Home Networks Made Simple

Posted on 21 Feb 2003 at 15:24

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Networking is no longer a black art. As our readers' experiences prove, hooking up a number of PCs at home is a quick and easy job. Share files, printers - even gaming fun - with Buyer's step-by-step guide to getting connected.

At first glance, networking computers seems like alchemy - a damn good idea, but rather too complex to get involved in. But this is a common misconception. Thanks to advances in hardware and afew nifty features that are built into Windows XP, setting up your own home or small office network has never been easier.

As you read on, you'll find some real-life scenarios in which people benefit from a home network. A family has two PCs and only one printer. Unplugging and reconnecting the printer to the other PC each time someone else wants to print is just too much hassle. What's the answer? A network - it'll solve their problem and provide them with other invaluable features such as the ability to pass files between computers. Once you have a network in place, there'll be no more fighting over the printer and more work will get done.

We'll also look at some of the more enjoyable aspects of owning and running a network. We'll meet someone who fancies hosting their own network gaming parties, where their friends can bring their PC and join in the fun. Once their PCs are wired up, the whole group will be able enjoy the ravages of Unreal Tournament or Counter Strike. With a network you could be coolest kid in town - without so much as leaving the house.

For those with adventurous tastes, there's wireless networking. It takes less money that you might think to ditch those trailing cables. We'll see how one lucky home worker got sick of the rat race, started working from home and then wanted even more freedom. He fancied running an office from the bottom of his garden. It's easier to do than you might imagine!

So don't believe for a moment that networks are for people with too much technical knowledge and money to waste. Quite the opposite. Networks are easy to set up, cure many common problems, create more freedom - and needn't cost the earth. Read on, and you'll find out how to become an accomplished DIY networker.

Author: Simon Edwards