Setting Up a Simple Computer Network Part 2

Software Set Up

Now that you have set up the hardware components of the network, you must attend to the software part. Knowing how to set up the software is another great advantage for your part. Sometimes, when you buy desktop computers from computer sales and distributor companies they offer help in networking but with additional costs. If you know how to set up yourself, you can definitely save large amounts. Using Windows OS, follow these simple steps:

1. Click Start, Settings, Control Panel.

2. Once the control panel appears, double click on System.

3. This should bring up system properties configuration tool which then you should click on Network Identification tab.

4. Once it appears, click Network ID button. The Network Identification Wizard should appear. Click Next.

5. After you click Next, this image will appear. Notice the selections being offered and take note of ",and I use it to connect to other computers at work." Regardless of your network being a business or home use, click the first selection because you want to connect to other computers. Then click Next.

6. The next step is the Domain Step. If your network is for home use, select "My company uses a network without domain." Click Next after.

7. Next is the Workgroup step. Type a name for your workgroup in the space provided below. All computers of your network should belong to this workgroup. After choosing a name, click Next.

8. You are finished with Network Identification Wizard. Simply click the finish button and restart the computer. Every time you want to add another unit to your network just do the software set up steps all over again on the new computer.

Now that you know the simple steps on computer networking, you will be able to network other computers too at your job or at your friend's house. Your knowledge will allow not only you but your friends and colleagues as well to enjoy savings from costly technical support. Take note that you can include not only desktop computers and laptop computers in your network but printers, photocopiers, and other computer equipments as well.

HP Printer Troubleshooting: Ten problems, Ten self-help solutions

You know you could identify with many when they tell you how paper gets all tangled up in their HP laser printers or when the printer appears to have decided to keep you from getting your printing jobs completed. Printing nightmares are pretty disturbing so if you want to wake up from it, you might want to read on.

Following would be the top ten printing disturbances you could and would probably experience and a couple of tips or solutions that would come handy.

1. Jams - These occurrences aren't at all as sweet as those that you put on your sandwiches nor are they as enjoyable as music sessions. Paper jams are the most common problems that you would encounter while doing printing jobs. There are three possible reasons why this happens. It may be that your printer needs to be cleaned, or you are using the wrong type of paper, or your printer rollers are already worn down.

When you've got paper all stuck in your printer, make sure that you pull it in the right direction - that is, with reference to the paper path. When you fail to do this, you might just get your printer all damaged.

Some HP Printers, especially those that hold paper vertically and pull it down, are more susceptible to paper jams. Thus, it is always good to find out more about printer units, and just about any IT equipment, before you actually purchase them. If, on the other hand, you have already purchased one without examining it properly, it is important that you get yourself familiar with the flaws of your unit.

2. Ghosting - This term is what we use to refer to the phenomenon where your print out contains the image you wanted to print out, it appears to come in clearly but then you have a lighter copy or what may look like a watermark version of the image, printed elsewhere. This usually happens when there is insufficient power supply or when consumable printer parts are nearing their end. In this case you would either need to check your power source or have your printer checked by computer experts. There may also be instances that the performance of your computer is affecting your printer's printing processes. In this case, you would need to have your entire system checked by an IT equipment solutions provider.