Setting up a home network sounds like a job left to a computer specialist, but it can be done by just about everybody with small or no technical knowledge. If you have a broadband modem, the technology used is the same with the use of a Ethernet cord, only that more than one computer is involved. All that is needed is a few items to have a network set up in you very own home.
Home Networking Check-list:
- Network Interface Card (Nic)
- Router Hub (for wired or wireless computers and devices)
- Ethernet Cords
- Windows 7 operating theory or older, other operating systems with networking features
Having a Windows 7 operating theory in particular makes setting up a home network trouble-free with the new HomeGroup feature. When a computer joins a HomeGroup, the computer automatically shares files and printers without going straight through loops, and it is protected with a password that only you and your family knows for added security. But for computers with older version of Windows, adjustments are in order to get the most out of your home networking experience.
Network Interface Cards
To set up a home network, you will need a Network Interface Card. Most desktop Pcs have these already installed. Nics have an Ethernet port that looks a lot like a phone jack, but only wider. Nics are installed inside the computer as with any internal gadget and may require facility from a professional Pc specialist.
Nics can be installed personally, retention in mind to disconnect all power sources and preclude static electricity from entering the motherboard components before occasion the Pc. If the Nic has an antennae for wireless usage, it can be used without the need for a Ethernet cord. For laptops, network cards may be built-in already along with a wireless card. If a wireless modem is not available on the laptop, these can be purchased and installed into the expansion bay found on whether side of the laptop.
Routers
Next, you will need a router. A router connects computers together in a network (Local Area Network) setting, enabling the computers to share files in the middle of systems. Additionally, routers can be used as a Wireless access Point (Wap) for other computers using a wireless networking card and for other devices with Wi-Fi technology. Wireless devices are becoming very beloved for home networking as it eliminates the hassle of using Ethernet cords that could yield a tripping hazard.
There are a lot routers to choose, but seeing the best wireless router may cost more as an cheap router may fail to deliver the best results. A favourite hub for home networking specialists is the Netgear router. It acts as both a local network hub and wireless access point supporting newer "G" and heritage "B" signal technology, and it has considerable safety features to preclude individuals from prying into personal information.
Connecting the Computers Together
After connecting the computers for the new home network, it is time to set up the operating systems to identify the new Lan network. Visit the router's settings address, which can be found at the "http://localhost" address or from the Url found in the operating by hand or under the router. Enter the details that were originally used for the broadband modem to connect to the Internet. All computers and devices in the network should now be linked to the Internet straight through the router.
If a computer has a distinct version of the Windows operating system, the steps of setting up a home network are unique on every edition. To share a portfolio or printer on the network, the file sharing choice should be enabled by visiting the control Panel and the Network Connections area. Right click on the Local Area association icon and agree properties to enable File and Printer Sharing.
Once it is enabled, you can now share files and print documents in the middle of computers on one network in your home. To share a portfolio with other computers, right click on the portfolio and agree Properties and go to the "Sharing" tab to share. Repeat these steps for every computer in the home to share files without walking the computer to retrieve the file with a Usb stick again.
Setting Up a Home Network