Here’s an example. Let’s say you have two networks: in one, the computers are connected with cables; and in the other, the computers are connected using wireless technology.

The wired computers can only communicate with other wired computers, and the wireless computers can only communicate with other wireless computers. With a network bridge, all of the computers can communicate with each other.

To bridge connections, go to  Control Panel then click Network and Sharing Center.  At this window, click Change adapter settings:

Select the adapters that you want to bridge then select bridge connections:

That’s it! You should be able to network the two networks together.

Take note that for security purposes, you shouldn’t create a bridge between an Internet connection and a network connection because it creates an unprotected link between your network and the Internet, which makes your network accessible to anyone on the Internet.

People with home or small office networks typically use a bridge when they have different types of networks, but they want to exchange information or share files with all of the computers on those networks.  The easiest way to do this without having to buy hardware is by using the network bridging in Windows 7.

Ben Carigtan shows you how it’s done!

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If computers running Windows XP are part of your network, it’s important to use the same workgroup name for all of the computers on your network. This makes it possible for computers running different versions of Windows to detect and access each other. Remember that the default workgroup name is not the same in all versions of Windows.

To find or change the workgroup name on a computer running Windows XP Click Start, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.

In System Properties, click the Computer Name tab to see the workgroup name. To change the name, click Change, type the new name in Computer name, and then click OK.

In Windows 7, you could verify the workgroup by going to the control panel then click System.  Click Advanced system settings at the left side of this window.

The System Properties will appear.  You should be able to see the workgroup name used in your Windows 7 computer.

Basically, the key to adding XP computers to a Windows 7 network is to make it equal to the Windows 7’s workgroup.

Ben Carigtan shows you how it’s done!

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You’ll encounter several cable type designators with names like CAT5, CAT5e, and CAT6. CAT5 cable is the minimum required for the current Internet standards. CAT5e cable is a higher grade version of CAT5, and CAT6 cable is commonly used for Gigabit Ethernet, an up-and-coming version of Ethernet that operates at 10 times the speed of Fast Ethernet.  CAT6 cable costs more than CAT5e but is worth the extra money if you want to future-proof your cable installation.

So what is a CAT6 cable and how is it different from the older types? Category 6 cable contains four pairs of twisted wires, just like earlier copper cable standards but it has higher speed and noise reduction properties than the older Cat5.

it supports the next-generation Ethernet technology called the Gigabit Ethernet which operates at 10 times the speed of 100Base-T networks. Gigabit products typically cost more than the current 100 mbps Fast Ethernet, and most Gigabit products are designed for business networks. Unless you really need the additional speed of Gigabit, 100 mbps provides more than enough speed for most home network applications.

Of course, if you plan to setup a Gigabit Ethernet, make sure that you have the LAN card that supports that speed.  As an inexpensive alternative solution to fiber-optic, the card allows you to instantly upgrade to Gigabit without requiring you to install new, expensive fiber cables.

If you want to have a future-proof connection in your office or home, spending a little higher for Cat6 and Gigabit Ethernet cards is worth the money.  You will also find Cat6 setups easier to maintain and install than fiber optic networks.

Ben Carigtan shows you how it’s done.

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As you can see from the picture, a wireless bridge has an antenna to connect to the wireless network and an Ethernet connector to connect to your wired Ethernet device.

The great thing about wireless bridges is that they bring wireless flexibility to devices that are normally tied to a wired network. If there is no easy way to get an Ethernet cable into the hallway, use the wireless bridge instead. Wireless bridges work with virtually any Ethernet-connected device, including computers, printers, and home entertainment devices.

Most of these products are completely driver-free, so it works on any platform and under any operating system. Since there’s no drivers to load, setup is a snap – configure the network settings through your PC’s web browser, then plug it into your device and go. Some, like the Linksys Wireless G-bridge, also support the Power Over Ethernet so you won’t have to run a DC power cable to the device.

This wireless bridge could also connect remote areas together. This way you will have Wi-Fi coverage in your other rooms without having to install another Wi-Fi access point.

Ben Carigtan shows you how it’s done.

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With Windows 7, you can move a computer accounts profile including documents, music, pictures, e-mail, and more importantly, program settings like Windows Live account configuration.

To access the tool, open the list of programs under Accessories > System Tools > Windows Easy Transfer:

The wizard driven tool will open.  First choose the type of medium where you want to temporarily save the image file.  You can transfer files and settings using a network share, or transfer files and settings using removable media such as CD/DVD, or an external hard drive.

Both computers must support the transfer method you choose. For example, if you write the data to CD or DVD, the destination computer must also have a CD or DVD drive. If you choose to transfer the data across the network, both computers must be connected on the same network.

The tool also supports Easy Transfer Cable which is a special USB jumper cable that could connect two computers together:

Choose which users you want to export from your old computer.  You may choose specific types of files and folders.  Windows Easy Transfer does not migrate installed applications.

Follow the wizard and you will generate the easy transfer image file.  This is a single file packed with all of the documents and settings from your chosen user accounts.

On your new Windows 7 computer, double click this file to start the import process.  It will open the Easy Transfer wizard with steps that will guide you to import the contents of the file.  Once you imported the file, the old accounts files will be available on your current user account.

If you are using Windows XP and you want to migrate to Windows 7, you may create an easy transfer file using this version of Windows Easy Transfer:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=2B6F1631-973A-45C7-A4EC-4928FA173266&displaylang=en

If you are running Vista, this software is already built into Windows Vista, so it is not necessary to install it on a Windows Vista-based PC.

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