A home network is a pretty simple affair.

A network itself is a pretty simple principle as well. A network is basically two, or more computers connected together. If the computers in question are connected within the same building, they make up what is know as a LAN, or Local Area Network.

But computers that connect over large distances are brought together in what’s known as a WAN, or wide area network. Effectively, once you are connected to the Internet, you are connected to a WAN.

And the main point about having a home network, is that you can not only share files (documents, music, pictures etc), but also share peripherals. So, you might have two, or three computers in a house, but with a home network, you’ll only need one printer.

But, to ensure it’s running properly, get to know your home network, it’s potential and also its limitations.

For example, in Windows XP, you can click on a particular folder and if you want to share it with others and their PCs on the network, you select Sharing and Security, then select Share This Folder, and then click okay, and they will be able to see it and read its files.

Taking it one step further, if you want people to then be able to add new files, or change any existing files, you click on the Permissions button, then click Everyone and then tick Full Control. Do this with care though, as you are effectively handing over a great deal of control to other users.

In Windows Vista it’s basically the same steps. You right click on a folder that you wish to open up access to others, click Share and tell it who you are sharing with.

You can of course share printers. In Windows XP, on the host computer (the one with the printer) click Start, click Settings and then click Printers and Faxes. In the list, you have to right-click the printer and choose Sharing, then you click Share This Printer.

With Vista, you need to find the Network and Sharing Center from the Start Menu. Look for the Printer Sharing in the list of options. Check to see if it’s Off. If it is, then click button next to Off which will turn it on. By doing this, it should make the printer available to all those in the network.

The next step is to tell each of the computers on the network that they can share the printer.

So, on each computer, click Start, click Settings and then click Printers and Faxes. Look for Add Printer, double click this and when the Add Printer Wizard appears, click Next, and ensure that A Network Printer is ticked; click Next again. From there, choose Connect To This Printer, leave the box blank, and click Next. A screen should then appear which lists the names of those computers which are on the network. You then double click the printer you desire, and follow the Windows instructions as to how to set it up.

Bear in mind that you might find it a little onerous to have to switch on the host computer every time the other computers want to print, or activate a share device. If that’s the case, you can purchase printers and storage devices which talk directly to the network and do not need the host computer to control them.

Of course, if you use a wireless network to run your network, make sure that it’s doing the job properly. Is your router in a central position; is it away from such things as radiators; is it not having to penetrate through thick walls; away from wireless phones and microwaves; and, has a good line of sight to the networked computers. If that is not possible, consider cabling, or a device that uses your mains wiring as your network cabling.

With a network, always make sure that it is operating properly and that you are getting the maximum from it.

Know Your Home Network – Recap

• LAN means local area network;
• WAN, wide area network,
• position router properly.