Abstract: A method of installing a local area network by first determining a local area network to meet specific needs, including server hardware, a network operating system, a disaster recovery plan, an e-mail server, a fax server and modem sharing. Then proper hub and network cards are determined. Cabling for pre-installing by local wiring contractor is determined. Numbers of workstations to add to the local area network are chosen. Specifications of each workstation, i.e. processor speed, random access memory amount, hard drive size and operating system, are chosen. Software to be pre-installed on each system is specified. User names to the system and indicating level of security users should have on the local area network are assigned. Cost for the system chosen and costs for pre-configuring and fully testing the server and fees for pre-configuring and fully testing the workstations are established. Pre-configuring and fully testing the server. The system is ordered. The server is pre-configured and fully tested.