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.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
Not the Greatest Solution for Home Networking:
Ok, I admit I'm a dummy when it comes to wireless networking. This book, overall was not very informative. Many times the step by step instructions provided were difficult to follow and didn't match up well with what was shown on my PC screen. There is a ton of "fluff" in this book, I wish they would just cut to the chase and provide clearer step-by-step instructions. This book really did not help me much.
Another Essential Dummies Book!:
I bought this one mainly because all of my Windows books lacked the kind of plain language instructions I needed to help get my home network up and running. This one covers everything from installing ethernet cards to file sharing, network printing, mapping drives, network security, and just about anything else you can think of. It's only 335 pages, including the glossary and index, but it feels like a 1,000 pages worth of valuable information. I still refer to this indispensable guide whenever some... more info
Home Networking - made easy!:
Thanks to author Kathy Ivens for making setting up our home networks so easy! Actually, we used it for setting up a small business network too, so it served multiple purposes. I knew I might need some help getting the networks set up, but I was most concerned about security. I really have no worries now. This book explained how to ensure security...and why!
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