The Complete Idiot's Guide to Networking Your Home

by Speaker, Mark; Thompson, Mark

• ISBN13: 9780789719638
• ISBN10: 0789719630
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1999-04-01
• Publisher: DK Publishing, Inc.
• More Book Details
• Purchase Benefits

Summary

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Networking your Home is a fascinating introduction to the fastest growing trend in computing. Presented in a clear, easy going style, the authors show you how to set up a network to share an Internet connection, play multi-player games, and share files, folders and printers amongst all your home computers. Learn how to set up networks with Ethernet and wireless technology. Or, if you don't want to add any new wires, learn how to connect devices using your existing phone lines and power lines.Step by step instructions for playing multi-player games will have you shooting at foes and racing curves with friends in no time. Coverage of MP3s, Real Player and Microsoft Media Player will astound you with the advances in Internet multimedia, as well as how easy it is to use. Also contains coverage of cost-effective home security and automation; home office software and hardware selection; as well as simple steps for securing your home network.

Table of Contents

Part 1: Introduction to Home Area Networking	5	(14)
Beginning at the Beginning: What Is a Home Network?	7	(6)
From the Bottom Up: The Foundation of Your Networked Home	13	(6)
Part 2: Networking Your Home Computers	19	(18)
Tried and True: Networking the Ethernet Way	21	(10)
No New Wires: Home Networking Using Phone Lines, Power Lines, and Wireless Technologies	31	(6)
Part 3: Getting the HAN Up and Running	37	(72)
Windows of Opportunity: Windows Networking	39	(12)
Sunny and Share: Sharing Files, Printers, and Other Resources	51	(12)
You've Got the Whole World in Your HAN: Connecting to the Internet	63	(14)
Sharing an Internet Connection Between Two or More Computers	77	(8)
Surf's Up: Configuring Your Internet Browser	85	(12)
Talk Amongst Yourselves: Email for One or More	97	(12)
Part 4: Mission Control: The Role of the PC	109	(80)
Hardware for the Truly Digital Home	111	(10)
Software to Tie It All Together	121	(12)
Keep the Wolves at Bay: Protecting Your Network	133	(12)
Disaster Prevention: Backing Up	145	(12)
Troubleshooting Your Network	157	(12)
Upgrading and Expanding Your Home Computer Network	169	(20)
Part 5: Enhancing the Digital Home	189	(76)
HAN SOHO: Networking Your Home Office	191	(10)
All Work and No Play: Multiplayer Gaming	201	(14)
Get the Picture?: Adding Your TV to the Network	215	(10)
The Song Heard `Round the World: Adding Your Stereo to the Network	225	(14)
Ruling the Roost: Home Automation	239	(8)
Safe and Sound: Home Security	247	(12)
Judy Jetson Eat Your Heart Out!: The Home Area Network of the Future	259	(6)
Part 6: Appendixes	265	(44)
A Speak Like a Geek: Networking Words	267	(10)
B Online References for Home Area Networking	277	(4)
C High-Speed Internet Service Providers	281	(28)
Index	309