Computer Networking Basics

 Until very recently it was enough for families to have one computer in their home and keep it up and running, they neither needed more than one nor could they usually afford more than one.

Things have changed though and now because people are relying more on the computer for just about anything including school, shopping, downloading music, and playing games.

The need has now grown and families now finding that only one computer just is not cutting it anymore. When a home has more than one computer a home network becomes a complete necessity.

If this applies to you be assured that you do have options. It sounds a lot scarier than it really is so to make it simple look at it as networking is just a way of allowing one computer to communicate with another.

Once you have finished networking then the computers can share files and documents, an internet connection, printers, print servers, and scanners, music, TV, and gaming systems, and CD burners.

Various networks use different hardware but they all have the same components. To network you must have more than one computer, a router, and software that are either built into your operating system or as a separate application which will coordinate the exchange of information, and a path for the information to follow.

The most two popular home networks are wireless and Ethernet networks. Both are dominated by the router which has the responsibility of directing the traffic between the connected computers. When you connect a router to your computer you allow multiple computers to share one connection to the Internet.

If you plan to engage in computer networking then you really need to have a firewall. There are new routers available today that combine both wireless and Ethernet technology that includes a firewall. The purpose of the firewall is to protect your computer from malicious users and offensive Web sites. Both networks have advantages and disadvantages; it is all a matter of what you need as that will depend on which type will serve you better.

Computer networking provides users with security and the benefit of moving a lot of data really fast. Wired networks are faster than wireless networks and they are very easy on the pocketbook too.

But when you use Ethernet cable expect the price to climb based on the number of computers that you have and the distance that they are apart. One of the downfalls is that unless you are installing Ethernet cables in the wall the cables will be visible running through your house.

As soon as you gather all of your equipment the next step is to install it and then configure your computers so that they can communicate. The detail of what will be involved in this process really will depend on your type of network and your existing hardware.

Maybe your computers came with network cards installed and if they did then all you will need is a router and cables. Whatever hardware it is that you need, just follow the instructions and you will have successful computer networking in no time.