Identifying Your Computer on the Network

In order to connect a Windows 98 computer to a network, you must provide a way for the computer to identify itself.

1. Choose Start, Settings, and then Control Panel.

2. Double-click the Network icon and click the Identification tab.

3. Enter a computer name, workgroup name, and computer description for your computer.

Assigning a Computer Name
Each Windows 98 computer on a network uses a unique name to distinguish it from all other computers connected to the network. If another computer, workgroup, or domain on the same network has the same name, your computer cannot communicate on the network. Your computer name can have up to 15 characters, and should contain no blank spaces. Although Windows 98 allows you to enter spaces in a computer name, spaces can cause problems with network connectivity.

Workgroup
In addition to the computer name, you must also specify a unique workgroup name. The workgroup name, which is used for organizational purposes only, defines your Network Neighbourhood. Whenever you explore the Network Neighbourhood on the desktop, the computers it displays are those that have the same workgroup name as your computer. You should assign a common workgroup name to computers that share resources such as files and printers with each other. For example, you can assign a common workgroup name to computers that belong to a single department, project, or site. ( Band Office, School, Nursing Station )

Computer Description
You may also enter an optional description of your computer. The description will appear to anyone browsing the network, but it has no other function.