connecting to a domain

You need to have the right to connect to the domain (this is either delegated to you or you need to be a domain admin). You also need to know your domain's IP range, subnet mask and DNS servers. This is usually automatic if you've plugged into your LAN and your system has a DHCP server set up. Then Right click my Computer, go to properties, click on computer name, click on Change and click the radio button next to Domain and enter the domain name. If your network settings are correct a box will come up asking for username and password. Enter in the format domain\username.