User's Manual

Chapter 3: Network Activities 15
If you do not have a base station, you can congure one of your computers to
share its broadband or dial-up Internet connection, provided that the computer
is running the Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Me, or Windows 98 SE
operating system. These versions of Windows include a feature called Internet
Connection Sharing, which allows multiple computers on a network to use the
same Internet connection, even at the same time. For information about setting
up Internet Connection Sharing, look up “Internet Connection Sharing” in
Windows Help.
Important Before you share an Internet connection, check with your Internet service
provider about its policy regarding Internet connection sharing.
If you use Internet Connection Sharing, you must leave the computer with the
Internet connection turned on for the other computers on the network to access
the Internet. You will continue to access the Internet from each computer the way
you normally do, for example, by using your Web browser. To browse the Web,
each computer must have a Web browser (such as Microsoft Internet Explorer)
installed.
Although you aren’t likely to notice a difference in speed, sharing a broadband
Internet connection with other computers on your network makes the Internet
connection slightly slower for each person. Sharing a dial-up Internet connection
has a more noticeable impact on speed.
Important If you use Internet Connection Sharing, you should take measures to
provide a security layer between your network and the Internet. If the computer
with the shared Internet connection is running Windows XP, you can use Internet
Connection Firewall to help provide such security. If the computer with the shared
Internet connection is running an earlier version of the Windows operating system, we
recommend using security software on this computer.
Using the Broadband Network Utility
The Microsoft Broadband Network Utility is automatically installed on your
computer when you run the Setup Wizard. You can use the Broadband Network
Utility to view other computers on the network, access shared les on those
computers, and join other wireless networks.
The Help system in the Broadband Network Utility provides additional information
about Microsoft Broadband Networking products, using the Broadband Network
Utility, performing common tasks on your network, and troubleshooting network
problems. The Help system, the Network Troubleshooter, and Web Help are all
available on the Help menu.
Note For information about using the Broadband Network Utility to change wireless
settings or update software, see Broadband Network Utility Help.
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