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Whether you're streamlining the office, sharing music files, or putting an end to the argument over whose turn it is to go online, a home or small office network can do a lot for you. How to choose the right equipment and get it working isn't always clear, though. We'll take some of the mystery out of getting started.
Ten years ago, or even five, the words "computer network" gave most people visions of science labs, huge bureaucratic offices, or at least windowless rooms where folks wearing pocket protectors hid from the rest of us—especially if you'd just mentioned being the proud owner of a new home PC. But, like that new PC, networking has crept from the lab and the office to the home.
Today, many households have at least one computer for each member. And the "rest of us" are starting to realize that with computer networks we can:
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Share one Internet connection. Everyone can surf—at the same time. |
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Share printers and other hardware. Like many scanners and other peripherals. |
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Share files. Without walking back and forth or waiting for e-mail. |
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Play games together. Humble your parents, amuse your kids. |
Even if you're a relatively new PC owner, you may already know that networking your computers lets you do these things. What you might not know is how affordable and straightforward it is to set up a network at home. |
