Stay in the loop at home

If you have been following this column for past couple of weeks, and I know that you have, you may have noticed a subtle trend. First the good and bad, of the new 8.0 versions of MSN and AOL browsers. Next, an informed look at which internet connection may fit your needs. Now this week, the scoop on how to network your home. I figure with prices of computers falling like the price of Enron stock, well maybe not that low, you stand a decent chance of getting another computer in the near future.
Now, just because you have two computers it does not mean that you have to neglect or junk the older system. Older systems need love too, besides it could come in handy. If you are a one computer home and you find yourself in jostling for time on it, then this article is for you. Once you buy another system, networking the two systems are not as difficult as many may think. Then you can work from home while your namesake is surfing the net.
There are two ways to network your home computers together. The first and oldest is by using the old hardwire, also known as category 5 cable. Using the cable has inherent benefits. It is the cheaper of the two forms and it can provide the best security of the options, data transfer speed, and some say it is the most reliable. This is not to say that the new wireless option is without its’ merits also. The wireless networking is based on that ever popular bluetooth technology that I occasionally mention. It offers the benefit of mobility and convenience that may be lacking from its’ counterpart. The hardware is small and you do not have the worry of camouflaging the cables between your computers. The negatives are the price which is more expensive than cable, and the greater possibility that the signals can be interrupted or intercepted, both of which could have an adverse affect on your networking experience.
If you prefer that it be done in the simplest and least expensive method, then you can hookup an Ethernet network connection for less than $100. Since we are talking about connecting only two computers, all that we need are two network interface cards (NIC card), and enough crossover Cat 5 cable for the two systems. I would not advise that a green novice attempts this without guidance. To this end, I would suggest that you purchase any beginners guide to home networking and you will be in business.
Since networking computers is essentially sharing files and resources, there is some thing that should be kept in mind. It would behoove you to invest in some sort of firewall protection, if you have not already. In the same manner that you can go forth from your network and touch the world via the worldwide web, the inverse is also true. Do not let the security factor deter you, because the benefit will out weight the risk.