Chapter 20: Networks and Communications^529
Configuring a PC for Network Connection
Windows 2000 will automatically configure a PC with a typical network setup during its
installation processes. However, a Windows 9xPC does not have that feature, and the
software side of the configuration must be performed by hand. Actually, the NIC is con-
figured to the network; the PC communicates only to the NIC through its device driver.
Four network components can be configured from the Network window: Adapter This choice identifies and loads the device drivers for a NIC.
To configure a PC to a network, a NIC must be installed.
Protocol A protocol is a set of rules that communicating devices must follow
when transmitting data, controls, and commands to one another. To communicate
with a network, the PC must be using the same protocols as the network.
Client Network clients allow a PC to communicate with specific network
operating systems, like Windows NT/2000 or Novell NetWare. To communicate
with the network, a PC must have at least one client configured.
Service Network services include specialized drivers that facilitate specialized
capabilities, such as file and print Sharing, and support for file systems on non-
Windows systems.Dialing Up a Network
A modem (which is an acronym for modulator/demodulator) converts the digital data
signal of the PC into the analogy data signal used on the POTS (plain old telephone system,
also called thepublictelephoneswitchednetwork[PTSN]). Modems can be installed inside the
PC in an expansion slot or attached to the PC externally through a serial or USB port.Modem Types
Nearly all modems used with a PC perform the same tasks and use the same protocols.
Where they differ is in the device drivers they use. There are two general types of modems,
standard and Windows-only modems: Standard modem A standard modem can be an internal or external device.
It can also be Plug and Play or legacy. Standard modems are operating system–
neutral and use generic device drivers.
Windows modem A Windows modem is an internal Plug-and-Play device
that requires a device driver provided by the Windows operating system to
function properly.