| Windows XP | Windows Vista | Windows 7 | |
| Computer/ | System properties, | System properties, | System properties, |
| workgroup | Computer Name, | Change settings | Change settings |
| name | Computer Name | ||
| Changes | |||
| Viewing shared | My Network Places | Windows Explorer | Windows Explorer |
| folders | |||
| Manage net- | Network | Network and Sharing | Network and Sharing |
| work hardware | Connections | Center | Center |
| Sharing folders | Share tab on each | Share tab on each folder | Share tab on each |
| (Workgroup) | folder | folder | |
| View network | N/A | Network and Sharing | Network and Sharing |
| map | Center, view Network | Center, view Network | |
| map | map (see Figure 6-11) | ||
| Configure | Control Panel, | Network and Sharing | Network and Sharing |
| Windows | Windows Firewall | Center | Center |
| Firewall | |||
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To add Windows XP computers to a network map viewed on Windows Vista or Windows 7, install the LLTD protocol on each computer. It is available from the Microsoft download website.
Figure 6-11 illustrates a map of a small network.
Figure 6-11 A small network as viewed by Windows 7’s Network Map feature.
Joining a Network
To join a workgroup or domain network, use the System properties dialogs listed in Table 6-12 above. Use information provided by the network manager for workgroup or domain name, user or computer name, and so on.
To join a homegroup in Windows 7, use the Network and Sharing Center to access the dialogs for joining (or creating) a homegroup and for specifying what to share.
Mapping Drives
After a network share is accessed, it can be mapped to a drive letter if desired. To map a network location to a drive letter, use the Tools menu in Windows Explorer or right-click the location and select Map Network Drive.
Connecting to a Network
Windows supports all popular types of network connections, including VPN, dial-up, wireless Ethernet, wired Ethernet, and WWAN (cellular). However, the methods used for making these con-nections vary. Table 6-13 reviews the differences.
124 CompTIA A+ Quick Reference
Table 6-13 Network Connections in Windows
| Connection Type | Information Needed |
| VPN | IP address or hostname of remote host |
| Username | |
| Password | |
| Logon domain | |
| Dialup | Telephone number of remote host |
| Username | |
| Password | |
| Wireless Ethernet | Security set identifier (SSID) of wireless network |
| Encryption key (if used) | |
| Encryption type (Windows XP only) | |
| Wired Ethernet | Workgroup or domain name |
| Username | |
| Password | |
| WWAN (cellular) | APN of cellular network |
| PIN (to unlock connection) | |
| Username | |
| Password | |
Proxy Settings
Corporate networks often use proxy servers to help protect the network from undesired Internet traffic and to improve access to frequently used websites. Proxy settings are configured through the Connections tab of Internet options. Click the LAN Settings button, check the Proxy Server check box, and provide the proxy server information provided by your IT department. If your net-work uses different proxy servers for different types of traffic, click Advanced to enter the infor-mation needed. Click OK to save and close the dialogs.
Remote Desktop Connection
The ability to receive a Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) is available in Windows XP Professional, Windows Vista Business/Ultimate/Enterprise, and Windows 7 Professional/ Ultimate/ Enterprise. It is enabled through the Remote tab of System properties. Windows XP supports a less-secure version of RDC than Vista/7.
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