How to view the network map in Windows Vista

One big improvement Windows Vista makes over Windows XP is the ability to graphically view your network and all of the computers and devices on it. This graphical representation is called the network map, and you can use it to find computer names, IP addresses, and other information. To view the network map on a Windows Vista computer, follow the steps below.

Click on the Vista orb (the icon with the round Windows logo) in the lower left corner of the screen. The Start menu will appear right above where you clicked. In the Search bar on the Start menu (the text field where the cursor is that says "Start Search") type the word "network". In the results that appear at the top of the Start menu, click on Network and Sharing Center.

The Network and Sharing Center will open in a new window, and at the top of the screen will be a brief representation of your network that will probably consist of your computer, the router or gateway that your computer connects to, and a globe that is labeled "Internet." To view the full network map, click on the "View full map" link above and to the right of these icons. The network map will appear (though it may take a few seconds to load). Most, if not all, of the computers and other network devices connected to your network should be represented on this map, connected by lines or dotted lines. You may see routers, switches, printers, and other devices, depending on how large your network is. Each device will be labeled with its name or by a generic label (such as "Switch").

Some older computers and other network devices may show up at the bottom of the network map, or not at all. This is likely because those devices don't have the necessary LLTD (Link Layer Topology Discovery) protocol installed. If you can't view the network map at all, check to be sure Network Discovery is enabled on your PC.

(Originally published on Helium.com, Nov 2011)