Home networking for dummies

Kathy Ivens9780764588495, 0764588494

A network is a system of two or more computers that are connected in some manner (you have lots of choices about the “manner”). Each computer on the network has access to the files and peripheral equipment (printers and modems) on all the other computers on the network. Using multiple computers is much easier if you have a network. You don’t have to remember which computer you were using when you started that letter to Uncle Harry because you can just reach across the network to finish it using any computer in the house. A home network allows you to do the work you have to do better and more efficiently. You can benefit from a network if you * Use PCs that run either Windows 98 Second Edition, Windows Me, Windows 2000 Professional, or Windows XP * Want to share computers on a network, whether they’re desktop computers or laptops * Have more people in the household than computers, so more than one person may use any single computer Home Networking For Dummies isn’t a novel, so you don’t have to start at page one and read every chapter in order – you can’t spoil the ending. This book is meant to be digested on a subject-by-subject basis. Each chapter is self-contained, covering a specific subject. You’ll gain insight into: * Planning and installing your home network * Performing some software tasks to fine-tune your network * Using your network to access or print files from other computers * Keeping your network safe from viruses and intruders * Preparing for disaster by keeping your computers healthy and making sure you don’t lose your data if a computer dies Creating a network is satisfying, fun, and incredibly useful. Have a good time. You’re on the cutting edge of computer technology. By reading this book, you prove that you are a networking nerd – and that’s a compliment.

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Table of contents :
Cover……Page 1
Contents at a Glance……Page 9
Table of Contents……Page 11
Introduction……Page 21
Part I. Network Basics……Page 27
Planning the Lay of the LAN……Page 29
Installing Network Adapters……Page 49
Installing Ethernet Cable……Page 61
Using Wires That Are Already There……Page 79
Look Ma, No Wires……Page 93
Part II. Configuring Computers for Networking……Page 107
Installing Networking Software……Page 109
Setting Up Shared Internet Connections……Page 143
Configuring Computer Sharing……Page 175
Setting Up Users……Page 187
Part III. Communicating Across the Network……Page 213
Printing Across the Network……Page 215
Getting Around the Neighborhood……Page 235
Using Files from Other Computers……Page 257
Part IV. Network Security and Maintenance……Page 273
Making Your Network Secure……Page 275
Disaster Planning and Recovery……Page 307
Using Windows Maintenance Tools……Page 329
Part V. The Part of Tens……Page 357
Ten Fun Things to Do on Your Network……Page 359
Ten Ways to Make the Internet Safe for Children……Page 377
Index……Page 389