Assigning Host Names on a Network

This section provides a tutorial example on how to assign host names to computers on a crossover cable network.

Now my two computers are fully connected and working. But I have to address them by IP addresses, 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.0.2, when using any communication programs. Can I assign host names to my computers, and associate IP addresses with them? The answer is yes. Here is how:

1. On the laptop, go to Start > Control Panel > Systems. The "System Properties" dialog box shows up.

2. Go to the "Computer Name" tab and make sure "laptop" is in the computer name field.

3. Edit file c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts to add an entry for the desktop computer:

127.0.0.1       localhost
192.168.0.2	desktop

4. On the desktop, go to Start > Control Panel > Systems. The "System Properties" dialog box shows up.

5. Go to the "Computer Name" tab and make sure "desktop" is in the computer name field.

6. Edit file c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts to add an entry for the desktop computer:

127.0.0.1       localhost
192.168.0.1	laptop

7. Open a command window and run the ping command:

>ping laptop

Pinging laptop [192.168.0.1] with 32 bytes of data:

Reply from 192.168.0.1: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=128
...

8. On the laptop, open a command window and run the ping command:

>ping desktop

Pinging desktop [192.168.0.2] with 32 bytes of data:

Reply from 192.168.0.2: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=128
...

This is good. I don't have to remember the IP addresses now.

Table of Contents

 About This Book

 Introduction to Microsoft Windows

 Introduction to Windows Explorer

 Introduction to Internet Explorer

 "Paint" Program and Computer Graphics

 GIMP - GNU Image Manipulation Program

 JPEG Image File Format Quality and Size

 GIF Image File Format and Transparent Background

 "WinZip" - ZIP File Compression Tool

 "WinRAR" - RAR and ZIP File Compression Tool

 FTP Server, Client and Commands

 "FileZilla" - Free FTP Client and Server

 Web Server Log Files and Analysis Tool - "Analog"

 Spyware Adware Detection and Removal

 IE Addon Program Listing and Removal

 Vundo (VirtuMonde/VirtuMundo) - vtsts.dll Removal

 Trojan and Malware "Puper" Description and Removal

 VSToolbar (VSAdd-in.dll) - Description and Removal

 Spybot - Spyware Blocker, Detection and Removal

Setting Up and Using Crossover Cable Network

 What Is a Crossover Cable Network

 Configuring Crossover Cable Network

 Using FTP Server to Transfer Files

Assigning Host Names on a Network

 Sharing Files with Windows Explorer

 Home Network Gateway - DSL Modem/Wireless Router

 Windows Task Manager - The System Performance Tool

 "tasklist" Command Line Tool to List Process Information

 "msconfig" - System Configuration Tool

 Configuring and Managing System Services

 Windows Registry Key and Value Management Tools

 Startup Programs Removal for Better System Performance

 Winsock - Windows Sockets API

 Java on Windows

 Glossary of Terms

 Outdated Tutorials

 References

 Full Version in PDF/ePUB