If you are on the dhcp server then you need to right click and then click on properties and then click create a new connection. Then select ip address automatically.
Generally you do not need to install any new software to deal with local area connections. The connection should kick in automatically after you plug into the network. If this does not happen, browse around the networking settings in your control panel.
Actually there is no need to install any software to establish local area connection because in operating systems like Windows and Ubuntu local area connection is automatically identified. If local area connection is not yet activated than in networking settings IP details have to be matched with the server's IP requirement.
You should start by installing any and all applicable hardware. Your next step is to log in as an administrator and install software, download drivers or open Network Connections.
A local area software has alwys a server and several clients. So you have to have a network which connects all the pcs. You should always begin with the server installation.