Instructions for Connecting to the Internet

FIRST:  Make sure your computer has a Network Interface Card (NIC).  It appears on the back of the computer and is a single opening like a phone jack, but bigger.  If not present, you must install one.  The campus Bookstore carries them, as well as Wal-Mart and other retail stores.  If you are unable to successfully install the NIC or cannot find one to fit your computer, call Ext. 6497 for assistance.

Windows XP Pro Network setup:

1)                   Start -> My Network Places -> Setup a Home or Small Office network -> Next

2)                   Select:  This computer connects to the Internet through another computer on my network or through a residential gateway -> Next

3)                   Computer Description:    Type of Computer (Gateway, HP, Dell, etc.)

4)                   Computer Name:            Your own name

5)                   Workgroup:                   Workgroup

6)                   Next, Next

7)                   Select:  Just finish the wizard

8)                   Restart your computer

9)                   If Internet Explorer still doesn’t start, check the following settings:

a) Right Click on Network Places Icon, Right Click on Properties -> WINS tab, make sure “Enable Netbios” is selected.

b)  Right Click on Internet Explorer Icon -> Properties -> Connections tab -> LAN Settings, make sure there is a CHECKMARK in the box next to Automatically Detect Settings.

Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME

1)                   Right click on "My Network Places” (or Network Neighborhood)

or go to “My Computer” -> Control Panel -> Network

2)                   Click on "Properties"

3)                   On "Configuration" tab make sure only these three "network components" are installed: 

Client for Microsoft Networks, Ethernet Controller (network card), and TCP/IP

(if you plan to share your files or printer, the File and Print Sharing my be added as well)

            5)         Select TCP/IP and click on properties.  Use the following settings:

                                    IP Address:                   Obtain Automatically

                                    WINS Configuration:       Disable WINS Resolution

                                    Gateway:                      Blank

                                    DNS Configuration:         Disable DNS

            6)         Select Identification tab.  Use the following settings:

                                    Computer Name:            Your own name

                                    Workgroup:                   Workgroup

                                    Computer Description:    Type of computer

4)                   Open Internet Explorer, go to "Tools", then "Internet Options" -> Select the "Connections"

tab, run "Setup" and change to connect to a "LAN", and automatically detect settings.

*On older versions of Windows, "My Network Places" may also be called "Network Neighborhood"