It is now common practice to take a laptop computer to a different workplace or venue and expect to be able to hook up to their network either with a wire (ethernet) or wirelessly.

In order to do this it maybe necessary to change the settings on your own computer.  If you go about doing this you should firstly take a record of the existing settings before you change anything so that you can put things back when you return to your normal place of work.

You normally want to do this to connect to the internet.  This is all that will be looked at.

What you need to do is make sure that your computer is transmitting and receiving information in the same range and with the same protocol as the network you are connecting to.  For the internet you use something called TCP/IP.  You must have a relevant "ID" (IP address) and must know where to go to access the internet (gatewayoe proxy server).  You may also need to know the address of an internet translation server (DNS server).  Having entered this information into your comuter, you should then be able to access the internet.  If your setup is wireless you may also need an encryption code which protects the security of the local network.

This is what you do.

1. Get permission to connect
2. Get the details you need
• - do you need an ID (IP address) - these can be assigned automatically (called DCHP)
• - what is the subnet mask
• - what is the default gateway
• - do you need a DNS server address
3. With that information connect you network wire or turn on you wireless - with a bit of luck the network will be autodetected.
4. Now you need to add the settings above.
5. You need to find the properties of the network adaptor you are using
• - Start, right click my network places and choose properties
• - right click the LAN (local area network) or wireless connection and choose properties

Choose the TCP/IP v4 option and enter the settings.  For example, for wireless access at the Octagon (you must have permission first), simply choose Obtain an IP address automatically, then press the advanced button and choose Add under the Default gateway and then enter 192.168.0.5.  close this dialogue and any other network screens.  Now start your browser and you should be away.

This is only a very basic introduction.  Let us know if it was helpful.