Archive for March, 2009
How do I use a CAT5 cable to hook up my laptop to an internet connection at my new shared office space?
Monday, March 23rd, 2009Old Gamer 56 asked:
OK, so I’m an old guy, tech stuff doesn’t come naturally. But I’m a quick learner. OS = Windows XP.
Warren
OK, so I’m an old guy, tech stuff doesn’t come naturally. But I’m a quick learner. OS = Windows XP.
Warren
Need To Install A Modem, Follow These Procedures
Monday, March 23rd, 2009Otis Cooper asked:
When you want to access the Internet,you want to have the fastest Modem connection possible.And the dialup modem will do if you want just email basic surfing.
The faster cable or dsl are a must have for such internet downloads of large files,super faster web page access, and viewing videos online.
Installing your new modem, whether its dialup, dsl, or cable, it can be a breeze when you both make the installation an education experience as well as having fun in the process.
For this to happen, you must be prepared with the right equipment. High speed modems will need an ethernet card in most cases,for example.
Let’s take a deep down look at what it will take to get a new Internal or External modem up and running in your computer.
While we’re at it,we will see what it takes to install a cable or dsl modem as well. These modems are always external but will need a couple for parts in order to get that fast internet speed.
Connecting Modems To The Computer
When installing your Modem, first right down the serial number for use should you need to contact technical support.
External modems are connected to the computer with the RS232 cable. This cable is connected to the rear of the system at the serial port and the modem itself. Some modems will have this cable as a part of the modem.
Internal modems are inserted in an expansion slot on the motherboard,unless its integrated with the motherboard.
Provide power to the external modem with the use of the adapter that with the modem. Internal modems get their power from the expansion slot right on the motherboard.
After the modem has been installed,both the external and internal modem must be connected to the analog phone line. Plug one end of the phone cord to the jack labeled Line on the modem and the other into the phone jack.You can then connect your telephone to the phone jack on the modem.
Installing Moem Software
Now you can replace the system unit cover if you are installing an internal modem. And after all peripherals are re-connected to the computer, boot the computer.
With external modems,simply turn the computer and modem on.See if the power indicator is on.
If you have Windows 98 installed,insert the floppy disk or cdrom containing the device driver into the appropriate drive when the “add new hardware” screen appears. Follow the instructions on the disk to install the device driver.
Be sure to read the modem install manual carefully to be sure all installation procedures were followed. Click on finish once Windows find and install the device driver. Users of Windows XP have an updated list of device drivers which may be present. Its best to use the disk when installing the software.
Testing YOUR NEW MODEM
The device driver allow your modem to talk to your computer.To see if the modem is working,click on Start,Settings,Control Panel,and click the Modems icon.
Read the description of the modem to be sure it is the one you have.
Windows XP users should click on Start,Control Panel,and click the Phone and Modems icon.Then click Modem,Properties,and Diagnostics.Run a Query Modem check to verify your modem is up and running.
Installing The Cable Or DSL Modem
Cable Modems are external and are connected to the computer by a Cat5 Cable. This cables looks like a regular modem data cable but is larger.
One end of the Cat5 Cable is inserted into the rear of the cable modem while the other end is inserted into a Network Interface Card.
This NIC card must be installed in an empty adapter slot in the system unit and transfer data between the computer and modem.
With the Cat5 cable connecting the modem and PC together, you must provide the Internet signal to the modem by connecting a coaxial cable to the modem.
This cable provides high speed internet access and may use the same connection as your television. One end of the coaxial cable connects to the modem and the other is connected the cable TV connector.
If the connection is being used by the TV,a cable adapter will split the signals and you can use one connector for both your TV and the Internet.
DSL Modems also use the NIC card and Cat5 cable. Some DSL modem require device drivers and either a cdrom or diskette should come with the modem.
Once you connect to the Internet with a cable or dsl modem,you’ll most likely never go back to the slower dialup version.
On the other hand,you just may want to keep your dialup modem once you realize just how much more you’re going to invest when it comes to broadband Internet.
Since the choice is yours, learn all you can about all modems, how they work, and how they connect to the world wide web. Your internet experience will grow by leaps and bounds if you do.
Edgar
When you want to access the Internet,you want to have the fastest Modem connection possible.And the dialup modem will do if you want just email basic surfing.
The faster cable or dsl are a must have for such internet downloads of large files,super faster web page access, and viewing videos online.
Installing your new modem, whether its dialup, dsl, or cable, it can be a breeze when you both make the installation an education experience as well as having fun in the process.
For this to happen, you must be prepared with the right equipment. High speed modems will need an ethernet card in most cases,for example.
Let’s take a deep down look at what it will take to get a new Internal or External modem up and running in your computer.
While we’re at it,we will see what it takes to install a cable or dsl modem as well. These modems are always external but will need a couple for parts in order to get that fast internet speed.
Connecting Modems To The Computer
When installing your Modem, first right down the serial number for use should you need to contact technical support.
External modems are connected to the computer with the RS232 cable. This cable is connected to the rear of the system at the serial port and the modem itself. Some modems will have this cable as a part of the modem.
Internal modems are inserted in an expansion slot on the motherboard,unless its integrated with the motherboard.
Provide power to the external modem with the use of the adapter that with the modem. Internal modems get their power from the expansion slot right on the motherboard.
After the modem has been installed,both the external and internal modem must be connected to the analog phone line. Plug one end of the phone cord to the jack labeled Line on the modem and the other into the phone jack.You can then connect your telephone to the phone jack on the modem.
Installing Moem Software
Now you can replace the system unit cover if you are installing an internal modem. And after all peripherals are re-connected to the computer, boot the computer.
With external modems,simply turn the computer and modem on.See if the power indicator is on.
If you have Windows 98 installed,insert the floppy disk or cdrom containing the device driver into the appropriate drive when the “add new hardware” screen appears. Follow the instructions on the disk to install the device driver.
Be sure to read the modem install manual carefully to be sure all installation procedures were followed. Click on finish once Windows find and install the device driver. Users of Windows XP have an updated list of device drivers which may be present. Its best to use the disk when installing the software.
Testing YOUR NEW MODEM
The device driver allow your modem to talk to your computer.To see if the modem is working,click on Start,Settings,Control Panel,and click the Modems icon.
Read the description of the modem to be sure it is the one you have.
Windows XP users should click on Start,Control Panel,and click the Phone and Modems icon.Then click Modem,Properties,and Diagnostics.Run a Query Modem check to verify your modem is up and running.
Installing The Cable Or DSL Modem
Cable Modems are external and are connected to the computer by a Cat5 Cable. This cables looks like a regular modem data cable but is larger.
One end of the Cat5 Cable is inserted into the rear of the cable modem while the other end is inserted into a Network Interface Card.
This NIC card must be installed in an empty adapter slot in the system unit and transfer data between the computer and modem.
With the Cat5 cable connecting the modem and PC together, you must provide the Internet signal to the modem by connecting a coaxial cable to the modem.
This cable provides high speed internet access and may use the same connection as your television. One end of the coaxial cable connects to the modem and the other is connected the cable TV connector.
If the connection is being used by the TV,a cable adapter will split the signals and you can use one connector for both your TV and the Internet.
DSL Modems also use the NIC card and Cat5 cable. Some DSL modem require device drivers and either a cdrom or diskette should come with the modem.
Once you connect to the Internet with a cable or dsl modem,you’ll most likely never go back to the slower dialup version.
On the other hand,you just may want to keep your dialup modem once you realize just how much more you’re going to invest when it comes to broadband Internet.
Since the choice is yours, learn all you can about all modems, how they work, and how they connect to the world wide web. Your internet experience will grow by leaps and bounds if you do.
Edgar
where can I buy a cat5 patch panel that I can punch down the colored wires into?
Sunday, March 22nd, 2009ekwon07 asked:
I have a bunch of loose cat5 cables that are not connectorized to the RJ45 connectors. I’m looking for a patch panel, where I can punch down the little colored wires, and hook up the panel to modem. Please help. Thanks.
Kurt
I have a bunch of loose cat5 cables that are not connectorized to the RJ45 connectors. I’m looking for a patch panel, where I can punch down the little colored wires, and hook up the panel to modem. Please help. Thanks.
Kurt
can you hook up a ps3 to a laptop using a cat5 cable?
Saturday, March 7th, 2009punkrocker5545 asked:
We don’t have a double-sided usb wire, and i’m not sure where to get one. =]
Jacqueline
We don’t have a double-sided usb wire, and i’m not sure where to get one. =]
Jacqueline
9 Quick And Easy Steps You Can Take To Resolve The Dreaded Network Cable Is Unplugged Error
Monday, March 2nd, 2009Mark D. Rametta asked:
I am sure you have gotten one of the most annoying errors in existence which is the Network Cable is unplugged error. I will cover the reasons for this error as well as how to quickly solve it in 9 easy steps. I will be as descriptive as possible. That’s just the way I roll.
The most common home configuration is a home router with your computer plugged into it. A router is the little box your internet service provider gave you when you subscribed to their internet service.
A router has ports in it which resemble telephone ports only they are bigger. A network cable can also be called an RJ-45 cable, LAN cable, Cat5 cable, or straight through cable. So next time you pick one of these puppies you will know what to ask for.
Fix for about 75% of the Network Cable is Unplugged error messages.
Make certain that your network cable is plugged into a port on the router securely. Often I unplug it and replug it in until I hear a little click then I know I am good to go. You would be amazed at how many times that fixes your problem. The next thing to do is reboot the computer.
If this does not fix it just follow the 9 steps below.
9 Troubleshooting Steps to Resolve the network cable is unplugged error.
9 troubleshooting steps I go through to determine the source of the problem and resolve it, often within minutes.
1.Make sure you can see two lights on around the network cable.
On the computer side follow the network cable into your network card which is usually on the back of your computer. The port looks like an oversized telephone port. Notice there are 2 lights on either side of the port. If it is functioning correctly you will see the lights around the cable. The color of the lights will vary but you will definitely be able to notice when it lights up, trust me.
2. Make certain the network cable is plugged in securely to the computer.
If there are no flashing lights there is a problem. But before we go any further make certain the cable is plugged in securely. Just unplug the network cable and plug it in until you hear a click. Did the lights around the cable on the network card come on? If so reboot and you should be good to go. If not read on.
3. Check the router side.
Remember the router is the device that the internet service provider gave you when they setup your account. If you are not sure what the router looks like or where it is contact your service provider. There should be a light on the router where your network cable plugs into it. Check to determine if the network cable from your computer is plugged into the router? If not plug it in. Does the light where the network cable connects come on? If so rejoice and reboot your computer. You should be good to go.
4. Make certain there is power going to the router.
If it is plugged in and there are no lights check and make certain the router is powered up.You should see at the very least a power light. If there is no power then power it up. Does the light where the network cable connects come on? If so reboot and you should be good to go. If the light where the network cable connects doesn’t come on check the cable to make sure it is in securely. Once again just unplug the network cable and plug it back in until you hear a click. Does the light where the network cable connects come on? If so reboot and you should be good to go.
5. Try to get the internet.
If the network card lights are on and the router light where the network cable connects is on try to go to a web page. If you cannot get there then contact your service provider. The service provider is the person who you get your internet service from. Just get an old bill, look them up in the phone book or get on the internet. Tell them what is going on and what you have done to troubleshoot the problem. Also make certain they are not going to charge you for anything prior to talking to them. They shouldn’t especially because in this circumstance it is most likely a result of their equipment or network. Although service providers almost never will admit fault.
6. Make sure both devices are powered up.
If neither light is on. Try a new network cable. If you need to go to the store ask for a Category 5 straight through network cable (most folks just call them Cat 5 cables). Reboot the computer and the router. Believe it or not sometimes that solves everything.
7. Contact the service provider.
If it still doesn’t work call your service provider and have them check the router remotely to see if they can fix it. Once again make sure they are not going to charge you.
8. Make certain your network card is functioning.
If the service provider checks your connection and they claim the router is fine the only thing left is a broken network card or a broken router. Since the router is tested by the ISP they will probably send someone out if they cannot see it. Make sure they don’t charge you for this service though.
9. Replace the network card.
If your computer is under warranty call the computer manufacturer and tell them what troubleshooting you did and that you think it is a network card. If you are not covered under warranty you can crack open the case in the pc or laptop and replace or add a card. If you are not comfortable you can buy RJ45 interfaces that fit into a usb slot or pcmcia slot.
Anyway I think I covered everything you need to know to fix the network cable is unplugged error. If you have any additional questions please contact me. Thanks.
Ron
I am sure you have gotten one of the most annoying errors in existence which is the Network Cable is unplugged error. I will cover the reasons for this error as well as how to quickly solve it in 9 easy steps. I will be as descriptive as possible. That’s just the way I roll.
The most common home configuration is a home router with your computer plugged into it. A router is the little box your internet service provider gave you when you subscribed to their internet service.
A router has ports in it which resemble telephone ports only they are bigger. A network cable can also be called an RJ-45 cable, LAN cable, Cat5 cable, or straight through cable. So next time you pick one of these puppies you will know what to ask for.
Fix for about 75% of the Network Cable is Unplugged error messages.
Make certain that your network cable is plugged into a port on the router securely. Often I unplug it and replug it in until I hear a little click then I know I am good to go. You would be amazed at how many times that fixes your problem. The next thing to do is reboot the computer.
If this does not fix it just follow the 9 steps below.
9 Troubleshooting Steps to Resolve the network cable is unplugged error.
9 troubleshooting steps I go through to determine the source of the problem and resolve it, often within minutes.
1.Make sure you can see two lights on around the network cable.
On the computer side follow the network cable into your network card which is usually on the back of your computer. The port looks like an oversized telephone port. Notice there are 2 lights on either side of the port. If it is functioning correctly you will see the lights around the cable. The color of the lights will vary but you will definitely be able to notice when it lights up, trust me.
2. Make certain the network cable is plugged in securely to the computer.
If there are no flashing lights there is a problem. But before we go any further make certain the cable is plugged in securely. Just unplug the network cable and plug it in until you hear a click. Did the lights around the cable on the network card come on? If so reboot and you should be good to go. If not read on.
3. Check the router side.
Remember the router is the device that the internet service provider gave you when they setup your account. If you are not sure what the router looks like or where it is contact your service provider. There should be a light on the router where your network cable plugs into it. Check to determine if the network cable from your computer is plugged into the router? If not plug it in. Does the light where the network cable connects come on? If so rejoice and reboot your computer. You should be good to go.
4. Make certain there is power going to the router.
If it is plugged in and there are no lights check and make certain the router is powered up.You should see at the very least a power light. If there is no power then power it up. Does the light where the network cable connects come on? If so reboot and you should be good to go. If the light where the network cable connects doesn’t come on check the cable to make sure it is in securely. Once again just unplug the network cable and plug it back in until you hear a click. Does the light where the network cable connects come on? If so reboot and you should be good to go.
5. Try to get the internet.
If the network card lights are on and the router light where the network cable connects is on try to go to a web page. If you cannot get there then contact your service provider. The service provider is the person who you get your internet service from. Just get an old bill, look them up in the phone book or get on the internet. Tell them what is going on and what you have done to troubleshoot the problem. Also make certain they are not going to charge you for anything prior to talking to them. They shouldn’t especially because in this circumstance it is most likely a result of their equipment or network. Although service providers almost never will admit fault.
6. Make sure both devices are powered up.
If neither light is on. Try a new network cable. If you need to go to the store ask for a Category 5 straight through network cable (most folks just call them Cat 5 cables). Reboot the computer and the router. Believe it or not sometimes that solves everything.
7. Contact the service provider.
If it still doesn’t work call your service provider and have them check the router remotely to see if they can fix it. Once again make sure they are not going to charge you.
8. Make certain your network card is functioning.
If the service provider checks your connection and they claim the router is fine the only thing left is a broken network card or a broken router. Since the router is tested by the ISP they will probably send someone out if they cannot see it. Make sure they don’t charge you for this service though.
9. Replace the network card.
If your computer is under warranty call the computer manufacturer and tell them what troubleshooting you did and that you think it is a network card. If you are not covered under warranty you can crack open the case in the pc or laptop and replace or add a card. If you are not comfortable you can buy RJ45 interfaces that fit into a usb slot or pcmcia slot.
Anyway I think I covered everything you need to know to fix the network cable is unplugged error. If you have any additional questions please contact me. Thanks.
Ron
Straight Through Cables
Monday, March 2nd, 2009SHERYL asked:
Straight Through Cables.These are normally used for a serial to serial connection. Before the days of networking this was one of the best ways to connect computers together and is still used on unix machines as a primary method of connecting to the console. Toslink and Optical Cables.These are a new standard of transmitting audio down a fibre optic cable. Mainly used by dolby surround sound systems and new laptops.
USB CablePrimarily used for the new standard of printing. Now used in many different applications such as Cameras, phones and even playstations. One can even do USB to USB LAN Connections. There are currently two versions, USB1 and USB2. USB1 being 12MBps transfer speed whereas USB2 runs at 480MBps (MBps is the Mega Bits per second transfer speed).
Internal PC CablesInternal PC cables connect devices within the actual computer to the main board (motherboard). The slowest connection speed being used by the floppy cable then the IDE cable which connects the hard drive. SATA (Serial ATA) cables have now overtaken the IDE cable as the primary method of connecting a hard drive to a motherboard. SCSI cables generally are only used in servers for connecting the SCSI hard drives.
Network CablesThere are two standards of Network cables, Cat5e and Cat6e. Within these two standards there are two formats, straight through (standard) and crossed. The difference being that straight through s used in general networks throughout companies and is used for connecting computers to network wall sockets and from network patch panels to network switches (hubs). For smaller networks, i.e. two computers, a cross over cable is used between two computers which have network cards to allow them to talk to each other. Difference of speed between Cat5e and Cat6e is generally thought to be 100MBps for Cat5e and 1000MBps for Cat6e network cables. Although in reality Cat5e can run at 1000MBps but is not correctly shielded to do so.
ADSL and Modem CablesThe modem cable connects the telephone socket to a router or modem. The socket for connection to the modem or router is known as an RJ11 cable, which is the American telephone standard. There are two types of modem cable, one being the standard telephone wire being used by BT and other telephone suppliers. The other type being a Cat5e cable shielded to allow faster connection for fast broadband lines.
Null Modem CablesThese allow two computers to talk to each other directly through their serial (RS232) ports. The null modem cables are useful for allowing portable computers to connect to larger systems.
Firewire CablesFirewire is the next step on from USB cables commonly used in digital cameras, phones, laptops etc. The latest firewire cables now reach speeds of 800MBps. They also give serial ATA a run for its money as a lot of hard drive caddies are now firewire compliant.
KVM CablesKVM stands for Keyboard, Video and Mouse. They are used normally in server rooms where space is limited. For example, you may have four servers but only enough room for one keyboard , mouse and monitor each server would have KVM cables plugging directly into a box near the keyboard mouse and monitor (KVM switch box). This would then allow the user to control all four servers at the flick of a switch or key press whilst still only using one keyboard , mouse and monitor
Edith
Straight Through Cables.These are normally used for a serial to serial connection. Before the days of networking this was one of the best ways to connect computers together and is still used on unix machines as a primary method of connecting to the console. Toslink and Optical Cables.These are a new standard of transmitting audio down a fibre optic cable. Mainly used by dolby surround sound systems and new laptops.
USB CablePrimarily used for the new standard of printing. Now used in many different applications such as Cameras, phones and even playstations. One can even do USB to USB LAN Connections. There are currently two versions, USB1 and USB2. USB1 being 12MBps transfer speed whereas USB2 runs at 480MBps (MBps is the Mega Bits per second transfer speed).
Internal PC CablesInternal PC cables connect devices within the actual computer to the main board (motherboard). The slowest connection speed being used by the floppy cable then the IDE cable which connects the hard drive. SATA (Serial ATA) cables have now overtaken the IDE cable as the primary method of connecting a hard drive to a motherboard. SCSI cables generally are only used in servers for connecting the SCSI hard drives.
Network CablesThere are two standards of Network cables, Cat5e and Cat6e. Within these two standards there are two formats, straight through (standard) and crossed. The difference being that straight through s used in general networks throughout companies and is used for connecting computers to network wall sockets and from network patch panels to network switches (hubs). For smaller networks, i.e. two computers, a cross over cable is used between two computers which have network cards to allow them to talk to each other. Difference of speed between Cat5e and Cat6e is generally thought to be 100MBps for Cat5e and 1000MBps for Cat6e network cables. Although in reality Cat5e can run at 1000MBps but is not correctly shielded to do so.
ADSL and Modem CablesThe modem cable connects the telephone socket to a router or modem. The socket for connection to the modem or router is known as an RJ11 cable, which is the American telephone standard. There are two types of modem cable, one being the standard telephone wire being used by BT and other telephone suppliers. The other type being a Cat5e cable shielded to allow faster connection for fast broadband lines.
Null Modem CablesThese allow two computers to talk to each other directly through their serial (RS232) ports. The null modem cables are useful for allowing portable computers to connect to larger systems.
Firewire CablesFirewire is the next step on from USB cables commonly used in digital cameras, phones, laptops etc. The latest firewire cables now reach speeds of 800MBps. They also give serial ATA a run for its money as a lot of hard drive caddies are now firewire compliant.
KVM CablesKVM stands for Keyboard, Video and Mouse. They are used normally in server rooms where space is limited. For example, you may have four servers but only enough room for one keyboard , mouse and monitor each server would have KVM cables plugging directly into a box near the keyboard mouse and monitor (KVM switch box). This would then allow the user to control all four servers at the flick of a switch or key press whilst still only using one keyboard , mouse and monitor
Edith
