Networking Discovery

A great majority of computer users have a network of two or more computers in their home. This could be two computers connected to the internet; one computer a laptop the other a desktop. Setting up these computers for a connection to the internet or share files or even sharing the same printer can be a little bit of a struggle.

Windows Vista seamlessly the process of setting up a home network. I like to use the ethernet connection on a Vista computer when I am connecting to the internet. The setup is quite simple. For example, if the Vista machine connects to a router or hub, then the network should appear automatically if the Network Discovery feature is turned to On.

If you plug in your computer into the network and it does not see it or the internet when you open Internet Explorer. Then the first step is to check Network Discovery is turned on.

1. Left click on the Vista icon in the lower left of your monitor

2. Go to the Control Panel and left click on it

3. Select the Network and Sharing Center
   

4. Check to ensure the green light is on for Network Discovery

5. If it is not, turn on Network Discovery

6. Enter the administrator password or click Continue if you are logged in as administrator.

The computer should automatically connect to any Network with the same workgroup name. If an established network is in place at home, then the computer should use the same Workgroup name.