1. What we need to do first is fit the NICs into the respective computers. A piece of advice given to me on a newsgroup was this:

"The real trick is to get the network card setup and working in the Windows for Workgroups 3.11 machine - and for that - you have to follow manufacturers instructions exactly - loading the proper drivers and setting non-conflicting IRQs etc. [More modern Operating Systems, such as Windows 98, Me, 2000 and XP] will probably recognize the 'new hardware' on its' machine without too much manual intervention."

2. Simply open up the computer case - okay, switch off the power first! Insert the cards - if they are new then they will come with instructions and perhaps even a diagram on how to do this. Just remember to hold the cards by the edges, and make sure they are fitting snuggly in the ISA / PCI ports.

3. Next up, install the drivers. When I was setting up my network it co-incided with me re-installing Windows 3.11 from scratch, so Windows picked up the Network Interface Card (NIC) on installation.
   
   
4. Both computers will want to reboot when the drivers are installed.

5. Next up, you need to install a Networking protocol.
   
   
6. Like I said, I reinstalled Windows for Workgroups 3.11 so installed the protocol on setup. But you can do this at any time from the "Network Setup" icon in the Networks group. IPX/SPX installed along with NetBEUI, which I set as the default - as NetBEUI is regarded as the most stable, and fastest for a simple Windows to Windows network. You need the Windows for Workgroups 3.11 installation disks for this.
   
   (I've not been able to test the instructions below, but this is how I imagine it might work!)
   
   
7. Double-click the Network Setup icon in the Network group (below).

8. A new window called Network Setup will pop up. Click the Drivers... button (below).

9. A new window will appear called Network Drivers. Click the Add Protocol... button (below).

10. A new dialog box called Add Network Protocol will popup. From the list click on Microsoft NetBEUI and click OK (below).

11. You may be prompted for Disks #7 and #8 of the Windows for Workgroups 3.11 installation disks.
    
    
12. The PC may prompt you to reboot after a new protocol or client has been installed. Note that you will have to OK your way out of the Add Network Protocol dialog. Obviously!
    
    
13. Inside a Windows for Workgroups network you need to assign a name to each PC and a common workgroup name - pick a simple one to start - one without special characters or spaces. I have chosen to name each PC according to its location, so I've got STUDY and BEDROOM, and the workgroup is <imaginatively> called WORKGROUP - this is the default name given by Windows 3.11 on installation
    
    
14. To assign a PC name and Workgroup name double-click the Control Panel icon in the Main group.

15. In the Microsoft Windows Network window enter the Computer Name and Workgroup name (red); you can also add a comment about this PC, which will be shown in the Properties panel on other PCs connected to this PC.

16. At this point, you might also like to check out the Startup options (blue, above). You will be presented with a new dialog window (below) called Startup Settings. You might like to ensure that your network logs on at startup, and enable WinPopup if you intend to use it. (WinPopup is the original instant messenger, long before the days of MSN Messenger!)

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