Setting up a local area network in Windows Vista is fairly straightforward. This can be done both in the office and at home. Just purchase a special router device that will allow you to combine several existing connections into one at once.
Instructions
Step 1
Select an Internet Service Provider (ISP) to set up a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) or cable connection. For DSL connections, the ISP is usually the telephone service provider.
Step 2
Set up a modem, router, or device that combines these two features. Some ISPs send these devices by mail when you connect to their service, otherwise you will have to buy them. If you have a modem and router or a combination of these devices, follow the further instructions from your ISP or the appropriate instructions below.
Step 3
Connect the modem to an electrical outlet. Connect one end of a phone cord to the appropriate port on the product (WAN), and then plug the other end into a telephone wall jack.
Step 4
Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to a local area network (LAN) port on the device, and then plug the other end into the corresponding port on the computer through which you want to connect to the Internet. Turn on (or restart) your computer.
Step 5
Open the "Internet Connection Wizard" by clicking the "Start" button. Select "Control Panel", click "Network and Internet" by clicking "Network and Sharing Center", then "Set up network connection" and then select "Connect to the Internet."
Step 6
Enter your username and password provided by the provider and connect. If successful, save it. Launch any browser and try to open some page, for example www.google.com. In addition, the "Connection Wizard" can independently check the performance of this connection by exchanging information with other computers connected to the internal network. This can be done by pressing the corresponding key after the completion of creating a new connection.
