Networking - Ask Leo!

Sub-Categories:

A duplicate name exists on the network - what does that mean? How do I fix it?
A duplicate name exists on the network happens when two resources - usually computers - have been given the same name. We'll look at how to check, and where to fix it. (Continue reading...)

Can I connect to two networks at once?

Can I copy files between two computers using a USB connections?
There are a few ways that you can copy files between two computers using a USB connection. (Continue reading...)

Can I get someone's name and address from their IP address?

Can I network two computers with just a cable?
It's possible to network two computers with just a cable, but there are a few tricks involved to get things working properly. (Continue reading...)

Does seeing a different IP address mean I'm seeing a different computer?

How can I avoid making an unintentional bridge?
It's possible to accidentally create a connection or a bridge between two networks. We'll look at how, and what you can do to avoid it. (Continue reading...)

How can I connect to my DSL modem if I don't have a network card?
Most computers come with ethernet these days, but if you have an older machine that doesn't, there are alternatives. (Continue reading...)

How can I connect to my home computer from work?

How can I connect to my office computer from home using a dial-up connection?
Connecting your office computer to your home computer isn't as far-fetched a scenario as it sounds. (Continue reading...)

How can I share my hard disk remotely?

How can I tell what program is making or accepting TCP/IP connections on my machine?
Your machine can open TCP/IP connections to other machines, or it could be waiting for other machines to connect to it. Here's how to see what is happening. (Continue reading...)

How can I use two ip addresses from one cable modem?

How did you get my IP address?
Your IP address is the fundamental way of identifying your computer on the internet. Your IP address is available to any service you connect to. (Continue reading...)

How do I configure my static IP address?

How do I connect my desktop to the nearby wireless internet WiFi hotspot?
Wireless internet in WiFi hotspots makes for a convenient connection. To connect to the wireless internet you need proximity and a little hardware. (Continue reading...)

How do I install additional network protocols like IPX or Netbeui?

How do you stay connected in weak cellular areas?

How is my IP address assigned?

How should I protect myself from other computers sharing my internet connection?
A shared connection to the internet is common, and provides an important level of security. But what if the machines you share with can't be trusted? (Continue reading...)

I get the message: 'Remote Assistance connection could not be established because the remote host name could not be resolved.' - What does that mean?
One common problem connecting with Remote Assistance typically involves a router 'getting in the way'. (Continue reading...)

If I let my neighbor share my WiFi, can they see my network traffic?

Is there a way to block certain URL's in IE?
There are ways to block URLs in IE, but doing so will block them from all other programs as well. (Continue reading...)

Is there an easy way to stop internet activity on a computer?

My cable modem has both a USB and an Ethernet port - can I connect two computers?

One of 8 systems will often not find the network until I reboot. What should I fix?
If a PC cannot find a network until rebooting, check the speed settings of the network card as well as the functionality of the card itself. (Continue reading...)

Trying to connect two computers to the internet, one says that there is an IP address conflict. Why?

What is Double Natting?

What is bandwidth?
Bandwidth is a term you hear frequently but it can be confusing and it's easy to gloss over exactly what it means. (Continue reading...)

What's a Proxy Server?

What's the difference between a Hub, a Switch and a Router?
Hubs, switches and routers are all computer networking devices with varying capabilities. Unfortunately the terms are also often misused. (Continue reading...)

When I boot XP, saved network connections are listed, but are not automatically reattached; how can I force it?
Saved network connections should automatically reconnect the first time you try to use them. There should be no need to do anything special. (Continue reading...)

Why can I only see some files on a remote computer share?

Why can't I access MSN HotMail through my router?

Why did my home network stop working?
Home networks or other small LAN can stop working for various reasons, but there's a simple reason home networks stop working that's often overlooked. (Continue reading...)

Why do I get "There is another user logged onto your computer" when I shut down?
'There is another user logged onto your computer' happens when another user is logged in. That can happen in a couple of ways - one obvious, one not. (Continue reading...)

Why does my computer keep wanting to dial a connection?
Internet Explorer can automatically dial a connection if you use dial-up to connect to the internet. Having it automatically dial a connection can get in the way, though. Here's how to turn that off. (Continue reading...)

Why does my network not work after resuming from standby?
Network failures after standby are not uncommon in older machines. Fortunately, fixing network problems after standby is not difficult - usually. (Continue reading...)

Why doesn't my machine's IP address match what I'm told on the internet?

Why is the byte activity different on my wired and wireless connections?
The number of bytes transferred should be roughly the same regardless of your connection, right? We'll look at a couple of reasons that might not be true. (Continue reading...)

Why might my network icon show constant activity?
When enabled, the network icon in the system tray lights up when data is sent or received. If the network icon is constantly lit when you're not doing anything, there are several possibilities. (Continue reading...)

Zone Alarm firewall: do I need it if I'm behind a NAT router?
Zone Alarm is a popular firewall you install on your machine. If you also have a NAT router you may - or may not - need a firewall such as Zone Alarm. (Continue reading...)