Connecting

Physical Connection

If you have everything set up in advance (the proper network card in your machine and the right cable in your hand) then this section is very easy. Take a hold of one end (either end) of the cable and plug it into the RJ45 connector of your network card.

Then take the other end and plug it into the switch, like this:

And that is it. If you did it right you should see a small green or yellow light at the switch attesting to your success. The light will appear when your computer is on, and with newer systems it is possible that the light will be lit even if the computer is not running at the moment.

Settings

The PartyNet supports only TCP/IP. The IP addresses (as well as routing information) is distributed with DHCP (like last year). In english, your machine will get the network settings automatically.

Windows XP

Open the Control Panel

In the default view, choose 'Network and Internet Connections'... (In classic view you can skip this)

...and then 'Network Connections'. (In classic view you can do this directly)

Open the Properties of your network connection

Double click on TCP/IP

Set both IP and DNS to automatic.

Windows 2000

Right click on 'Network Neighborhood', and choose 'Properties'.

Choose 'TCP/IP' and click on the 'Properties' button. Note that if you usually use a modem, you should have two 'TCP/IP' entries in the list - choose that one that says 'TCP/IP -> >name of your network card<' (in general it is the one that does *not* say 'dialup adapter').

Choose 'IP address', and choose 'Obtain IP address automatically'.

You should not need to touch any of the other settings.