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Once you have finished connecting the basic components of your computer network, it is important to take some time to configure your workstation. This tutorial gives instructions on how to configure a Windows XP operating system and the newer Windows Vista operating system for both a home network (using a DHCP system) and a larger business network (using a static system). It also gives step-by-step instructions on how to create a workgroup, share files, folders or devices between computers, and connect to shared folders on another computer, for both Windows XP and Vista operating systems.

Configuring a DHCP System for Windows XP

A Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) network requires the least amount of manual configuration and is therefore the best option for small home networks. DHCP is a protocol that allows a computer to join an IP-based network without the need for it to have a pre-configured IP address. DHCP automatically assigns unique IP addresses to devices, and releases and renews these addresses as devices leave and re-join the network. Using DHCP on a network means that system administrators do not need to configure these parameters individually for each device joining the network.

Most computers have a working DHCP server installed in its cable/DSL routers. To ensure that your DHCP system is properly configured on your Windows XP network, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the Start menu.
  2. Click Control Panel.
  3. Click Network Connections. A window will open, showing your current network connections.
  4. Double-click the connection you wish to configure. The Local Area Connection Status dialog box will open, similar to the one shown below, displaying basic statistics about your current connection:
    Connection Status Dialog
  5. Click the Properties button. The Local Area Connection Properties dialog box will open, similar to the one shown below, showing the basic configuration of your connection. From here, you can change the device you use to connect to the Internet, add or remove protocols, or configure protocols. A protocol is a set of rules that controls communication between two or more computers.
    Connection Properties Dialog
  6. Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).
  7. Click the Properties button. The Internet Protocol Properties dialog box will open, containing options for configuring your computer.
  8. If you have a working DHCP server on your network (most cable/DSL routers have them), you simply need to make sure that you are obtaining your IP address and DNS server address automatically by selecting the appropriate check boxes.
  9. Click OK on the open dialog boxes.

Configuring a DHCP System for Windows Vista

To ensure that your DHCP system is properly configured on your Vista network, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the Start menu.
  2. Click Control Panel.
  3. Click Network and Internet.
  4. Click Network and Sharing Center. The Network and Sharing Center is the new interface for managing almost all network properties in Windows Vista.
  5. Click Manage Network Connections. This is where all your NIC interfaces are managed and setup in Vista.
  6. Right-click the interface your network is connected to. Usually, you will only have one or two NICs per computer, for example one wired and one wireless NIC. A shortcut menu will open.
  7. Select Properties from the shortcut menu. The Local Area Connection Properties dialog box will open.
  8. Select the IPv4 option from the list of Internet protocols. This is the most widely supported IP across the globe.
  9. Click the Properties button. The Internet Protocol Version 4 Properties dialog box will open.
  10. Click the General tab.
  11. To make sure that DHCP is properly set up on your computer, select Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server automatically.
  12. Click OK on the open dialog boxes.

Configuring a Static System for Windows XP

Static networks are typically used by businesses and schools. In a DHCP network, every time a computer restarts it requests a new IP address, which uses up a significant amount of the network's bandwidth. As a result, the network slows down when operating a large amount of computers. A static network allows the router to spend less time setting up the network, which becomes more important for larger networks.

To statically configure your network using Windows XP, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the Start menu.
  2. Click Control Panel.
  3. Click Network Connections. A window will open, showing your current network connections.
  4. Double-click the connection you wish to configure. The Local Area Connection Status dialog box will open, displaying basic statistics about your current connection.
  5. Click the Properties button. The Local Area Connection Properties dialog box will open, showing the basic configuration of your connection. From here, you can change the device you use to connect to the Internet, add or remove protocols, or configure protocols.
  6. Select Internet Protocol {TCP/IP}.
  7. Click the Properties button. The Internet Protocol Properties dialog box will open, similar to the one shown below, containing options for configuring your computer.
    Protocol Properties Dialog
  8. Select Use the following IP address.
  9. In the IP address field, enter either the IP number supplied by your Internet Service Provider, or enter your private network IP address. If you are entering a private network IP address, it should be a set of 4 numbers separated by periods. The first two numbers should be 192 and 168 (these are reserved for private networks). The third number can be anything from 1 to 255, but you must keep it consistent between machines. The fourth number will also be between 1 and 255, but will be different from machine to machine.
  10. In the Subnet mask field, enter 255.255.255.0 (it should automatically default to this number).
  11. You will only need to enter a Default gateway if you have WAN access. Most gateways will have a default IP address of 192.168.1.1. To verify your gateway's IP address, you will need to consult your product documentation.
  12. When you are finished entering the IP information, click OK on the open dialog boxes.

Configuring a Static System for Windows Vista

  1. Go to the Start menu.
  2. Right-click Network. A shortcut menu will open.
  3. Select Properties from the shortcut menu. The Network and Sharing Center window will open.
  4. Click Manage network connections. The Network Connections window will open, listing all of your NICs or wireless connections.
  5. Double-click the connection you wish to configure. The Local Area Connection Status dialog box will open, displaying basic statistics about your current connection.
  6. Click the Properties button. The Local Area Connection Properties dialog box will open, showing the basic configuration of your connection. From here, you can change the device you use to connect to the Internet, add or remove protocols, or configure protocols. A protocol is a set of rules that controls communication between two or more computers.
  7. Select Internet Protocol {TCP/IPv4}.
  8. Click the Properties button. The Internet Protocol Version 4 dialog box will open, containing options for configuring your computer.
  9. Select Use the following IP address.
  10. In the IP address field, enter either the IP number supplied by your Internet Service Provider, or enter your private network IP address. If you are entering a private network IP address, it should be a set of 4 numbers separated by periods. The first two numbers should be 192 and 168 (these are reserved for private networks). The third number can be anything from 1 to 255, but you must keep it consistent between machines. The fourth number will also be between 1 and 255, but will be different from machine to machine.
  11. In the Subnet mask field, enter 255.255.255.0 (it should automatically default to this number).
  12. You will only need to enter a Default gateway if you have WAN access. Most gateways will have a default IP address of 192.168.1.1. To verify your gateway's IP address, you will need to consult your product documentation.
  13. When you are finished entering the IP information, click OK on the open dialog boxes.

Setting up a Workgroup

A Windows network is divided into sections called workgroups. A workgroup provides a way to distinguish different clusters of devices within one network. For the easiest browsing experience, you should make sure that all of your computers belong to the same workgroup.

Windows XP Workgroup

To configure your computers to a Windows XP workgroup, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the Start menu.
  2. Click Control Panel.
  3. Click System.
  4. Click the Computer Name tab. Windows will display both your computer’s name and the workgroup that your computer belongs to.
  5. Click Change. The Computer Name Changes dialog box will open, allowing you to make changes to the name of the workgroup.
  6. In the Workgroup field, type the name of the workgroup you want to connect your computer to.
  7. Click OK. You may be prompted to restart your computer.

Windows Vista Workgroup

To configure your computers to a Windows Vista workgroup, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the Start menu.
  2. Click Control Panel.
  3. Click System.
  4. Click the Computer Name tab. Windows will display both your computer’s name and the workgroup that your computer belongs to.
  5. Select Change Settings to the right of your computer's name.
  6. Select Change
  7. Type the workgroup you want to connect to into the Workgroup dialog box.
  8. Click OK. You may be prompted to restart your computer.

Sharing Files, Folders, & Devices in Windows XP

To share a file, folder, or device using Windows XP, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the Start menu.
  2. Click My Computer.
  3. Right-click on the folder, file or device you wish to share.
  4. Click Sharing and Security.
  5. Select Share this folder on the network from the Network Sharing and Security menu. The name of the field, folder or device you are sharing will appear in the Share Name field.
  6. If you want other users on the network to be able to edit the content of the shared folder, select Allow network users to change my files.
  7. Click OK.

Sharing Files, Folders, & Devices in Windows Vista

To share a file, folder, or device using Windows Vista, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the Start menu.
  2. Click My Computer.
  3. Right-click on the folder, file, or device you wish to share.
  4. Click Properties.
  5. Click the Share tab.
  6. Select Advanced sharing and confirm the change.
  7. Select Share this folder.
  8. Name the folder you are sharing.
  9. If you want to allow other users to be able to edit the content of the shared folder, you can set the permission levels using the Permissions dialog box. The dialog box allows you to set whether users have full control or just read permission. You can also add individual users if you wish.
  10. Once you are happy with your settings, close each window by clicking OK in each dialog box.

Connecting to Shared Folders on another Windows XP Computer

To connect to shared folders on another Windows XP computer, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the Start menu.
  2. Click My Network Places.
  3. Click Add a network Place. A wizard will open that will walk you through the steps to connect to a network place.
  4. The wizard will first ask you to make a choice between MSN Communities and Choose another network location. We recommend that you select Choose another network location.
  5. Click Next. You will be asked to enter the address of the location you are connecting to. If you don't know it, click the browse button and locate the computer you are trying to connect to.
  6. Click Next when you have chosen a folder to connect to.
  7. Click Finish to close the wizard. A network location is now permanently located in your My Network Places folder.

Connecting to Shared Folders on another Windows Vista Computer

To connect to shared folders on another Windows Vista computer, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the Start menu.
  2. Click Network. The devices that are part of your network group will appear. If you do not see the computer or device you are looking for, make sure that both machines are part of the same workgroup.
  3. Open the computer that holds the folder you want to add.
  4. Click the folder to open it.