In this project, you use Windows XP/Vista/7 to survey the computers connected to your ne...

In this project, you use Windows XP/Vista/7 to survey the computers connected to your network. The project requires a network connection (wireless or wired) and works best when there are other computers to view on the network. To use Windows XP to observe the computers on your network:

1. Click Start, click My Computer, click My Network Places, and click View workgroup computers. Report the number of computers on the network and their computer names. (If your computer is the only one on the network, report this.) Notice if there is any apparent naming scheme for computers, or if users have a wide range of options in selecting their computer names.

2. Right-click one of the visible computers, and click Properties.

3. Make sure the General tab is displayed in the dialog box and review the types of information displayed. Close the dialog box.

4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 to view other computers and their information (if other computers are shown).

5. In the View workgroup computers or workgroup/domain name window, click the Up arrow button on the toolbar (you may need to click the Up arrow button another time to see the Entire Network window and the elements in Step 6).

6. Notice if you see options, such as Microsoft Windows Network or Compatible Network. If you do, first double-click one of the options to view its member computers. Click the Up button. Then double-click the other option to view its contents.

7. Close the open windows.

To use Windows Vista/7 to observe the computers on your network:

1. Click Start, click Computer, and click Network. Report the number of computers on the network and their computer names. (If your computer is the only one on the network, report this.) Notice if there is any apparent naming scheme for computers, or if users have a wide range of options in selecting their computer names.

2. Right-click one of the visible computers and notice the menu options. Record the menu options that you see.

3. Right-click your own computer and click Explore if you are using Windows Vista or click Open if you are using Windows 7. You’ll see shared resources, if any, such as printers or folders.

4. Close any open windows.