|
|
|
|
"Home Networking"
September 23, 2000
Michael Jensen
Because of the rapid advance of technology, many people buy a new computer every few years. Quite often the old one is still useful for surfing the Internet and performing word processing. The main problem is that you now have two computers but only one printer and one phone line. The solution is to network the computers so they can share the printer, files and the Internet connection. You can even play multi-player games.
Networking two or three computers is not as complicated as you may think. First of all you need the hardware to connect the computers. A network interface card for each computer (NIC), a hub (a box with multiple jacks to attach all the computers to) and some cables will be required. The most common networking standard is Ethernet. Quite often it is best to buy a network kit as it costs less than buying the components separately. A kit usually will have enough equipment to network two computers. An Ethernet kit would contain two network cards, a small hub and two cables. You can by extra network cards and cables if you have more than two computers.
As an alternative to Ethernet there are wireless radio transmitter networks. There are no cables required in this set-up, which allows you to roam with a laptop or easily relocate computers. The downside is that this will cost quite a bit more and will be slower.
Another alternative is a phone line network that uses the home telephone lines. You wouldn't have to run cables and it doesn't require a hub--all you need is a phone jack at every computer. This system uses a different frequency to transmit data so you can use the phone normally when the network is in use. However, this is more expensive and slower.
To install the hardware, follow the instructions provided. This usually involves opening up the case and installing the cards, and then connecting each computer to the hub with a cable. When you power up the computers, the computer and the card should negotiate what addresses and resources it should use. This is called "PnP" or "Plug and Play." If you have Windows, it should recognize the network cards and then install the required software. You can then enable file and printer sharing in the network control panel. Be sure to name each computer and have them using the same workgroup name in the identification tab.
Before you know it, you will be "super-connected!"
|
|
