Chapter 19. Working with Devices and Networks

In this section:

• Adding a Device

• Connecting to Bluetooth Devices

• Setting Up a Homegroup

• Connecting to a Network

• Choosing What to Share on a Network

• Tethering Your Computer to Your Cell Phone

• Setting Up a Wireless Network

Your Windows operating system not only lets you play with apps galore, it helps your computer interface with hardware such as printers and scanners. You might be called on to help Windows connect by following a simple procedure to add a new device or by checking to see whether your device driver is current.

You can use Bluetooth technology to connect to devices at a short range, such as a wireless keyboard that sits on your desk next to your computer.

In addition to connecting to other devices, you might want to connect your computer to other computers. This can be done by setting up a wireless network. Devices that connect to your network can share a printer, Internet connection, and more.

Adding a Device

If you have a printer that you want to use with your computer, you first need to establish a connection between the two. This involves following the Add A Device procedure, which, in most cases, automatically identifies any attached devices. As you work your way through the Add A Device process, you might need to search for or download a driver for the printer and make a choice about how you want to share the printer on a network.

Add a Device

1. Press Windows logo key+I.

2. Click Change PC Settings and then click Devices.

3. Click Add a Device.

4. In the list that appears, click a printer.

5. Click Next.

6. Enter a different printer name if you prefer.

7. Click Next.

8. Select the printer sharing setting you prefer, and enter any required information.

9. Click Next.

10. Click Print a Test Page.

11. Click Finish.

Tip

If you are installing a printer, you can click Advanced Printer Setup after step 3; then, if the printer you want to add doesn’t appear in the list of devices Windows 8 recognizes, click The Printer That I Want Isn’t Listed to manually locate the printer and driver.

Connecting to Bluetooth Devices

Bluetooth is a technology that allows you to connect to Bluetooth-enabled devices that are within a short range of your computer. For example, you might connect to a Bluetooth mouse or keyboard placed a few feet or less from your computer. This involves making sure that both devices have Bluetooth on and that the devices are discoverable, which you can manage by applying a simple setting.

Make Your Computer Discoverable

1. On a computer with Bluetooth capability, type Control Panel on the Start screen.

2. In the Search results, click Control Panel.

3. In the Search box, type Bluetooth.

4. Click Change Bluetooth Settings.

5. Click Allow Bluetooth Devices To Find This Computer.

6. Click OK.

Tip

When you don’t need to connect to a Bluetooth device, it’s a good idea to turn Bluetooth off, especially if you’re traveling around with you laptop. Otherwise, there’s a risk that someone might use a device like a tablet or phone to tap into your computer’s contents or settings.

Connect to Bluetooth Devices

1. On the start screen, type Control Panel and tap Apps.

2. In the Search results, click Control Panel.

3. In the Search box, type Bluetooth.

4. Click Add a Bluetooth Device.

5. Click a device.

6. Click Next.

7. Verify that the displayed passcode on your computer and Bluetooth device match, and click Yes.

8. Click Close.

Setting Up a Homegroup

Home networks use a homegroup to include computers in the network. When you belong to a homegroup, you can share files and printers among those in the group. Others can’t change files that you share unless you give them permission to do so. You can create a new homegroup, or you can join a homegroup that’s been set up on another computer in your network.

Join a Homegroup

1. Press Windows logo key+I.

2. Click Change PC Settings.

3. Click HomeGroup.

4. If a homegroup is already set up, your computer might find it; if not, enter a homegroup password.

5. Click Join.

Tip

The administrator of your network can view the password and share it with you by going to the Control Panel, clicking Network And Internet, HomeGroup, and then clicking View Or Print The HomeGroup Password.

Connecting to a Network

It’s especially handy to be able to log in to different networks if you move around with a laptop or tablet device. You can take advantage of the many free hot spots in cafés and other public places to go online when you know how to connect to them.

Connect to an Available Network

1. Click Windows logo key+I.

2. Click the network button.

3. Click a network name.

4. Click Connect.

Tip

To have your computer connect to this network whenever it’s in range, select the Connect Automatically check box before clicking Connect in step 4.

Choosing What to Share on a Network

You can share various items with other computers on your network, such as printers or libraries of documents. You can also share media content on your computer with another media device such as a tablet.

Set Up Sharing

1. Press Windows logo key+I.

2. Click Change PC Settings.

3. Click HomeGroup.

4. Assuming you are a member of a homegroup, you will see various settings. Click the On/Off button for any of the Libraries or Devices listed.

5. To share content with media devices, click the On/Off button.

Tip

Don’t worry about others on your network changing your content. Sharing content allows others only to view your documents, not modify them.

Tethering Your Computer to Your Cell Phone

If you have a smartphone with the ability to provide a personal hot spot, you can use your phone’s 3G connection to get your computer online. Having this ability on your phone typically involves an additional monthly fee, and your computer must have Wi-Fi capability.

Connect to the Internet Using Your Cell Phone

1. Turn on Hotspot from your phone.

2. Press Windows logo key+I.

3. Click the network button.

4. Click your phone’s Wi-Fi connection.

5. Click Connect.

6. Enter the Security Key.

7. Click Next.

8. Click an option to turn sharing on or off.

Tip

Using your smartphone to go online with your computer can quickly drain your phone’s battery. Try to have your phone connected to a power source when using its hot spot feature, and turn the phone’s hot spot feature off if it’s not in use.

Setting Up a Wireless Network

Many people find it convenient to set up a home network. With such a network in place, you can allow devices that join the network to share a printer connection, Internet access, documents in shared folders, and more.

Set Up a Wireless Network

1. Connect a router or other access point hardware to your computer, and type Control Panel on the Start screen.

2. In the Search results, click Control Panel.

3. Click Network And Internet.

4. Click Network And Sharing Center.

5. Click Set Up A New Connection Or Network.

6. Click Set Up A New Network.

7. Click Next.

8. Click the router or access point that you want to set up.

9. Click Next.

10. Enter your PIN number located on the router label.

11. Click Next.

12. Enter a name for the network.

13. Click Next.

14. When the setup completes, click Close.

Tip

You don’t have to use a local network to share certain settings from your computer. Connected accounts involve the use of a Microsoft Live ID that allows you to access your computer settings and contents from another computer when you log in to your Live ID account. Using this feature, you can “virtually” use your Windows Live ID to access settings, any features you’ve customized, favorites, and content that you synchronize from any Windows 8–based device.