correct drivers onto their computer. Drivers are small software components that allow your computer to communicate with a device like a printer or a modem.

1. Double-click the My Computer icon on your computer desktop.
   
   
2. Select the CD-ROM drive. Using the right mouse button, click once on the folder.
   
   
3. Select Sharing from the pull-down menu. A Properties box will appear on the screen.
   
   
4. Click the Shared radio button in the dialog box. You may want to type in CD-ROM as the name in the Share Name text box or add comments about the drive as a better description in the Comment text box.
   
   
5. Click the Full radio button under Access Type. Since CD-ROMs cannot be altered, there is no need to protect it from being changed.
   
   
6. Click the OK button to close the box and save changes.
   
   
7. If at any time you wish to block others from this folder, open the Properties box and select the Not Shared radio button.

1. Open My Computer, the Control Panel, and then the Network Icon. Check the list of network components.
   
   If the list doesn't include NetBEUI:
   
   
   1. Click Add. Click Protocol.
   2. Click Add.
   3. Click Microsoft in the Manufacturers list.
   4. Click NetBEUI.
   5. Click OK.
   If the list doesn't include Client for Microsoft Networks:
   
   
   1. Click Add.
   2. Click Client.
   3. Click Add.
   4. Click Microsoft in the Manufacturers list.
   5. Click Client for Microsoft Networks.
   6. Click OK.

• Make sure the computer you want to access is turned on and has been running for a few minutes.
  
  
• If you just started your computer, wait a few minutes and try again.
  
  
• Make sure you have a good connection from your computer to the hub. Check the light on the hub where your computer is connected.
  
  
• Double-click Entire Network in Network Neighborhood.
  
  If you can't access the network, restart your computer and log in. You must log in to access the network.
  
  If you see workgroups and can open them and see computers, you can access those computers. If you want to see the computers in a workgroup as soon as you open Network Neighborhood, specify that workgroup for your computer. Right-click Network Neighborhood and click Properties. Click the Identification tab and type the name of the workgroup you want to join.

• Make sure the other computer is set up to share files and printers.
  
  
• Make sure that folders or a printer have been set up for sharing from that computer.
  
  
• If the shared resource requires a password, use the password set on that computer for that shared resource.

This applies to:

Intel® InBusiness™ Small Office Network