Millions of computers around the world today are connected by the Internet, so why is it still so hard to hook up a few PCs in you own home? Whether you want to share an Internet connection, install WiFi, or maybe just cut down on the number of printers you own, home networks are supposed to help make your life easier. Instead, most aspiring home networkers get lost in a confusing maze of terms and technologies: 802.11g, Fast Ethernet, Cat 5 cable (or was it Cat 5e?), Powerline, and on and confusingly on.That's where Home Networking: The Missing Manual comes in. Using clear language, straightforward explanations, and a dash of humor, this book shows you how to do everything you need to set up a home network. Coverage includes:WiFi, Ethernet, or Powerline? There are several kinds of digital pipes that you can use to create your network, and none of them have friendly names. This book tells you what they are, explains the pros and cons of each, and helps you figure out what you need to buy, and how to install it.Windows and Mac info included. Half the battle in home networking takes place after you've bought your gear and plugged it in. That's because the routers, network adapters, and cables that you need get you only part way towards networking nirvana. Whether you've got PCs or Macs or both, you'll need help tweaking your computers' settings if you want to get all your machines talking to each other. This book covers most known operating system flavors, including Windows XP, 2000, Me, and 98, and Mac OS X and OS 9.Fun things to do with your network. The real fun starts once your network is up and running. This book shows you how to do much more than simply share an Internet connection and a printer. You'll learn how to stream music from your PCs to your stereo, how to display pictures on your TV, how to hook up game consoles to your network, and more!Most important, this book helps you understand the difference between what you need to know to create and use your home network and what's best left to those looking for a career as a system administrator. In Home Networking: The Missing Manual you'll find everything you need to get your network running-and nothing more.

Everything you need to know to set up a home network Is a home network for you? This comprehensive guide coverseverything from deciding what type of network meets your needs tosetting up the hardware and software, connecting differentoperating systems, installing the necessary applications, managingthe network, and even adding home entertainment devices. Fullyupdated with new material on all the latest systems and methods,it's just what you need to set up your network and keep it runningsafely and successfully. Inside, you'll find complete coverage of home networking * Compare the advantages and disadvantages of wired and wirelessnetworks * Understand how to choose between workgroup and client/servernetworking * Learn how to install and set up cables and routers and how toinstall and configure networking software * Share files, printers, and a single Internet connection * Back up files and secure your network * Set up your own home intranet and understand the technologiesinvolved in creating a Web page * Manage your network and learn to use tools for locating andrepairing problems * Expand your home network to include your digital camera, scanner,TV, sound system, and even game consoles * Explore SmartHome technology that allows you to automate varioushousehold functions * Investigate how your network can enable tele-commuting and otherremote access capabilities

Readers can learn just what they need to know about setting up a home network with the Windows XP operating system. With STEP BY STEP, users can work through every lesson in the book or choose their own best starting point. The book uses easy-to-follow instructions and friendly, non-intimidating language to explain how to set up and use a simple Windows XP-based home server.

As home networking technologies become more affordable and more popular, this new edition of a bestseller introduces readers to the basics of home networking. Topics include choosing and installing hardware, file sharing, sharing an Internet connection, security, Wi-Fi, and network maintenance.

If you want to go beyond the basics of learning the Windows XP operating system, this is the book for you. "Special Edition Using Microsoft Windows XP Home, 3rd Edition" has been updated to include Service Pack 2 features and coverage of Windows XP Media Center. Windows XP Home touches everything you do with your computer, so this book is full of hands-on, roll-up-your-shirtsleeves advice that will help you learn to choose, install and configure network hardware and software for Windows XP. Topics include: Gettins Your Hardware and Software Ready for Windows XP Using the Simple Supplied Application Internet and TCP/IP Connection Options Chatting and Conferencing with Windows Messenger Creating a Windows XP Home Network Network Security Troubleshooting and Repairing Windows XP and More! Expert authors Robert Cowart and Brian Knittel will help guide you through Windows XP so that you'll never need another Windows XP book again!