Step-By-Step: Set Up a Network in a Snap

Hook Up Your Network and Get It Running

2. Hook up your router

If you have a broadband Internet connection, you will need to hook up the router/firewall to the cable modem or DSL box, using the cable that came with the router.

3. Hook up the wires

If you're using a standard network, plug a Category 5 network cable from each PC network card (A) into your hub or switch (B). Do the same with your router/firewall if you have one. For a phone-line network, plug one end of a phone cable into the correct jack on the card (C) or USB adapter (usually there's an additional jack for hooking up a phone), and plug the other end into a phone jack. With a wireless network, as the name implies, you normally don't need to run any wires unless you're using a router or access point to integrate it with a wired network.

4. Install the software

In addition to installing the drivers for the network adapters, you'll probably have to install product-specific software in order to set up the hardware and to customize the settings. In each instance, follow the manufacturer's directions.

5. Get connected

Test your network to make sure everything is talking to everything else. If you can't access the Internet or communicate with other PCs on your network, first check your network product manual or the maker's Web site. Alternatively, go to Start, Help, select Network Troubleshooter (in Windows 98) or Home Networking Troubleshooter (in Windows Me), and follow the directions. No luck? It's time to call tech support.