Get ’em talking: Network your PCs
Make home computing more efficient with a network
By Helen Bradley
When graphic designer Gemma Moore needs a document printed, she copies it to a disk on her laptop, takes the disk downstairs and loads the document onto the family desktop computer. For Moore, networking her computers would allow her to print work from any computer on the network.
“If my laptop was connected to the desktop, I could print by just hitting the Print button on my laptop,” Moore says. “That would be great.”
What you need
Networking has simplified our house. All the computers share a photo printer and a laser printer so we can print from anywhere, and all our photos download to one computer which has an 800 GB hard drive. Everyone can access the photos, and they’re easy to back up. Without the network, photos would be difficult to find and there would be printers everywhere. I know, because that’s how it used to be!
Networking support is built into Windows. Gavin Steiner, president of Interprom Inc., a company specializing in small networks, says most PCs ship with the network cards required to connect them to a small network. The computers can share printers and an Internet connection. You’ll need a router, which is typically included when you purchase your high-speed Internet connection. If you don’t get a router, you can buy one from your local computer store.
Get started
To get started, plug your router into your Internet connection point and plug your computers into the router. You’ll need an Ethernet cable which runs from the network port in the computer to a port in the router. You can also connect to the router wirelessly because most routers sold today support both wired and wireless connectivity. Laptops typically have wireless built in.
Steiner recommends using a wired connection where it’s practical — for example, on a desktop computer in the same room as the router. In general, a wired connection is more secure and faster than a wireless one, and you won’t encounter variations in signal strength. However, if you plan to use your laptop around the house or out by the pool, a wireless connection will give you freedom to be connected wherever you are.
Setting up the network
Once everything is plugged in, switch on the computers and connect to the Internet so the networking wizard can find all your computers. As soon as you have two or more computers on a network, Vista recognizes them and asks if you want to share common files. If you answer yes, Vista automatically creates shared folders on the PCs for you so you can share files between computers.
Securing your network
Steiner suggests that a vital part of configuring your network is securing your wireless network to prevent anyone near your home from gaining access to it. Use the web interface for your router and set it up as a secure network that can only be accessed by someone with the correct password. Your router’s manual will explain how. If you encounter spots in your house where wireless connectivity is poor, you can easily install an access point. An access point receives the broadband signal from the router and transmits the signal to areas where connectivity is poor.
The next step up in home networks
Windows Home Server is a new Windows operating system for the home that is installed on a server box that plugs into your existing network. Windows Home Server makes networking even easier and more powerful.
The Home Server not only gives you central file storage for all computers on the network (which is backed up each night), but you can also access your files even when you’re away from home through a personalized Windows Live Internet address. When you log in to your family web site, you can access your photos, music files and videos from anywhere and upload and download files stored on your home server. You’re also able to connect from remote points and use your home computers as if you were sitting in front of them.
Your family’s files, photos and music will be safer and more accessible wherever you happen to be.
