Windows XP - Default Network Connection?

Hello Everyone, This is a very silly question, I know, but I'm wondering: Does Windows XP (SP2) automatically configure one network connection (to access the internet)? [I've read the Help Files on Network Connections but didn't find any mention of the 'one that's just there'...] Thanks

 

Below is a screen shot of my Network Connections Window and the Properties of the one connection which appears in it - which should clarify things better than if I explained it. I only asked because when on the phone with my new ISP, configuring my firewall, they insisted I had a local network based on something I related to them and began asking how many computers I had hooked up, etc. I told them I only had the one and they said, "but you have a router..". So I suppose I'm wondering if this connection below constitutes "being on a network", how it got there and what it is for. Sorry for not being more specific earlier

 

First of all. What is the issue?

 

Hi NyteOwl,

The lowdown is everyone is on a network.
If two devices are connected to communicate, they are networked.
If you have just a modem, you are a part of your ISP's network.
Your computer will have an IP address that is part of that network.

If you have a router you are on a private network.
Your computer will get an IP address from your router.
This address is from a private range of numbers.
Your router gets it's external IP address from your ISP.
So your router is like a translator between the networks.
NAT (network address translation) is a feature of routers.
That offers a level of protection.

Your always there connection is windows representation of
whatever networking device hardware you have on your PC.
If you shut down and install another NIC (network interface card)
then start up, windows would show you 2 allways there's.
Add a phone modem card, you would have three always there's.
Which connection you set up and use depends on connection type etc.

By default windows automaticaly sends out a request for an IP address
if your router gives one it will take it.
If your modem gives one it will take it.
Windows wants to communicate by default to make it easy for people to get going.

Need to know more just ask.

Also as you are a network of one, Uncheck the boxes for
Client for Microsoft Networks and QoS Packet Scheduler.
Then OK.
They are just crap you don't need.

Happy Surfin fellow Canuck.
Bad out.

 

Thanks Bad. It is an excellent explanation. And a patient one. Windows Help explains how to do things but not necessarily what Windows does automatically. The ISP tech should have known this, no? It was his insistence that I must have a network set up that caused me to wonder... Anyhow, appreciate the hospitality.

Keep your stick on the ice,
N/O

 

Hi NyteOwl,

You are very welcome.
Thanks for the props TxTazDad.

Bad out.