Task 7.1: Configuring Internet Access

Internet access is an integral part of business and the workplace. While configuring a client for Internet access may not be the most exciting part of the day, it is a common task of the IT professional.

The Internet can be accessed through several methods:

Modem This connection method allows you to connect a single computer to the Internet.

LAN This connection method allows you to connect multiple computers to the Internet.

Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) This connection allows all the computers in the network to share the Internet connection of one computer.

ICS will be discussed in Task 7.4.

The most common way to establish a connection by modem or LAN is by using the New Connection Wizard.

Scenario

You have been asked to configure Internet access on a number of LAN-based computers.

Scope of Task

Duration

This task should take about 10 minutes.

Setup

For this task, you’ll need a Windows computer, access to the Administrator account, and an Internet connection.

Caveat

While almost every employee would love to have Internet access, remember the principle of least privilege. Employees should only have the access and privilege they need to perform their duties. This technique builds greater security as it limits users’ access and rights in the network.

Procedure

In this task, you will configure basic Internet access.

Equipment Used

For this task, you must have:

• A Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 computer
• Administrator access
• An Internet connection

Details

This task will walk you through the steps required to configure basic Internet access through a LAN connection.

To configure Internet access with the New Connection Wizard, follow these steps:

1. From the Windows desktop, right-click on the Internet Explorer icon and choose Properties.

2. Select the Connections tab, and click the Setup button. This launches the New Connection Wizard.

3. Here, you can choose to set up the Internet connectivity via a list of ISPs manually or from a CD. Choose the option to configure manually via LAN. Click Next.

4. On the next screen, choose the option Connect Using A Broadband Connection That Is Always On.

5. Click Finish to complete the wizard.

Criteria for Completion

You have completed this task when you have configured a networked computer for Internet access using the New Connection Wizard.