Computers Computer Networking

How To Get a Network Connection on Vista

Published at 03/29/2012 01:42:23

Introduction

Consumers have been using networked Internet connections for years. Microsoft released the Windows Vista operating system in 2006. Prior to that users has already began to experience the full benefits of home network using the Windows XP operating system, which was released in 2001. In fact, millions of people continue to use Windows XP because it is nearly flawless, even has Microsoft as released Windows 7 in addition to Windows Vista. The Windows 8 operating system is due to be released in the near future in various parts of the world, too.

When the operating system changes from version to version, it often leaves users confused on how to get a network connection. The most noticeable difference is the taskbar that sits at the bottom of the desktop. In Windows XP the taskbar is very plain, showing horizontal bars for active programs, as well as the animated icons for various operating system services and third party applications.

The transition to Windows Vista slightly changed the way icons appeared, such as that for the Network feature. Nonetheless, networking still works the same, providing you follow a few generalized steps in making sure your computer set up is correct.

Step 1

Make sure the Ethernet cable is securely connected to the back of the router which is the hub of the network. This is completely independent of the Windows Vista operating system, for now. Instead the router has native firmware that is sort of uses as its own operating system to manage data as it is transmitted and received from the Web.

Step 2

Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to the computer that uses Windows Vista. Allow both the router and the computer to automatically recognize each other for purposes of establishing a network.

Step 3

Look at the taskbar at the bottom of the desktop in Windows Vista. Find the Network icon, which is often located on the notification area, near the system time. The icon may resemble two monitors side by side.

Step 4

Try to open a webpage using your installed Internet browser. Most browsers, such as Firefox, Chrome and Internet Explorer automatically detect the network connection in Windows Vista. Use this as confirmation that you have a connection to the web.

 

Step 5

Use the troubleshooting tools in Windows Vista if you still are not able to get a network connection.

 

Tips

Windows Vista also supports a wireless network connection.

Sources and Citations

  1. " Connect to a Bluetooth personal area network (PAN)." Microsoft Windows. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2012. <http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Connect-to-a-Bluetooth-personal-area-network-PAN>.
  2. " Install a printer on a home network." Microsoft Windows. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2012. <http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Install-a-printer-on-a-home-network>.
  3. " Set up a DSL or cable connection." Microsoft Windows. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2012. <http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Set-up-a-DSL-or-cable-connection>.
  4. " Set up a computer-to-computer (ad hoc) network." Microsoft Windows. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2012. <http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Set-up-a-computer-to-computer-ad-hoc-network>.
  5. " Set up a remote connection to your workplace using VPN." Microsoft Windows. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2012. <http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Set-up-a-remote-connection-to-your-workplace-using-VPN>.
  6. " Set up a second Internet connection." Microsoft Windows. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2012. <http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Set-up-a-second-Internet-connection>.
  7. " Set up a shared Internet connection using ICS (Internet Connection Sharing)." Microsoft Windows. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2012. <http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Set-up-a-shared-Internet-connection-using-ICS-Internet-Connection-Sharing>.
  8. " Setting up a home network." Microsoft Windows. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2012. <http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Setting-up-a-home-network>.
  9. " Setting up a wireless network." Microsoft Windows. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2012. <http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Setting-up-a-wireless-network>.
  10. " Sharing one Internet connection among several computers." Microsoft Windows. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2012. <http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Sharing-one-Internet-connection-among-several-computers>.
  11. " Troubleshoot network connection problems." Microsoft Windows. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2012. <http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Troubleshoot-network-connection-problems>.
  12. " What you need to set up a home network." Microsoft Windows. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2012. <http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/What-you-need-to-set-up-a-home-network>.

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