In Windows XP, you can access the settings for your Local Area Network (LAN) connection through the control panel.
Getting to your LAN Settings
First, open your Start menu and click on "Control Panel."
Click on "Network & Internet Connections."
Click on "Network Connections"
Double-click on your Local Area Network connection.
You will be shown you current LAN Status. Provided that you system is connected to an active Ethernet device, this should indicate that your connection is enabled. Click on the button labeled "Properties" to review or change your LAN settings.
Your general LAN Properties screen will show you the network device your system is connected to the network through. In this example, a 3Com Ethernet card is being used. To review or change your TCP/IP settings, select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click on the button labeled "Properties."
Your TCP/IP Properties window will allow you to specify vital network information such as your IP Address, Gateway Address, Subnet Mask, and DNS Server IP addresses. This is normally not necessary.
It is unnecessary to enable IIEE 802.1x authentication on a Sonic.net DSL conneciton.
The default Internet Connection Firewall provides a modicum of network security for your Windows XP system. Be sure to keep your system updated with Windows Update.
