Using this toolTopic-related alternativesPopulate with basic informationDig in!Using this toolThis Visio flowchart will assist you in troubleshooting your workstation network connectivity problems. It covers wired and wireless connectivity, network configuration, security, and application configuration topics. Use this flowchart with Microsoft Visio 2000 or later and start on page 1 in the top-left corner near the green arrow. The flowchart is organized as follows: Page 1—Starting point, basic topic decisions Page 2—Wireless connectivity topics Page 3—Wired connectivity topics Page 4—Network configuration topics Page 5—Security and application troubleshooting topicsStarting on page 1, identify your problem category or go through all categories to identify your problem, if you aren't sure where it fits. You can print the flowchart on 8.5-x-11 paper or use it onscreen. An advantage to onscreen use is that the tool includes inline hyperlinks, denoted by pentagon-shaped objects, as shown below.These links will refer to starting point (Page 1) or to another page for configuration topics related to the situation at hand.Page 1Copyright ©2004 CNET Networks, Inc. All rights reserved. To see more downloads and get your free TechRepublic membership, please visithttp://techrepublic.com.com/2001-6240-0.html.Workstation connectivitytroubleshooterTopic-related alternativesWithin the flowchart, certain processes or decisions have alternative options where a different process/question may lead to a solution. These situations are noted by the red dotted line and the text ALTERNATE CONFIGURATION, as shown below.These options can also assist you if you aren't sure about the process or question at hand.Populate with basic informationThe flowchart starts with basic information from the workstation, allowing you to identify a problem category that can help you troubleshoot connectivity issues. Be sure to modify the document and add basic information for your computing environment. This will assist the troubleshooter (IT staff or end user) in diagnosing the problem in a more specific manner. For example, consider the following: On page 4, add an FQDN as part of the ping test on your network, such as ping acme.com, where this is your internal domain. On page 5, add your most popular network applications and frequent issues, as well as the assistance procedure (if different applications have different support mechanisms). On page 2, add your WLAN’s SSID to specify what the browsing tools should find.Dig in!Share this document with your colleagues and tweak it to fit your infrastructure by adding pages for relevant technologies in use in your systems. Of course, it can't solve every workstation connectivity topic that will arise, as everyone’s connectivity is unique. Therefore, it may be convenient to modify the document and provide a custom version to users as a first-line of troubleshooting before seeking help, especially for smaller offices without a local IT staff.Page 2Copyright ©2004 CNET Networks, Inc. All rights reserved. To see more downloads and get your free TechRepublic membership, please visithttp://techrepublic.com.com/2001-6240-0.html.TechRepublic engages IT professionals in the ultimate peer-to-peer experience, providing actionable information, tools, and services to help members get their jobs done. Use these site features to help resolve job issues that keep you up at night. Free e-newslettersKeep up to date on any aspect of the IT industry with our e-newsletters—from daily software tips to hot trends—delivered right to your e-mail inbox.Free downloadsWe've created resources to make your job easier, including ready-to-use forms, templates, checklists, tools, executables, and white papers.Free articlesGet the answers to the problems you face on the job every day. Our articles, quizzes, tips, and "charticles" are written to keep you up to speed on today's technologies.TechRepublic's books and tool kitsFind the latest books, CDs, and charts on today's critical IT topics, including PC troubleshooting, VPN, TCP/IP, Windows client and server, Cisco, and more. Discussion CenterCommunicate with your peers. Open a discussion thread on any content, or jump into preselected topics: career, technology, management, and miscellaneous. Try our premium subscription product, TechProGuild, free for 30 daysOur online IT community provides proven, real-world solutions and the latest articles, resources, and discussions affecting frontline IT pros. Get access to over 250 full-text IT books, our Tech Tips Library, exclusive downloads; in-depth articles on networks and systems, PC troubleshooting, Cisco infrastructure, help desk and support, and more!Page 3Copyright ©2004 CNET Networks, Inc. All rights reserved. To see more downloads and get your free TechRepublic membership, please visithttp://techrepublic.com.com/2001-6240-0.html.We want to hear from youWe designed this tool to help make your job a little easier. Your satisfaction is important to us, so please take aminute to send us your feedback.TechRepublicThe collective voice of IT professionalsCopyright ©2004 CNET Networks, Inc. All rights reserved. To see more downloads and get your free TechRepublic membership, please visit
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