Install and configure applications. 20. Work with files and folders.

Understanding Network Basics A ll networks use some basic hardware and software, but different configurations of this equipment define the type and uses of the network. For example, you may want to network two computers in the same room. The equipment you use to achieve this network can be different from the hardware you use to network two computers in different rooms or even in different buildings. Similarly, the hardware you use to enable two computers to use one Internet connection is different than the software you use for two computers sharing a printer. Understanding network uses and network types helps you plan your network. Because networking your home or office is often involved and time- consuming, you need to understand the advantages and disadvan- tages of networking before planning your network. Understanding the pros and cons of networking helps you plan the exact network that’s right for you and your family. In addition, before you can plan your network, buy the hardware and software, and teach your family to use your network, you need to understand some basic networking terms and technologies. Understanding Networks Networking the computers in your home enables your family to share the hardware and software on one or more of your computers. For example, your kids can surf the Internet on their computer while you shop the Net on your computer. Your spouse can attach a notebook to the network and print to your printer. Your son can print his home- work to that same printer. Meanwhile, you and your spouse can make entries in your online investment accounts, get your e-mail, and check your to-do lists on separate computers. If you have two or more PCs in your home, you can save everyone in your family time, energy, and money by networking your computers to share files, printers, and Internet access. There are many names for networks, often related to their size. Local area network LAN is perhaps the most common name for a network. A LAN contains two or more computers and is gener- ally housed in one building. Home networks, however, are starting to be called by other names. TAN stands for tiny area network. Then there’s HAN, which stands for home area network. Note 2 2 C H A P T E R ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ In This Chapter Understanding networks Looking at the advantages and disadvantages of networking Understanding network types Preparing your family for a network ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ Part I ✦ Making Basic Network Choices Figure 2-1 illustrates a home equipped with three computers. Dad’s notebook computer trav- els to work with him and home again every day. The family laser printer is also set up in Dad’s den. Mom uses her computer for e-mailing the family, Internet research, and designing Web sites in her home office. The teenager has a desktop computer in his room that he uses for homework, listening to music, surfing the Net, and for playing games. As it stands now, Mom and the teenager have to copy files to a CD-R and then take the disk to Dad’s den to print anything. If a network connected these computers, everyone could print from his or her own room. Additionally, they could share files, folders, CD-ROM drives, print- ers, Internet connections, and other network resources. Figure 2-1: Network the computers in the house so that everyone can use the same printer. No matter how you use your PC — writing letters, balancing your checkbook, playing games, or surfing the Internet — you can benefit from networking your home computers. A network is a system that connects two or more computers so that they can communicate and share resources with each other. When you’re a member of a network, you have access to more disk space, applications, files, and useful equipment. You can communicate with other users Teenager’s room Mom’s office Dad’s notebook printer