Home Networking Bible

by Plumley, Sue

• ISBN13: 9780764533990
• ISBN10: 0764533991
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1999-10-01
• Publisher: HUNGRY MINDS INC

Summary

Plan, configure, and maintain your own home network with this all-in-one reference, with information on choosing and installing hardware, understanding network connections, configuring client services, and more.

Author Biography

Sue Plumley has owned and operated her own business, Humble Opinions, since 1988. Humble Opinions specializes in network installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting for a variety of home users and businesses.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. ix
Acknowledgments	p. xiii
Making Basic Network Choices	p. 1
Quick Start - Sharing on a Network	p. 3
Overview of the Process	p. 3
Finding the Help You Need	p. 5
Understanding Network Basics	p. 11
Understanding Networks	p. 11
Looking at the Advantages and Disadvantages of a Network	p. 14
Understanding Network Types	p. 23
Getting Your Family Ready for a Network	p. 31
Understanding Peer-to-Peer Networking	p. 37
Understanding Peer-to-Peer Requirements	p. 37
Dividing Computer Duties and Resources	p. 43
Understanding the Limits of Peer-to-Peer Networking	p. 48
Troubleshooting Peer-to-Peer Networks	p. 50
Understanding Client/Server Networking	p. 51
Understanding Client/Server Requirements	p. 51
Considering Network Operating Systems	p. 55
Considering Windows 95/98 as a Server Operating System	p. 58
Planning and Setting Up Networking Hardware and Software	p. 65
Preparing for a Network	p. 67
Defining Network Goals	p. 67
Planning the Network	p. 74
Planning Computer Contents	p. 80
Understanding and Installing Traditional Cabling	p. 91
Understanding Methods of Network Cabling	p. 91
Considering Networking Topologies and Technologies	p. 93
Understanding Cabling	p. 99
Looking at Cable Connectors	p. 104
Considering Network Kits	p. 109
Installing Cable	p. 113
Using Alternative Cabling Methods	p. 119
Connecting Two Computers or Two Users	p. 119
Using Wireless Connections	p. 131
Using Phone Lines for Your Network	p. 139
Using Your Home's Electrical Wiring for a Network	p. 144
Looking at the Future of Networking Alternatives	p. 145
Purchasing and Installing Networking Hardware	p. 147
Understanding Networking Hardware	p. 147
Purchasing and Installing a Network Interface Card	p. 152
Purchasing and Installing a Hub	p. 159
Configuring Networking Software	p. 165
Understanding Networking Software	p. 165
Installing and Configuring the Network Software	p. 169
Accessing the Network with Non-95/98 Machines	p. 185
Understanding Adding Non-95/98 Machines	p. 185
Using Alternative Operating Systems	p. 188
Using Portables on Your Network	p. 195
Adding a Macintosh to Your Network	p. 200
Working with Networked Computers	p. 207
Sharing Resources	p. 209
Understanding Sharing	p. 209
Sharing Folders and Drives	p. 214
Sharing Files	p. 219
Sharing Printers and Other Peripherals	p. 223
Accessing the Network	p. 231
Logging On to the Network	p. 231
Mapping Drives	p. 236
Using Network Commands	p. 241
Protecting the Network from Viruses	p. 248
Finding Computers on the Network	p. 253
Using Network Paths	p. 253
Using Find Computer	p. 256
Using My Computer	p. 259
Using the Windows Explorer	p. 264
Using the Network Neighborhood	p. 266
Printing on a Network	p. 271
Understanding Basic Printing	p. 271
Installing and Removing a Network Printer	p. 275
Setting Options for the Printer	p. 278
Managing Peer-to-Peer Network Printing	p. 282
Troubleshooting Printing	p. 288
Adding the Internet, E-Mail, and an Intranet	p. 291
Accessing the Internet	p. 293
Understanding Internet Access	p. 293
Understanding Internet Connections	p. 300
Understanding Access Equipment	p. 303
Understanding Web Browsers and E-Mail Programs	p. 306
Sharing an Internet Connection	p. 310
Using E-Mail	p. 315
Understanding E-Mail	p. 315
Setting Up the Postoffice	p. 318
Setting Up Windows Messaging	p. 325
Using the Inbox for Messages	p. 330
Using Chat Programs	p. 341
Understanding Chat Programs	p. 341
Looking at WinPopup	p. 345
Looking at Other LAN Chat Programs	p. 347
Setting Up an Intranet	p. 355
Understanding an Intranet	p. 355
Creating Content for the Intranet	p. 360
Making the Preparations	p. 367
Creating a Peer-to-Peer Intranet without a Server	p. 368
Creating a Peer-to-Peer Intranet with a Server	p. 371
Creating a Client/Server Intranet	p. 373
Working with Files, Folders, and Applications	p. 377
Working with Applications	p. 379
Understanding Local and Network Applications	p. 379
Defining Application Types	p. 382
Working with Files and Folders	p. 395
Storing Files	p. 395
Backing Up Files	p. 399
Securing Files and Folders	p. 414
Managing the Network	p. 419
Using Windows Management Tools	p. 421
Understanding Network Management	p. 421
Using NetWatcher	p. 423
Using System Monitor	p. 432
Using the System Policy Editor	p. 441
Understanding the System Policy Editor	p. 441
Preparing for the System Policy Editor	p. 444
Using the System Policy Editor	p. 450
Working with the Registry	p. 459
Understanding the Registry	p. 459
Backing Up the Registry Files	p. 464
Modifying the Registry	p. 470
Using the Registry to Modify Network Settings	p. 477
Adding to Your Home Network	p. 483
Understanding Multimedia	p. 485
Understanding Multimedia	p. 485
Looking at Multimedia Hardware	p. 486
Considering Digital Cameras and Scanners	p. 498
Looking at Multimedia Applications	p. 502
Managing Multimedia in Windows	p. 505
Using Your TV with the Web	p. 512
Considering Intelligent Homes	p. 517
Understanding the Intelligent Home	p. 517
Comprehending the Technologies	p. 521
Integrating Today's Technology	p. 526
Exploring the Intelligent Home	p. 530
Troubleshooting Network Connections and Operations	p. 535
IP Addressing	p. 565
Telecommuting	p. 595
Glossary	p. 619
Index	p. 657
Table of Contents provided by Syndetics. All Rights Reserved.