Using Windows XP > Home and Small Business Networking

Get Started with Home Networking

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Whether you're streamlining the office, sharing music files, or putting an end to the argument over whose turn it is to go online, a home or small office network can do a lot for you. How to choose the right equipment and get it working isn't always clear, though. We'll take some of the mystery out of getting started.

•What a Home or Small Office Network Can Do for You

You've heard about the advantages of networking your existing computers, for convenience at home or productivity at work. We outline some of the specifics.

•The Main Home & Small Business Network Types

So many different technologies compete for your networking dollar. Obviously they're not all created equal, and they're not all the perfect choice for you. We boil the debate down to the two biggest competitors — Ethernet and Wi-Fi — and show you some of the advantages of each.

•What Does it Take to Build a Network?

How do you decide whether you really need a home network, and whether the equipment you have now will be useful when you install one? We help you find some answers.

•Setting Up Your Home Network

There are a few basic principles to keep in mind when you start to install a home network. We also provide some pointers on getting a couple of basic networks set up.

•What Are the Choices for Going Online?

The type of Internet service provider (ISP) you use can affect some of the choices you make while shopping for networking hardware.

•Connecting a Computer to the Internet

When you share an Internet connection through a network, you still have to keep a few things in mind for the computer closest to the connection.

•Connecting Your Network to the Internet: An Overview

Figuring out which types of networks and connections you need can be a bit daunting at first; we try and remove a bit of the sting by showing you a few basic things to think about as you start your research.

•Connecting Your Network to the Internet: Making Decisions

Choosing the right type of Internet connection and installing all the pieces takes a bit of time and information — do it right the first time and the investment will pay off.

•Do I need an ISP?

Not everyone who sets up a small network is connected to the Internet — there are plenty of other benefits to networking.

•Sharing Printers: An Overview

We'll get you started with the process of hooking up a printer and sharing it with other computers on the network, and provide instructions for some typical setups.

•Sharing Files and Folders with Those You Trust: An Overview

Collaborating on project work and sharing media files is a great reason to set up a network, and we'll show you some of the basics so you can get started.

•Troubleshooting Your Network

We cover some of the more common issues associated with the Windows firewall, Internet connection sharing, and file and printer sharing.

•Home Networking Glossary

We define terms from the basic to the somewhat complex.

Learn More About Home NetworkingLearn More About Home Networking

Once you've mastered the art of getting the right hardware home, installed, and running, you're ready to learn about some of the subtler and more specific advantages of home and small office networks. Read on.