eMachines EL1300 User Manual
User Guide
Copyright © 2009. Acer Incorporated.
All Rights Reserved.
eMachines User Guide
Original Issue: 01 / 2009
Changes may be made periodically to the information in this publication without obligation
to notify any person of such revisions or changes. Such changes will be incorporated in new
editions of this manual or supplementary documents and publications. This company makes
no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to the contents
hereof and specifically disclaims the implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a
particular purpose.
Record the model number, serial number, purchase date, and place of purchase information in
the space provided below. The serial number and model number are recorded on the label
affixed to your computer. All correspondence concerning your unit should include the serial
number, model number, and purchase information.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in
any form or by any means, electronically, mechanically, by photocopy, recording, or otherwise,
without the prior written permission of Acer Incorporated.
Model number: __________________________________
Serial number: ___________________________________
Purchase date: ___________________________________
Place of purchase: ________________________________
eMachines and the eMachines logo are registered trademarks of Acer Incorporated. Other
companies' product names or trademarks are used herein for identification purposes only and
belong to their respective companies.
Information for your safety and
comfort
Safety instructions
Read these instructions carefully. Keep this document for future reference. Follow
all warnings and instructions marked on the product.
Turning the product off before cleaning
Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid
cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
Warnings
• Do not use this product near water.
• Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand or table. If the product
falls, it could be seriously damaged.
• Slots and openings are provided for ventilation to ensure reliable operation
of the product and to protect it from overheating. These openings must not
be blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked by placing the
product on a bed, sofa, rug or other similar surface. This product should
never be placed near or over a radiator or heat register, or in a built-in
installation unless proper ventilation is provided.
• Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet slots as they
may touch dangerous voltage points or short-out parts that could result in a
fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind onto or into the product.
• To avoid damage of internal components and to prevent battery leakage, do
not place the product on a vibrating surface.
Using electrical power
• This product should be operated from the type of power indicated on the
marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power available, consult your
dealer or local power company.
• Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not locate this product
where people will walk on the cord.
• If an extension cord is used with this product, make sure that the total
ampere rating of the equipment plugged into the extension cord does not
exceed the extension cord ampere rating. Also, make sure that the total
rating of all products plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed the fuse
rating.
• Do not overload a power outlet, strip or receptacle by plugging in too many
devices. The overall system load must not exceed 80% of the branch circuit
rating. If power strips are used, the load should not exceed 80% of the power
strip's input rating.
• This product's AC adapter is equipped with a three-wire grounded plug. The
plug only fits in a grounded power outlet. Make sure the power outlet is
properly grounded before inserting the AC adapter plug. Do not insert the
plug into a non-grounded power outlet. Contact your electrician for details.
i
:
Warning! The grounding pin is a safety feature. Using a power
outlet that is not properly grounded may result in electric shock
and/or injury.
Note: The grounding pin also provides good protection from
unexpected noise produced by other nearby electrical devices that
may interfere with the performance of this product.
• Use the product only with the supplied power supply cord set. If you need to
replace the power cord set, make sure that the new power cord meets the
following requirements: detachable type, UL listed/CSA certified, type SPT-2,
rated 7 A 125 V minimum, VDE approved or its equivalent, 4.6 meters (15
feet) maximum length.
Product servicing
Do not attempt to service this product yourself, as opening or removing covers
may expose you to dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all servicing to
qualified service personnel.
Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service
personnel when:
• the power cord or plug is damaged, cut or frayed
• liquid was spilled into the product
• the product was exposed to rain or water
• the product has been dropped or the case has been damaged
• the product exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating a need for
service
• the product does not operate normally after following the operating
instructions
Note: Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating
instructions, since improper adjustment of other controls may result
in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified
technician to restore the product to normal condition.
CAUTION: Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace
only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the
manufacturer. Dispose of used batteries according to the manufacturer’s
instructions.
Telephone line safety
• Disconnect all telephone lines from the equipment when not in use and/or
before servicing.
• To avoid the remote risk of electric shock from lightning, do not connect the
telephone line to this equipment during lightning or thunderstorms.
ii
Disposal instructions
Do not throw this electronic device into the trash when discarding.
To minimize pollution and ensure utmost protection of the global environment,
please recycle.For more information on the Waste from Electrical and Electronics
Equipment (WEEE) regulations, visit
http://global.acer.com/about/
Mercury advisory
For projectors or electronic products containing an LCD/CRT monitor or display:
Lamp(s) inside this product contain mercury and must be recycled or disposed of
according to local, state or federal laws. For more information, contact the
Electronic Industries Alliance at www.eiae.org
information, check www.lamprecycle.org
sustainability.htm.
. For lamp-specific disposal
.
iii
:
ENERGY STAR is a government program (public/private partnership) that gives
people the power to protect the environment in a cost effective way and without
sacrificing quality or product features. Products that earn the ENERGY STAR
prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines
set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Department of
Energy (DOE). In the average home, 75% of all electricity used to power home
electronics is consumed while the products are turned off. ENERGY STAR qualified
home electronic products in the off position use up to 50% less energy than
conventional equipment. More information refers to http://www.energystar.gov
and http://www.energystar.gov/powermangement.
As an ENERGY STAR partner, eMachines Inc. has determined that this product
meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.
This product has been shipped enabled for power management:
Note: The statement above is applicable only to eMachines system
with an ENERGY STAR sticker.
• Activate display’ Sleep mode within 15 minutes of user inactivity.
• Activate computer’s Sleep mode within 30 minutes of user inactivity.
• Wake the computer from Sleep mode by pushing power button.
• More power management settings can be done through Windows
power management.
Tips and information for comfortable use
Computer users may complain of eyestrain and headaches after prolonged use.
Users are also at risk of physical injury after long hours of working in front of a
computer. Long work periods, bad posture, poor work habits, stress, inadequate
working conditions, personal health and other factors greatly increase the risk of
physical injury.
Incorrect computer usage may lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis,
tenosynovitis or other musculoskeletal disorders. The following symptoms may
appear in the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, neck or back:
• numbness, or a burning or tingling sensation
• aching, soreness or tenderness
• pain, swelling or throbbing
• stiffness or tightness
• coldness or weakness
If you have these symptoms, or any other recurring or persistent discomfort and/or
pain related to computer use, consult a physician immediately and inform your
company's health and safety department.
The following section provides tips for more comfortable computer use.
Finding your comfort zone
Find your comfort zone by adjusting the viewing angle of the monitor, using a
footrest, or raising your sitting height to achieve maximum comfort. Observe the
following tips:
• refrain from staying too long in one fixed posture
• avoid slouching forward and/or leaning backward
• stand up and walk around regularly to remove the strain on your leg muscles
iv
• take short rests to relax your neck and shoulders
• avoid tensing your muscles or shrugging your shoulders
• install the external display, keyboard and mouse properly and within
comfortable reach
• if you view your monitor more than your documents, place the display at the
center of your desk to minimize neck strain
Taking care of your vision
Long viewing hours, wearing incorrect glasses or contact lenses, glare, excessive
room lighting, poorly focused screens, very small typefaces and low-contrast
displays could stress your eyes. The following sections provide suggestions on how
to reduce eyestrain.
Eyes
• Rest your eyes frequently.
• Give your eyes regular breaks by looking away from the monitor and
focusing on a distant point.
• Blink frequently to keep your eyes from drying out.
Display
• Keep your display clean.
• Keep your head at a higher level than the top edge of the display so your
eyes point downward when looking at the middle of the display.
• Adjust the display brightness and/or contrast to a comfortable level for
enhanced text readability and graphics clarity.
• Eliminate glare and reflections by:
• placing your display in such a way that the side faces the window or any
light source
• minimizing room light by using drapes, shades or blinds
• using a task light
• changing the display's viewing angle
• using a glare-reduction filter
• using a display visor, such as a piece of cardboard extended from the
display's top front edge
• Avoid adjusting your display to an awkward viewing angle.
• Avoid looking at bright light sources, such as open windows, for extended
periods of time.
Developing good work habits
Develop the following work habits to make your computer use more relaxing and
productive:
• Take short breaks regularly and often.
• Perform some stretching exercises.
• Breathe fresh air as often as possible.
• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy body.
Warning! We do not recommend using the computer on a couch or
bed. If this is unavoidable, work for only short periods, take breaks
regularly, and do some stretching exercises.
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:
vi
Contents
Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Computer . . . 1
About this guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Chapter 2: Setting Up and
Getting Started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Working safely and comfortably . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive
strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Preparing power connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . 7
Checking the voltage selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Connecting to a broadband modem or network . . . 9
Connecting a dial-up modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Using the World Wide Web . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Connecting to a Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Downloading files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Ethernet networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Wired Ethernet networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Establishing your Ethernet network connection 18
Testing your network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Adding a printer to your network . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Sharing resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Using the network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Chapter 3: Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Add-in cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
CD or DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
vii
Contents
Expansion cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
File management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Modem (cable or DSL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Modem (dial-up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Optical disc drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Recovering your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Creating recovery discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Recovering pre-installed software and drivers . 49
Returning your system to its factory condition . 50
Creating Labelflash Disc Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
What is Labelflash? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Creating disc labels with LabelPrint . . . . . . . . . . 52
Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Before calling Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Self-help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Appendix A: Regulations and safety notices. 61
viii
Chapter 1
Checking Out Your
Computer
1
Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Computer
About this guide
This guide includes information and
maintenance instructions that are specific to
your model of computer. Some illustrations in
this guide may look different than your
computer because hardware options and port
locations may vary.
Front
Component Icon Description
DVD/CD drive Use this drive to listen to audio CDs,
Memory card
reader
Power
button/power
indicator
USB ports Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices
Microphone
jack
Headphone jack Plug powered, analog front speakers, an
install games and programs, watch
DVDs, and store large files onto
recordable discs (depending on drive
type). This drive may be a CD, recordable
CD, DVD, recordable DVD, Blu-ray, or
HD DVD drive.
Insert a memory card from a digital
camera, MP3 player, PDA, cellular
telephone, or other device into the
memory card reader.
Press this button to turn the power on
or off. You can also configure the power
button to operate in Standby/Resume
mode or Hibernate mode. The power
indicator lights when the computer is
turned on.
(such as a USB external drive, printer,
scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse)
into these ports.
Plug a microphone into this jack. This
jack is color-coded pink.
external amplifier, or headphones into
this jack. This jack is color-coded green.
2
Back
Important
Your computer’s hardware options and port locations may
vary from this illustration.
Component Icon Description
Kensington lock
slot (optional)
Voltage switch The switch is preset at the factory.
Power connector Plug the power cord into this
PS/2 keyboard
port
Monitor (VGA)
port
USB ports Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices
Microphone jack
(pink plug)
Headphone/analo
g speakers jack
(green plug)
-ORFront speakers
jack
Connects to a Kensington-compatible
computer security lock.
Make sure that this is set to the
correct voltage for your area.
connector.
Plug a PS/2 keyboard into this port.
Plug a VGA (blue connector) monitor
cable into this port.
(such as a USB Iomega™ Zip™ drive,
printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, or
mouse) into these ports.
Plug a microphone into this jack.
This jack is user configurable for one
of the following:
Headphone: Plug headphones or
amplified speakers into this jack
(Default).
Stereo out: Plug your front left and
right speakers into this jack.
PS/2 mouse port Plug a PS/2 mouse into this port.
Ethernet
(network) jack
Plug an Ethernet network cable or a
device (such as a DSL or cable modem
for a broadband Internet connection)
into this jack.
3
Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Computer
Component Icon Description
Center/subwoofer
jack (orange plug)
(optional)
Surround L/R
speaker jack
(black plug)
Audio in/side
speaker jack (blue
plug)
-ORSide speaker jack
ESATA port
(optional)
Serial port
(optional)
HDMI port
(optional)
ESATA
HDMI
Plug your center speaker and
subwoofer into this jack.
Plug your rear right and left speakers
into this jack.
This jack is user configurable for one
of the following:
Stereo in: Plug an external audio
input source (such as a stereo) into
this jack so you can record sound on
your computer (Default).
Stereo out: Plug your side left and
right speakers into this jack.
Enables fast external disk access.
Connects to devices such as terminals
and various peripherals.
Supports high definition digital video
connections.
4
Chapter 2
Setting Up and
Getting Started
5
Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started
Working safely and comfortably
Before using your computer, follow these
general guidelines for setting up a safe and
comfortable work area and avoiding
discomfort and strain:
• Keep hands and arms parallel to the
floor.
• Adjust the screen so it is perpendicular to
your line of sight, and the top of the
screen is no higher than eye leve.
• Place your feet flat on the floor or on a
footrest.
• Keep ventilation openings clear of
obstructions.
Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain
6
• Vary your activities to avoid excessive
repetition.
• Take breaks to change your position,
stretch your muscles, and relieve your
eyes.
• Find ways to break up the work day, and
schedule a variety of tasks.
Preparing power connections
Protecting from power source problems
Warning
High voltages can enter your computer through both the
power cord and the modem connection. Protect your computer by
using a surge protector. If you have a telephone modem, use a surge
protector that has a modem jack. If you have a cable modem, use
a surge protector that has an antenna/cable TV jack. During an
electrical storm, unplug both the surge protector and the modem.
During a power surge, the voltage level of
electricity coming into your computer can
increase to far above normal levels and cause
data loss or system damage. Protect your
computer and peripheral devices by
connecting them to a
absorbs voltage surges and prevents them
from reaching your computer.
An
uninterruptible power supply
supplies battery power to your computer
during a power failure. Although you cannot
run your computer for an extended period of
time with a UPS, a UPS lets you run your
computer long enough to save your work and
shut down your computer normally.
surge protector
(UPS)
, which
7
Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started
Checking the voltage selection
Caution
If you set the voltage selection switch incorrectly, your system
will be damaged. Make sure this switch is set correctly for your
location before turning on your computer. In the United States, the
utility power is supplied at a nominal 115 volts at 60 Hz. The power
supply should always be set to this when your computer is operating
in the United States. In other areas of the world, such as Europe,
the utility power is supplied at 230 volts at 50 Hz. If your computer
is operating in an environment such as this, the voltage switch
should be moved to 230.
The
power supply
computer, provides power to the system
board, add-in cards, and peripheral devices.
The power supply’s voltage selection for your
location is typically set at the factory, but you
can change it to match the electrical service
available in your usage area (such as while in
another country). Use the power selection
switch on the back of your computer to set the
voltage to 115V or 230V.
To set the voltage selection switch:
1 Disconnect your computer’s power cable.
2 Use a tool such as an opened paper clip
to slide the voltage selection switch to
the correct voltage position. The switch is
located on the back of your computer,
near the power cable connector. For the
location, see “Back” on page 3.
, a component built into your
8
Connecting to a broadband modem or network
Important
Your computer may be equipped with a built-in Ethernet
(network) jack. For information about setting up a wired or wireless
Ethernet network.
You can connect your computer to a cable or
DSL (
broadband
Ethernet network.
To connect to a broadband modem or to an Ethernet network:
1 Insert one end of the network cable into
the network jack on the back of your
computer. For the location, see “Back”
on page 3.
2 Insert the other end of the network cable
into a cable modem, DSL modem, or
network jack.
) modem or to a wired
Connecting a dial-up modem
Warning
To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger
telecommunications line cord.
Your computer may have a 56K modem that
you can use with a standard telephone line to
connect to the internet or fax documents.
To connect the modem:
1 Insert one end of the modem cable into
the modem jack on the modem at the
back of your computer. For the location,
see “Back” on page 3.
9
Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started
2 Insert the other end of the modem cable
into a telephone wall jack. (The modem
will not work with digital or PBX
telephone lines.)
3 If you want, you can connect a telephone
to the PHONE jack on the modem on the
back of your computer.
Using the World Wide Web
The World Wide Web is a multimedia window to the
Internet that gives you access to millions of
information sources.
Information on the Web comes to you on
which are electronic documents that you view using a
Web page display program called a
use any of the commercially available Web browsers,
like Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator.
Web pages can contain text, animations, music, and
other multimedia features. A group of related Web
pages is called a
to shop, track investments, read the news, download
programs, and much more.
You can explore a Web site or visit other Web sites by
clicking areas on a Web page called
A link may be colored or underlined text, a picture, or
an animated image. You can identify a link by moving
the mouse pointer over it. If the pointer changes to a
hand, the item is a link.
To learn more about using the Web browser features,
click Help in the menu bar.
Web site
. You can access Web sites
links
Web pages
browser
or
. You can
hyperlinks
,
.
10
Connecting to a Web site
After you set up an account with an Internet service
provider (ISP), you can access the many information
sources on the World Wide Web.
To connect to a Web site: 1 Connect to your Internet account. 2 Depending on the method you use to connect to
your Internet account, you may need to start
your Web browser. Click (Start), then click
Internet. Your default Web browser opens
showing an opening page or welcome screen.
3 To go to a different Web site, type the
(called a
in the browser address bar (for example
www.emachines.com), then click GO
browser address bar.
- OR On the current Web page, click a link to a Web
site.
click Start, then click Help and Support. Type connecting to a Web
site in the Search Help box, then press E
The Web browser locates the server computer on
the Internet,
computer, and displays the page on the site that
you requested.
URL
for “Universal Resource Locator”)
Help
For more information about connecting to a Web site,
downloads
address
on the
NTER.
(transfers) data to your
Sometimes Web pages display slowly. The speed that
a Web page displays on your screen depends on the
complexity of the Web page and other Internet
conditions. Additionally, the speed of your connection
will determine how fast Web pages display.
11
Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started
Downloading files
Caution
To protect your computer against viruses, make sure that you
scan the files you download.
Downloading
is the process of transferring files from
a computer on the Internet to your computer.
To download files or programs from a Web site:
1 Connect to your Internet account.
2 In the address bar, type the address of the Web
site that contains the file or program you want
to download, then press E
NTER.
- OR Click a link on a Web page to navigate to the
Web site containing the file that you want to
download.
3 Create or locate the folder where you want to
store the file on your computer.
4 Click the link on the Web page for the file that
you want to download.
5 Follow the on-screen instructions for saving the
file in the folder that you want. A copy of the
file is downloaded to your computer. The time
that it takes to transfer the file to your computer
depends on file size and Internet conditions.
6 Open the folder that you created.
7 Install or view the downloaded file by
double-clicking it. If applicable, follow the
instructions provided on the Web site to run or
install the program.
12
Help
For more information about downloading files, click
Start, then click Help and Support. Type downloading files in the
Search Help box, then click E
NTER
Ethernet networking
Wired Ethernet networking
An wired Ethernet network consists of two or more
computers connected together through an Ethernet
cable. This connection type is commonly used in offices
around the world and can be used to build computer
networks in the home.
Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, or Gigabit Ethernet
Important
Check local code requirements before installing Ethernet cable
or other wiring in your home or office. Your municipality may
require you to obtain a permit and hire a licensed installer.
Ethernet is available at three different speeds.
Standard Ethernet runs at 10 Mbps, Fast Ethernet runs
at 100 Mbps, and Gigabit Ethernet runs at 1000 Mbps.
Most home networks are built using Standard or Fast
Ethernet components. Business networks are typically
built using Fast or Gigabit Ethernet components.
To create a wired Ethernet network, you or your
electrician must install special Ethernet cables in your
home or office.
Using a router
The most common way to set up a wired Ethernet
network is Dynamic Host Control Protocol (DHCP)
using a router. A DHCP network configuration uses a
router to automatically assign IP addresses to each
computer or network device. For information on
setting up a router, see the router’s documentation.
Example router-based Ethernet network
The following is an example of a wired Ethernet
network. The network is made up of a router, a cable
or DSL modem, your computers, and cables connecting
each of these components. The router is the central
control point for the network.
Tip
To add the ability to access a wireless Ethernet network to
your wired Ethernet network, connect an access point to the router
or use a router that has a built-in access point.
13
Cable/DSL
modem
Router
Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started
Attached to the router are all of your computers or
Ethernet-ready devices. Also connected to the router
is a cable or DSL modem that provides access to the
Internet.
14
Equipment you need for a router-based Ethernet network
Important
For best results, all Ethernet components should be either
standard Ethernet (10 Mbps), Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps or 10/100),
or Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps or 10/100/1000). A mixture of
components rated at different speeds will result in your network
running at the speed of the slowest rated component
For a wired Ethernet network you need:
• Two or more computers with Ethernet jacks
• One router
• One broadband Internet connection (optional)
• Ethernet cables connecting all of the network
equipment
.
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