proper way to set up a lan?

Answer 1

The easiest way to do it is to purchase a decent router. I'm assuming you have a broadband connection, connect the ethernet wire from your modem to the WAN port on the router and connect each computer into any other the other open LAN ports (get a router with wireless access if you want to connect a computer using a wireless adapter).

Go to the control panel to set up your network. If all of the computers are windows XP you can use the network setup wizard to get you through the process. On older OS's go to the system icon and change the workgroup setting to match the rest of the network. For example lets say you called your network workgroup BRADY make sure its the same on each computer. Give a unique computer name to each computer for example Marcia, Bobby, Greg, Cindy, etc.. Once that's done you should soon be able to share internet access, printers, drive space etc.

Fre.

Answer 2

first, find out how many pc's would you interconnect...
then, it's compatability (softwares, versions, speeds, network ports, etc....)
next, find a provider that suits your need (connectivity speed utilization) at reasonable price....
if you know how to splice cables, good... if not, learn it first...
find a switch that can accomodate your pc's (number of pc's)....
you can utilize either a switch or a router as your medium, the choice is yours. however, be sure to know how to configure a router... and try to find a router that you're at ease with.... i mean, it's features suits your needs.

lastly, if all else fails, enrol at the nearest technical learning school.. just joking man... good luck.

Answer 3

These sites might help:

http://www.wown.com
http://www.practicallynetworked.com

You can also search on Wikipedia.org for any term you need an explanation on.