Basic Networking & Peripherals

Most modern offices need computers to reliably connect to Wi-Fi, printers, and each other. A few basic networking skills solve the majority of everyday connectivity complaints.

• Wi-Fi troubleshooting order: restart the device → forget and reconnect to the network → restart the router → check if other devices have the same problem (isolates whether it's the device or the network).
• Printer setup: Install the manufacturer's driver before connecting when possible. For shared office printers, confirm the printer's IP address or name is correct on every computer that needs it.
• Cables matter: A damaged or low-quality USB/Ethernet cable causes intermittent problems that look like software issues — always test with a known-good cable when troubleshooting.
• IP basics: Every device on a network has an address (e.g. 192.168.1.15). Running ipconfig (Windows) shows a computer's current network details — useful for confirming it's actually connected.

Practical Skill: Set up a shared printer on a small office network and connect two separate computers to print to it, troubleshooting any connection issues using the order above.

=== "CAN'T CONNECT TO WI-FI" CHECKLIST ===[ ] Turn Wi-Fi off and on again on the device[ ] Confirm you're selecting the correct network name (SSID)[ ] Forget the network and reconnect with the password[ ] Restart the router (unplug 10 seconds, plug back in)[ ] Test if OTHER devices can connect      Yes -> problem is likely this one device      No  -> problem is likely the router/network itself === "PRINTER NOT WORKING" CHECKLIST ===[ ] Is the printer powered on and out of paper/ink errors?[ ] Is it selected as the default printer on this computer?[ ] Try printing a test page from printer settings[ ] Reinstall/update the printer driver from the    manufacturer's website[ ] Test the same print job from a second computer to    isolate whether the fault is the printer or the PC === USEFUL COMMAND ===  ipconfig            Shows this computer's network address                       details (Windows Command Prompt)