This book is more than a guide. It is a valuable reference that is written in
plain, non-technical language so readers can put the information to use
straightaway. There are descriptions of the latest technologies, protocols,
services, and software packages. The reader will unearth methods on how to
create an economical and secure network for their families as well as their
home-based business.
The author teaches how to pick the right networking solution; finding free
and low-cost connection software; ensuring network security, as well as how to
save money by sharing an Internet connection among multiple PCs.
And most importantly, the homeowner will discover how to plan for their
network's future extensibility. All of this while learning how to use the home
network to work, communicate, and play in new ways.
Table of Contents
Introduction.
I. GETTING GOING: NETWORKING OVERVIEW AND PLANNING.
1. It's a Networked World.
Network? What's a Network? So You Want a Home
Network. Wrap It Up.
2. Home Network Building Blocks: What Makes Your Network Tick.
Make a Choice: Do I Move to the Hills or Learn
About Home Networks? What Makes Up a Home Network? What About Other Home Network
Building Blocks? Wrap It Up.
3. Network Relationships: Network Types and Topologies.
Network Basics: How the Building Blocks Come
Together. Network Control: Peer-to-Peer Networks Versus Client/Server. Network
Topologies: How Your Home Network Comes Together. Wrap It Up.
4. Your Home Network Planning Guide.
The Four Pillars of Home Network Planning.
Planning Pillar One: Your Home. Planning Pillar Two: Your Budget. Planning
Pillar Three: Your Network Activities. Planning Pillar Four: Your Technical
Know-How. Time to Plan the Pillars. Are You Ready? Wrap It Up.
II. DIGITAL PLUMBING: NETWORK WIRING AND HARDWARE OPTIONS.
5. Home Network Equipment: Choices, Choices, Choices.
Let's Get Started! What Are My Choices? What
About the Internet? Internet Sharing Hardware. Where to Get Home Network
Equipment. Wrap It Up.
6. Understanding and Installing an Ethernet Network.
An Ethernet Primer. Choosing from Among the
Different Flavors of Ethernet. Installing the Network Interface Card. Putting It
All Together: Hub and Cable Placement. Wrap It Up.
7. The Wonderful World of Wireless Networking.
Introduction to Wireless LANs. Important
Differences Between Wireless and Wired LANs. Installing a Wireless LAN. Wrap It
Up.
8. Other Networking Technologies: Phoneline, Powerline, and Structured
Wiring Ethernet.
Man (or Woman) Can't Live off Ethernet and
Wireless Alone. Phoneline Networking: How to Use Those Phone Wires for More Than
Just Talking. Setting Up a Phoneline Network. Power to the People: Networking
over In-Home Electrical Wiring. Structured Wiring Solutions. Wrap It Up.
III. SOFTWARE SETUP AND MANAGEMENT.
9. Setting Up Home Network Software.
No More "Hard" Parts. Using an Installation
Wizard to Configure a Home Network. Network Software Components. Wrap It Up.
10. Getting Around the Home Network.
Preparing for a Network Stroll. Giving Your PC a
Name. TCP/IP: Internet Protocol and Your Home Network. Let's Explore the
Neighborhood. Creating a Shortcut to Your Network. Wrap It Up.
11. Sharing Files and Printers on a Home Network.
Sharing the Good Things in Life. File Sharing in
Windows. Printing on a Home Network. Network Printer Troubleshooting. Wrap It
Up.
12. Networking with Macs.
Macs: The Apple of Your Network Eye? Mac
Hardware ABCs. Mac Networking ABCs. Setting Up a Basic Mac-to-Mac Network.
Configuring Your Mac Network. Connecting Mac and PC Home Networks. Wrap It Up.
IV. UNDERSTANDING AND SHARING INTERNET CONNECTIONS.
13. Getting Online the High-Speed Way.
What Is Broadband? Choosing Between Broadband
Services. Broadband and Your Home Network. Wrap It Up.
14. Internet Sharing on a Home Network.
Internet Sharing: Hard or Soft? Using Internet
Sharing Hardware. Using Internet Connection Sharing Software. Wrap It Up.
V. UNLEASH THE NETWORK.
15. Home Networks and Entertainment: Audio, Video, and Gaming.
Time to Have Fun. Home Networked Audio. Home
Networked Video. Gaming on a Home Network. Wrap It Up.
16. Using Non-PC Devices on the Home Network.
It's Not Just PCs Anymore. Network Storage
Devices: Your Network Filing Cabinet. Internet Appliances: The Internet Moves
Out of the PC. PDAs: The Handheld Gets Connected. Wrap It Up.
17. Communicating on Your Home Network.
Time to Communicate. Messaging on a Home
Network. Voice Communications on a Home Network. Voice Communication over the
Internet. Wrap It Up.
VI. RUNNING AND SECURING YOUR NETWORK.
18. Home Network Security Overview.
It Can Happen to You! Meet Homer: Three Lessons
in Broadband Security. Internet Security Threats on a Home Network. Wrap It Up.
19. Home Network Security Planner.
It's Easier Than Yo
