These books and Web resources make connecting your home a snap
NEED TO MAKE YOUR PCS, PRINTERS, AND other peripherals communicate with each other? Make the connection with Networking Home PCs for Dummies by Kathy Ivens ($25; IDG Books Worldwide). The book gives you the information you need to set up a home network, from installing a traditional Ethernet LAN to a newfangled wireless one; it's also packed with valuable advice--such as scheduling regular backups and setting up security protocols--and useful network maintenance tips.
And should you tire of perusing the hard copy, simply pop in the included CD-ROM. Still not convinced a network is right for you? Check out Chapter 18, entitled, "Ten Good Reasons to Set Up a Home PC Network."
Sharing an Internet connection, files, and peripherals has never been easier, thanks to The Complete Idiot's Guide to Networking Your Home by Mark D. Thompson and Mark Speaker ($17; Que). Advanced technical knowledge is not a prerequisite, and there's not a bit of jargon or unfamiliar techno-talk--just the simple facts In addition to home networking basics, Thompson and Speaker provide a section devoted to entertainment options that'll show you how to connect your television and stereo to the network for hours of multiplayer excitement. The authors also provide a multimedia crash course on MP3, RealPlayer, and Microsoft Media Player.
A bit of computer jargon under your belt makes Wayne Kawamoto's Build, Upgrade, and Repair Your PC Network on a Shoestring Budget ($30; The Coriolis Group) a much easier read. In return, you'll benefit from Kawamoto's detailed explanations of network cabling, hubs, and interface technologies such as 10BaseT.
The author also shows you how to get the best deals on networking hardware, cabling, software, and accessories. His upgrade information and maintenance suggestions will keep your network humming.
You know a network eliminates many everyday headaches of running a home office--but there are tons of valuable tips and tricks you have yet to discover. Erik Sherman's Home Networking! I Didn't Know You Could Do That ($20; Sybex Inc.) shows you how to extend your network's usefulness. You'll learn how to connect to the Internet at higher speeds, create a Web server for your home office, set up an intercom system, videoconference with clients, and create a business voice-mail system.
These hints go beyond the home office and into the home: You'll learn about home automation, including how to create a kitchen network center as well as a network reading center for the entire family.
If you're looking for plain-English information on how to connect your computers and peripherals, pick up a copy of The Complete Guide to Networking Your Home Computers by Gregg Ramsay and Lisa Rogak ($25; Williams Hill Publishing). Don't know the difference between a peer-to-peer and client/server network? Don't worry; the guide will have you up to speed in no time
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