Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
•
Service
—Install File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks on any computer
that will be used as a server.
4.
Click the Identification tab. Enter a unique name for each computer on the network;
use the same workgroup name for all computers on the network.
5.
Click OK. Supply the Windows install disc or other media as necessary to install the
network components you requested.
You might need to reboot your PC to complete the process. After this is completed, you'll
be ready to share resources.
Networking with Windows Vista/7
Windows Vista/7 includes TCP/IP as its default protocol, enabling it to connect to other
computers running Windows or other OSs. However, its network management and con-
figuration processes are much different from those that earlier Windows versions used.
Network management is performed through the new Network and Sharing Center. The
Network and Sharing Center displays the status of the network, the signal strength for
wireless networks, the status of network discovery and the sharing of files, the Public
folder (equivalent to the Shared Files folder in XP), printer sharing, and media shar-
ing. The Network and Sharing Center can change these settings as desired and controls
whether password-protected sharing is enabled or disabled. When this feature is disabled,
Vista/7 acts like Windows XP with simple file sharing enabled. When this feature is en-
abled, you must set up users and assign them rights just you would with Windows XP
Professional with simple file sharing disabled.
TheNetworkandSharingCentercanalsoprovideamapofyournetwork,showingthere-
lationship of devices such as routers and switches and Windows Vista/7-based computers
on the network. To add Windows XP-based systems to the network map, you can install
the Link Layer Topology Discoverer (LLTD) responder. To get this feature and learn how
itworks,lookupKnowledgeBasearticle922120,“NetworkMapDoesNotDisplayCom-
puters That Are Running Windows XP,” at
http://support.microsoft.com
.
Toaddaprotocolorcomponenttoaparticularnetworkconnection,openNetworks,select
Network and Sharing Center, and select Manage Network Connections from the task list.
Then right-click the network adapter and select Properties.
Otherdifferences include enhancements intheuseandmanagement ofwireless networks,
improvements to the Windows Firewall, and improvements in the network repair and dia-
gnostics procedure. Windows Vista/7 also adds support for network projectors and online
meetings, using its new People Near Me and Windows Meeting Space utilities.
