| How many computers do you have at home? | | | | - Connect a cable to each which will in turn be |
| How many of those are in use? Do you have a | | | | connected to the router |
| number of computer users as well? One in the | | | | - The router will then be connected to the server |
| study, couple in the kid's room, one for the | | | | - The router will then be connected to the |
| kitchen, if you have more than two computers | | | | modem machine in order to enable internet |
| and computer users in your home then you may | | | | access to all the machines |
| try networking all the computers. | | | | - Once the hardware connections are in place, set |
| What are the benefits of home networking?o If | | | | up internet in each computer by configuring the |
| connected to a network, files can be sent back | | | | Local Area Network (LAN) settings |
| and forth by each computer.o You can play music | | | | - Finally use the router manual to access the |
| and video files from another computer.o You can | | | | password and set up internet connection on each |
| access the printer and the scanner that is | | | | computer through the router |
| connected to one computer from any other | | | | So what are the precautions that you need to |
| computer that is within the network.o You can | | | | take while connecting your home computers in a |
| avail of the best features of the computer with | | | | network? |
| highest configuration.o If one computer in the | | | | First and foremost you need to realize that |
| network serves as a server, then you can store | | | | whatever data you have in each computer will be |
| important files as back up in the server.o You can | | | | accessible by everybody. |
| share one Internet account to reap its benefits | | | | So start by defining the rights to each drive and |
| from different computers at the same time.o | | | | folder of your respective computers. Since people |
| Imagine playing Age of Empires or racing cars | | | | other than family members who sit on someone's |
| with real opponents at different computers in the | | | | computer can also access the information in other |
| house! | | | | computers, ideally only 'read' right should be given |
| Yes, networking allows you to have multi-player | | | | to folders and drives with sensitive information, so |
| games. | | | | that someone else cannot copy, edit or delete |
| So how do you get home networking? | | | | such information. |
| Networking can be done by using a wireless | | | | You can even deny 'read' rights to folders if need |
| networking connection or by an Ethernet cable. All | | | | be. Since you are connecting to the internet |
| you need for Ethernet networking are: | | | | through your network, you must install a firewall |
| - Number of networking cables | | | | for maximum security. Install anti-virus software |
| - Networking cards | | | | on each computer. |
| - A router | | | | Connecting home computers in a network is a |
| Once you have these, follow the following steps. | | | | good idea, helps in staying connected and also |
| - Select the computers that you want to be in | | | | make full utilization of the facilities available in each |
| the network | | | | computer. With a little bit of precaution, |
| - Install a networking card in each | | | | networking can only be fun! |