Networking overview

Networking lets you connect your computer to other computers or a private network. When you connect your computer to a network or another computer, you can:

Gain access to files and folders on other computers.
Let other people gain access to your files and folders.
Use printers and other devices that are connected to other computers.
Let other people gain access to any printers or devices that are connected to your computer.

There are many different ways to connect your computer to another computer or a network. Using Windows 2000, you can connect your computer to:

Another computer using a direct cable connection.
A private network using a modem or an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) adapter or a network adapter card.
A network using a virtual private network (VPN) connection.
Another computer by having another computer call your computer.

You can make these connections and configure networking protocols and settings using Network and Dial-up Connections, which can be found in the Control Panel. You can also connect to bulletin board services, networks, and other computers using the Telnet or HyperTerminal utilities.

For more overview information, see Related Topics.