Windows Vista comes with many tools for managing files and folders across multiple computers. One of the more powerful tools is the Network and Sharing Center. A network is a system of two or more computers connected together to share resources. It consists of at least one host and one client. Using the Network folder (accessible from the Start menu), you can view the entire network (hosts and clients), share files and folders with people from other parts of the network, and create and manage your network connections to these other computers. This chapter helps you set up you host and client computers so they can easily share files across your network.
In addition, Windows provides tools for sharing files and folders with computer that are not located in your home or in the same office (commonly referred to as remote computers). You can connect your computer to a network in a different location via modem, or via the internet using the Communications accessory provided. With wireless technology, such as laptop computers or Bluetooth-enabled devices (keyboards, cell phones and PDAs), you can seamlessly setup, discover and connect to wireless networks. You can also share and synchronize files between your laptop and your desktop computers using the Briefcase.
Windows is a secure, reliable network operating system that allows people using many different computers to share resources, such as programs, files, folders, printers, and an Internet connection. A single computer on the network, called a server, can be designated to store these resources. Other computers on the network, called clients or workstations, can access the resources on the server instead of having to store them. You can share resources using two or more client computers, or you can designate one computer to serve specifically as the server. If the workstation computers are close together in a single building or group of buildings, the network is called a local area network (LAN). If the workstation computers are spread out in multiple buildings or throughout the entire country using dial-up or wireless connections, the network is called a wide area network (WAN). To set up a network with multiple computers, you need to install a network adapter for each computer on your network and connect each computer to a network hub using network cable or wireless technology, known as Wi-Fi. Network adapters are usually hardware cards, called network interface cards, or NICs, inserted in a slot, or USB (Universal Serial Bus), port in the back of your computer that connects it to the network. A network hub is a hardware device that connects multiple computers at a central location. When data arrives at one port of the network hub, it is copied to the other ports so that all connected network devices see the data. If you have two LANs or two sections of the same LAN on different floors of the same building with different network adapter types, you can connect them together with a hardware device called a bridge. If you have any number of LANs, you can connect them together with a hardware device called a router. If you want to share a printer or Internet connection with the computers on a network, you simply connect the printer or modem to the server, a computer on the network, or directly to a network hub, router, or bridge.
Windows offers a network configuration called client/server networking. Under this arrangement, a single computer is designated as a server, allowing access to resources for any qualified user. Client/server networking provides all users on a network a central location for accessing shared files. In a client/server network, individual computers are often grouped into domains. A domain is a collection of computers that the person managing the network creates in order to group together the computers to simplify the set up and maintenance of the network. The network administrator defines the domains that exist on the network and controls access to computers within those domains.
Windows also offers a network configuration called peer-to-peer networking. Peer-to-peer networking enables two or more computers to link together without designating a central server. In a peer-to-peer network, individual computers are often organized into workgroups. A workgroup is a group of computers that perform common tasks or belong to users who share common duties and interests. In this configuration, any computer user can access resources stored on any other computer, as long as those resources are available for sharing. Peer-to-peer networking allows individual computer users to share files and other resources, such as a printer, with other users on the network without having to access a server. Workgroups are available on all Windows computers.
Windows provides connectivity between your computer and a network, another computer, or the Internet using Network Connections. Whether you are physically connected using a direct cable or connected remotely using a dial-up or cable modem, you can connect securely to a network over the Internet using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection or set up your computer to let other computers connect to yours using an incoming network connection. VPN and incoming network connection are examples of WANs.
Windows provides support for security, so even though your computer is connected to a network, you can designate which resources on your computer you want to share with others. Before network users can use any resources on your computer, they must be granted the required permission.
WINV-2.4.4
The key to managing files and folders in a network environment is understanding the structure of your particular network. Most networks consist of multiple types of computers and operating systems. The Network folder lets you view the entire network or just your part of the network, to give you access to the servers, domains, and workgroups on the network. The Network folder also displays shared folders available on your immediate network. If you’re working on a domain network, you can use Active Search Directory to help you find network resources, such as computer and printers.
Click the Start button, and then click Network.
Double-click a network computer icon to display the shared files, folders, and devices on the computer.
To open the Network and Sharing Center, click the Network and Sharing Center button on the toolbar.
When you’re done, click the Close button.
Did You Know?
A domain network and a workgroup are different. A domain network is a group of computers connected together to share and manage resources by an administrator from a central computer called a domain controller. A workgroup is a network of computers connected together to share resources, but each computer is maintained and shared separately.
- Click the Start button, and then click Network.
- Click the Search Active Directory button on the toolbar.
- Click the Find list arrow, and then select the network resource you want to find.
- Click the In list arrow, and then select where you want to search.
Specify the criteria for the search; tabs and information vary.
Click Find Now.
When you’re done, click the Close button.
The Network and Sharing Center (New!) provides a central location where you can view and modify network and sharing options for the computer connected to a network. From a network perspective, you can view a map of the network, view network connection status information, change the network location type (either Public or Private: Work or Home), and specify whether you want others on the network to see you, known as network discovery. When you connect to a network for the first time, Windows automatically detects it and asks you to choose a network location. When you change the network location, Windows automatically changes firewall settings for the type of network. In addition to viewing and setting network options, you can also turn sharing options on and off. The Network and Sharing Center visually display network maps and sharing on and off icons to make it easier to view status information.
- Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.
- Double-click the Network and Sharing icon in Classic view.
- If necessary, click the down arrow (circle button) to the right of Network Discovery to display options.
- Click the Turn on network discovery option.
- Click Apply.
- To specify a network location type, click Customize, click the Public or Private option, click Next, and then click Close.
- When you’re done, click the Close button.
- Double-click the Network and Sharing icon in Classic view.
- Click View full map.
- Click the Network map of list arrow, and then select the network connection you want to view, which includes: Local Area Connection - Network and Wireless Network Connection - Network.
- To open a networked device, double-click the icon.
- When you’re done, click the Close button.
Did You Know?
You can use the Connection icon in the notification area to access commands. To see current networks, click the Connection icon on the taskbar in the notification area. You can also click links to connect to a network or open the Network and Sharing Center.
You can right-click the Connection icon to access more commands. Right-click the Connection icon on the taskbar in the notification area to turn on or off network activity animation or notification of new networks, connect to a network diagnose and repair a network problem, or open the Network and Sharing Center.
Names and locations are used to identify computers on a network. The computer’s name refers to the individual machine, and the computer’s location refers to how the machine is grouped together with other computers. Computers anywhere on the network can be located easily through the naming hierarchy and can be addressed individually by name. You can find the name and workgroup or domain of a computer on the network by examining the system properties. Workgroups and domains are available on all Windows computers.
- Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.
- Double-click the System icon in Classic view.
- Click Change settings.
- Click the Computer Name tab.
- To add a computer description, type a description.
- To change a workgroup or domain, click Change, specify a new name, and then click OK.
- Click OK.
See Also
See “Running DOS Commands” on page 46 for information on finding the IP configuration of a computer, and pinging another computer.
A computer that uses a network must be configured so that other machines on the network recognize it. You might be responsible for configuring your computer, or that responsibility might fall to the network administrator. You can view the status of the network connection and modify some of the network settings for your computer using the Network Connections window. A network connection consists of a network adapter and three types of components: client, service, and protocol. The client type allows you to access computers and files on the network. The service type allows you to share your computer resources, such as files and printers, with other networked computers. Protocol is the language that the computer uses to communicate with other computers on the network, such as TCP/IP. Knowing which components are installed on your computer helps you understand the capabilities and limitations of your computer on the network.
- Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.
- Double-click the Network and Sharing Center icon in Classic view.
- If the left pane, click Manage network connections.
- Double-click the network connection you want to get status information.
- If you have problems with your connection, click Diagnose.
- To display network components installed and enabled, click Properties.
- When you’re done working with the components, click OK.
Click Close.
Click the Close button.
Before you can set up and configure a network at home or small office, you need to physically attach the hardware so the computers can communicate. This includes installing the network cards in all the computers, connecting the computers together using cables or wireless technology, installing a modem on the host computer, turning on all computers, printers, and external modems, and establishing a connection to the Internet. A home or small office network is typically a peer-to-peer network where individual computers are organized into workgroups with a host and several clients. The host is a computer on the network who shares an Internet connection with the other client computers on the network. The host computer must be turned on whenever a client computer needs to access the Internet. To join a workgroup, you can use a wizard in System properties. After you join, you can change the workgroup name to match the other ones in your network.
- Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.
- Double-click the System icon in Classic view, and then click Change settings.
- Click the Computer Name tab.
- Click Network ID, and then click Next to continue.
- Click the This is a home computer; it’s not part of a business network option, and then click Next to continue.
- Click Finish, and then restart your computer.
If you are not connected to a domain network, you can use the Network Identification Wizard to join a domain and create a local user account. If you already have a user account, you can use System Properties to join a domain. Before you join a domain, you need to connect your computer to a client/server network using a network adapter and network cable or wireless technology. After you connect a network adapter to your computer and start Windows Vista, your computer detects the network adapter and creates a local area connection. A local area connection is the only type of network connection that Windows automatically creates. Depending on your hardware setup, your Network Identification Wizard options might differ.
- Double-click the System icon in Classic view, and then click Change settings.
- Click the Computer Name tab.
- Click Network ID, and then click Next to continue.
- Click the This computer is part of a business network option, and then click Next to continue.
- Click the My company uses a network with a domain option, and then click Next to continue.
- Read the page, and then click Next to continue.
- Type a user name and password.
- Type a domain name, and then click Next to continue.
Type a computer name and domain name, and then click Next to continue.
Click the Add the following user option, and then click Next to continue.
Click an access user level, and then click Next to continue.
Click Finish, and then restart your computer.
If you have a modem installed on your computer, you can use a connection wizard to set up a dial-up connection to another computer or a network. Connecting to another computer or a network is useful when you need access to information stored on another computer or a network. You only need to set up a dial-up connection to a computer or a network once. After you set up the connection, you can use the Connect to a network dialog box to select the dial-up connection and establish a dial-up connection. When you are connected, Windows displays a connection icon in the notification area on the taskbar. You can point to the icon to display information about the connection or right-click the icon to perform tasks.
- Click the Start button, and then click Connect To.
- Click Set up a connection or network.
- In the left pane, click Connect to a workplace, and then click Next to continue.
- Click Dial Directly, and then click Next to continue.
- Type the phone number for calling the network.
- To share this network connection, select the Allow other people to use this connection check box.
- Click Next to continue.
- Type user name, password and domain name.
- Click Connect.
- Click the Start button, click Connect To, and then click the dial-up connection name.
- Select the dial up connection, and then click Connect.
- Type your assigned user name and password.
- To save your user name and password information, select the Save this user name and password for the following users check box, and then click an option to specify who can use the information.
- Click Dial, and then wait for the connection.
- When you’re done, right-click the Connection icon in the notification area of the taskbar, and then click Disconnect.
Did You Know?
You can delete a connection. Right-click the Connection icon in the notification area, click Network and Share Center, click Manage network connections, right-click the connection you want to delete, and then click Delete.
See Also
See “Changing a Dial Up Connection” on page 380 for information on changing the settings for a dial-up connection.
WINV-2.2.4
You can create a VPN (Virtual Private Network) connection to connect to a network over the Internet. A VPN provides a secure connection between your computer and the network. The computer to which you want to connect must support a VPN and Internet connection. Before you create a connection, you need to have the name or IP (Internet Protocol) address of the VPN computer. You can use a connection wizard to set up a VPN connection. You only need to set up a VPN connection to a network once. When you are connected, Windows displays a connection icon in the notification area on the taskbar. You can point to the icon to display information about the connection or right-click the icon to perform tasks.
- Click the Start button, and then click Connect To.
- Click Set up a connection or network.
- In the left pane, click Connect to a workplace, and then click Next to continue.
- Click Use my Internet connection (VPN), and then click Next to continue.
- Type the host name or IP address to the computer to which you want to connect.
- To share this network connection, select the Allow other people to use this connection check box.
- Click Next to continue.
- Type user name, password and domain name.
- Click Connect.
- Click the Start button, and then click Connect To, and then click the dial-up connection name.
- Select the dial up connection, and then click Connect.
- Type your assigned user name and password.
- To save your user name and password information, select the Save this user name and password for the following users check box, and then click an option to specify who can use the information.
- Click Connect, and then wait for the connection.
- When you’re done, right-click the Connection icon in the notification area of the taskbar, and then click Disconnect.
WINV-2.2.3
Windows Vista provides updated wireless networking, enabling you to setup and manage wireless connections with a broad range of wireless hot spots that discover and connect to wireless networks (known as Wi-Fi). The Connection wizard makes it easy to setup a Wi-Fi network. You can quickly connect to an available wireless network with a security key or manually connect to one not recognized. As you walk through the manual process, you’ll specify a network name, called the SSID (Service Set Identifier) and use a USB Flash drive (UFD)—recommended—to transfer and configure your network settings to your other wireless computers or devices. The SSID is broadcasted from your access point (AP)—typically a wireless router—to your other wireless devices. Windows Vista also provides updated support for Bluetooth-enabled hardware devices, allowing you to take advantage of the latest wireless devices, including wireless keyboards and mice, wireless printers, and connections with cell phones and PDAs.
- Click the Start button, and then click Connect To.
- Click Set up a connection or network.
- Select the wireless network to which you want to connect.
- Click Connect.
- Type the security key or pass-phrase or if you have a USB flash drive with network settings for the wireless network, insert it now.
- Click Connect.
- To save this network, select the Save this network check box, and then select or clear the Start this connection automatically check box.
- Click Close.
- Click Set up a connection or network.
- Click Manually connect to a wireless network, and then click Next to continue.
- Type the network name.
- Specify a security type, and then specify an encryption type, if necessary.
- Type a passphrase (point to the box and use the ScreenTip for help).
- Click Next to continue.
- Click Connect to or Change connection settings.
- If necessary, click Close.
Did You Know?
You can perform a security check on your wireless network. After implementing lock down security measures, you can perform a security check. Install the free program NetStumbler available at www.netstumber.com onto a laptop or PDA.
Windows Vista supports 802.11n wireless connections (NewSP1). In addition to current support for 802.11g, Windows Vista adds support for 802.11n by which a user can plug in an 802.11n Draft 2.0 compatible wireless adapter and connect to an 802.11n Draft 2.0 compatible network. Click the Start button, click Connect To, and then point to a connection to display the Radio Type.
If you have a wireless router or access point, you can set up your own wireless network. A router directs communication traffic between two networks, such as a home or office network and the Internet. An access point provides wireless access to a wired Ethernet network. An access point plugs into a wired router and sends out a wireless signal, which other wireless computer and devices use to connect to a wired network. During the set up process, you need to specify a network name, choose file and printer sharing options, and a passphrase (a security key) to provide secure access. If you have a USB flash drive, you can save wireless network settings to the drive and use it to quickly add computers to your network.
- Click the Start button, and then click Connect To.
- Click Set up a connection or network.
- In the left pane, click Set up a wireless router or access point, and then click Next to continue.
- Read the screen, and then click Next to continue.
- Type the network name (SSID), and then click Next to continue.
- Type a passphrase or use the one generated, and then write it down so you can use it the first time that people connect to this network.
- Click Next to continue.
- Select the file and printer sharing option you want, and then click Next to continue.
- If necessary, plug the USB flash drive into the USB port, select the drive from the list, and then click Next to continue.
- Read the screen, and then click Close.
If you have two wireless computers, you can set up a connection between the two systems. During the set up process, you need to specify a network security type to keep the connection safe and a passphrase (a security key) to provide secure access. You can set the security type to Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), or 802.1X authentication. WEP is a widely used network security type that uses an encrypted security key to provide a secure wireless environment. WPA improves on the security of WEP and checks to make sure the security key has not been modified. 802.1x is a sever authentication security type typically used for workplace networks. If you have a USB flash drive, you can save wireless network settings to the drive and use it to quickly add computers to your network.
- Click the Start button, and then click Connect To.
- Click Set up a connection or network.
- In the left pane, click Set up a wireless ad hoc (computer-to-computer) network, and then click Next to continue.
- Read the screen, and then click Next to continue.
- Type the network name, specify a security type.
- Type a passphrase (point to the box and use the ScreenTip for help), and then write it down so you can use it the first time that people connect to this network.
- Click Next to continue.
- Select the file and printer sharing option you want, and then click Next to continue.
- If necessary, plug in the USB flash drive, select the drive, and then click Next to continue.
- Read the screen, and then click Close.
If you have a USB flash drive, you can save wireless network settings to the drive and use it to quickly add computers to your network. You can use the Add a wireless device button in the Network folder to start a wizard which takes you step-by-step through the process. After you save your network settings on a USB flash drive, you can plug it into another computer and use the Wireless Network Setup Wizard in the AutoPlay dialog box to quickly set a network connection.
- Click the Start button, and then click Network.
- Click Add a wireless device button on the toolbar.
- Select an available device, and the follow the online instructions.
- If no devices are available, click I want to add a wireless device or computer that is not on the list, using a USB flash drive.
- Click Add the device or computer using a USB flash drive.
- Select the network to add devices to, and then click Next to continue.
- Plug the USB flash drive into the USB port, select the drive from the list, and then click Next to continue.
- Read the screen, and then click Close.
Did You Know?
What is Bluetooth wireless technology? Bluetooth technology uses radio waves to enable devices such as computers, printer, mice, or mobile phones, to communication wirelessly over a short distance. You can use Bluetooth to listen to music or use a mobile phone over wireless headphones, transfer files between laptop computers, or print to a wireless printer.
After you setup and connect to a wireless network, you can use the Manage Wireless Networks folder to view established wireless connections, add or remove wireless networks, or change the connection order. In the Manage Wireless Networks folder, each established wireless network appears, displaying security and connectivity information. You can use buttons on the toolbar to work with the wireless network connections. If you want to view or change connection and security properties for individual wireless connections, you can use the Wireless Network Properties dialog box. You can view the wireless network name, SSID, type, and availability, and enable automatic or preferred connect options or change the security type and key.
- Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.
- Double-click the Network and Sharing Center icon in Classic view.
- If the left pane, click Manage wireless networks.
- To add a wireless connection, click the Add button, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
- Select the wireless network connection you want to modify.
- To remove it, click the Remove button, and then click OK.
- To change the connection order, click the Move up or Move down button.
- When you’re done, click the Close button.
- Double-click the Network and Sharing Center icon in Classic view.
- If the left pane, click Manage wireless networks.
- Right-click the wireless connection you want to view, and then click Properties.
- Click the Connection tab.
- Select or clear the following connection check boxes:
Connect automatically when this network is in range.
Connect to a more preferred network if available.
Connect even if the networks is not broadcasting.
- Click the Security tab.
- To change the security type, click the list arrow, and then select the type you want.
When you change the security type, the other options change, which you can then modify.
- Click OK, and then click the Close button.
Windows networking enables you to connect your computer to other computers on the network quite easily. If you connect to a network location frequently, you might want to designate a drive letter on your computer as a direct connection to a shared drive or folder on another computer. Instead of spending unnecessary time opening the Network folder and the shared drive or folder each time you want to access it, you can create a direct connection, called mapping a drive, to the network location for quick and easy access. If you no longer use a mapped drive, you can right-click the mapped drive in the Computer folder and then click Disconnect.
- Click the Start button, and then click Network.
- Click the Tools menu, and then click Map Network Drive.
- Click the Drive list arrow, and then select a drive letter.
- Click Browse.
- Select the folder you want to connect to.
- Click OK.
- To reconnect each time you log on to your computer, select the Reconnect at logon check box.
- Click Finish.
- To disconnect from a mapped drive, right-click the drive in the Computer folder, and then click Disconnect.
Instead of clicking numerous icons in the Network folder to access a network location, you can create a shortcut to the network location to provide easy access. A shortcut is a link that you can place in any location to gain instant access to a particular file, folder, or program on your hard disk or on a network just by double-clicking. The actual file, folder, or program remains stored in its original location, and you place an icon representing the shortcut in a convenient location, such as in a folder or on the desktop.
In the Network and Sharing Center you can set options to share files, printers, public folders, and media on the network. Sharing files, public folders, and printers provides a convenient way to share information and resources over a network. In addition, you can also share the media files in your Windows Media Player library over a network (New!). If you have a private network, you can play shared media files on another computer using Windows Media Player, or other networked digital media player (also called a digital media receiver), such as Xbox 360. When you open a shared media folder in the Network folder, the networked media player, such as Windows Media Player, opens, where you can play the shared media files as if the files were on your computer.
- Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.
- Double-click the Network and Sharing icon in Classic view.
- If necessary, click the down arrow (circle button) to the right of the File sharing to display options.
- Click the Turn on file sharing or Turn off file sharing option.
- If necessary, click the down arrow (circle button) to the right of the Public folder sharing to display options.
- Select the sharing option you want.
- Click Apply.
- When you’re done, click the Close button.
See Also
See “Sharing Folders or Files with Others” on page 92 for information on using the Shared Documents folder.
- Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.
- Double-click the Network and Sharing icon in Classic view.
- If necessary, click the down arrow (circle button) to the right of the Media sharing to display options.
- Click Change.
- Select Share my media check box, and then click OK.
- Select a share location, and then click Allow.
- To change the media types, and star of parental ratings, click Settings, and then click OK.
- Click OK.
- When you’re done, click the Close button.
WINV-7.8.1, WINV-7.8.2,
WINV-7.8.4
You can use Remote Desktop Connection to connect to a remote computer on your network or the Internet and use the remote computer as if you were working on it. Before you can connect to a remote computer, you need to turn on the Windows Vista computer and set the option to allow users to connect remotely to the computer. Doing this provides security for the remote computer. You can allow anyone to connect to the remote computer, or you can specify users with a password. You also need to have the name or IP (Internet Protocol) address of the remote computer and the user name and password you use to log on to the computer. You can also customize settings for the remote connection, which include the display size and color depth, when to use local or remote resources, and what programs to use and options to allow. Once you connect to the remote computer, the remote desktop appears on your screen. You can use the remote desktop as if you were working at the computer.
- Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.
- Double-click the System icon in Classic view.
- Click Change settings.
- Click the Remote tab.
- Select the Allow Remote Assistance connections to this computer check box.
- Click Advanced.
- Specify whether you want other to remotely control this computer, and how long a remote invitation is available, and then click OK.
- Select the remote desktop connection option you want.
- Click Select Users.
- Click Add, type user names, and then click OK.
- Click OK.
- Click OK.
- Establish a connection to your network.
- Click the Start button, point to All Programs, click Accessories, and then click Remote Desktop Connection.
- Type the name or IP address of the remote computer.
- Click Options.
- If available, type a user name.
- Click Connect.
- If prompted, enter the needed connection credentials.
- Use the remote desktop as if you were sitting in front of the remote computer.
- Click the Minimize or Restore Down button to resize the remote desktop and to display the local desktop.
- Use the local desktop.
- When you’re done, click the Close button, and then click Yes to disconnect.
If you have a home or small office network using Windows Vista, you can use Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) to connect all the computers on the network to the Internet with one connection, which saves you money on multiple connections. If you have a shared dial-up Internet connection no one is using, you can change settings to have the connection end automatically, or you can manually end the connection from your computer.
- Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.
- Double-click the Network and Sharing Center icon in Classic view, and then click Manage network connections in the left pane.
- Right-click the Internet Connection icon, and then click Properties.
- Click the Sharing tab.
- Select the Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection check box.
- For a home network, select the adapter that connects you to the other networked computers.
- If you want this connection to dial automatically, select the Establish a dial-up connection whenever a computer on my network attempts to access the Internet check box.
- Select or clear the Allow other network users to control or disable the shared Internet connection check box.
- To select specific services to share, click Settings, select the services you want, and then click OK.
- Click OK.
See Also
See “Creating an Internet Connection” on page 136 for information on creating a new shared Internet connection using the New Connection Wizard.
Did You Know?
Disable or enable a network connection. You can disable or enable a network connection by turning the network adapter for the connection off or on. To make this change, open the Network and Sharing Center, click Manage network connections in the left pane, right-click the connection you want to change, and then click Disable or Enable.
After you create a dial-up connection, you can change the settings to specify how the computer creates a dial-up connection to another computer. You can change the phone number, add dialing rules, and modify redial and hang up settings. You need to log on as an administrator to change some settings for a dial-up connection. When a computer is set up to share a dial-up connection to the Internet, these settings control the connection for the network users.
- Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.
- Double-click the Network and Sharing Center icon in Classic view, and then click Manage network connections in the left pane.
- Right-click the Dial-Up connection icon, and then click Properties.
- Click the General tab.
- To change the number, double-click the text box, and then type a new number.
- To use dialing rules, select the Use dialog rules check box, and then specify the area and country codes.
- Click the Options tab.
- Select the check boxes for the dialog options you want, and clear the others.
- Set the idle time you want before the dial-up connection hangs up, and any redial options.
- Click OK.
See Also
See “Connecting to a Network Using a Modem” on page 322 for information on creating a dial-up connection.