We're all unique!

After installing TCP/IP and IPX/SPX, we need to assign the IP address and subnet mask. Each computer on the network must have a unique network address.

Highlight the "TCP/IP --> NE2000 Compatible" line in the list of installed components. Now click on properties.

That will open up the TCP/IP Properties window. Select "Specify an IP address." According to RFC 1918, private IP addresses should stay within these ranges:

10.0.0.0 to 10.255.255.255
172.16.0.0 to 172.31.255.255
192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255

Of course, if none of the computers on the LAN have access to the Internet (through modem or otherwise), feel free to use any address. However, it's generally considered good practice to stay within the internal-networking scheme above.

For the subnet mask, use the ever-popular 255.255.255.0 for all the computers. We suggest assigning the first computer 10.0.0.1, the second 10.0.0.2, the third 10.0.0.4, and so on.

You can also choose 192.168.0.1, 192.168.0.2, etc.

Leave WINS, Gateway, and DNS disabled. These settings exist to facilitate connections to the Internet and/or large networks. You won't be needing them for a small LAN. However, chances are at least one of the computers in your network will have access to the Internet. That computer is going to require a "real" IP, one approved for Internet use and assigned by your ISP. In this case, it's useful to have IPX/SPX configured correctly for Windows Networking, so the other computers on the network will still be able to communicate properly.