This document provides basic instructions for setting up and troubleshooting a simple computer network for file sharing. It explains that computers connect to an Ethernet switch via network adapters and have IP addresses to communicate. It describes how to check the IP address and default gateway using the ipconfig command on Windows, and how to test the connection by pinging the default gateway. Finally, it lists some basic troubleshooting steps like verifying the physical connection and IP address, checking which applications are working, and how to check proxy settings in Internet Explorer.

1. Basic Network Concepts And Troubleshooting

2. A Simple Computer Network for File Sharing

3. 10/100 Ethernet Switch

6. Your computer’s network adapter connects to a port on a switch. When you have a connection to a switch, there should be a link light on the network adapter. A link light is a small LED that can be seen near where the network cable plugs into your computer.

8. In order to view your IP address on a Windows XP or Windows 2000 computer, you can open a command prompt window…

9. At the command prompt, type “ipconfig.” Then, hit enter. Basic IP address information will be displayed. Here, you can see that my IP address is 10.3.0.218.

10. You can do a simple test to see if you’re connected to the network. After using the “ipconfig” utility to see your IP address information, note that you can also see an address for “Default Gateway.” In this case, you can see that my default gateway is 10.3.0.1. At the prompt, type “ping [gateway address]”. If you get a reply, you’re connected.

13. In Internet Explorer, click on Tools/Internet Options…

14. Click the “Connections” tab at the top, then select “LAN Settings…” “Use automatic configuration script” should be checked. In the address box, you should see the following address… http://www.mveca.org/www/java-proxy.pac It’s important that you verify every single character.